Domino is a game in which players place domino pieces edge to edge on the table so that their pips match each other or form a specified total. This basic principle provides the basis for many variations on the game.

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Rules

Players draw their dominoes and then play them in a line joining the ends as they go. A player scores points when the open ends add up to a multiple of five. In addition to scoring one can also score by blocking an opponents turn.

The first player to play all their dominoes is the winner. The winner counts the value of all the pips on the other players hands and adds this to his own score. The game continues until a player has scored 101 points or cannot make a play.

The order of play can vary between games and even between individual players in the same game. The player who makes the first play is sometimes referred to as the setter, downer or lead. Some games allow players to buy tiles from the stock and add them to their hand, a practice called passing or byeing. This allows a player to play more dominoes during his turn.

Materials

Over the centuries dominoes have been made from a variety of materials. Today’s mass-produced dominoes are usually made from common plastic or cheap wood, although specialty sets can be produced from stone, ivory and other materials.

Dominoes are designed to be exactly twice as long as they are wide, so that they can stand on their edge without falling over. A typical domino is also about half as thick as it is wide, making them more resistant to being knocked over.

The best dominoes are made from high-quality materials, have smooth edges and are well-balanced. Several different types of dominoes are available, from plain white plastic to textured, colored or decorated ones. Some of these have special markings that help them to be easily recognizable from other dominoes. Accessories such as a domino rack, score pad and pencil can make playing domino more fun. These can also be useful for transporting and storing your dominoes.

Variations

Dominoes come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. They are typically twice as long as they are wide. Their value is indicated by the number of spots or pips on each side. The most common variant is a double-six, which features two square ends and one round end. The pips indicate a domino’s rank or weight, which is sometimes referred to as its “heaviness”.

Most domino games are blocking games where the players try to empty their hands while blocking their opponents. However, there are a few variations of this game that change the scoring methods. For example, a popular version called Matador allows you to play off the ends of doubles.

Another variation uses a special tile, called the matador, which is a double-nine or double-twelve. This special tile can be played on any of the four sides of a spinner. This creates a more complicated line of play and allows for a more complicated strategy.

Scoring

Dominos have two ends, one with a number of spots and the other blank or empty. The value of the side with the spots is called a point or a pip. A domino that has more pips is called heavier than a lighter one.

Different types of domino require a different scoring system. Some games count all points scored during the round. Others use a set amount of rounds, or play until a specific number of points is reached. In either case, the player with the highest total score wins.

Regardless of the type of game, maintaining the initiative is key. There are few tiles your opponent can have that will allow them to rescore after a missed play, so keeping your score as high as possible is important. To do this, you should always follow the basic rules of Line of Play. These instructions will help you keep the score as high as possible, while also respecting your opponent’s turn.