The game of domino is a fun and easy-to-play pastime for all ages. It is a great choice for families and groups of friends.
A domino is a flat thumb-sized block with either blank or numbered faces that range from one to six dots. 28 such blocks form a complete set.
Origin
Dominoes are one of the world’s oldest games and a great way to test your skills. They are cousins to playing cards and can be found all over the globe. Originally they were made from wood, stone, or even animal bones, but modern sets are typically crafted from heavy plastic.
In the 18th century, domino moved from Italy to France where it became a popular fad. It then reached Britain, possibly via French war prisoners, where it was a popular game in inns and taverns.
The name of the game is obscure, but it may have been derived from domino, a French word for a long black hooded cape worn by priests over their white surplices. Alternatively, it may have come from the fact that the numbered dominoes reminded people of the dark markings on masquerade ball masks.
Rules
The rules of domino vary with different games and sets. However, most domino games involve laying a chain of dominoes to match their numbers in the centre. Each player then tries to get rid of all their dominoes in their hands. The first player to do this wins the hand.
If a player cannot play any of their tiles they pass, and the next player takes their turn. The player with the fewest points in unplaced pieces scores the difference between their opponent’s and their own score.
The heaviest tile determines who starts the game, though this may be determined in other ways as well. For example, if no player has a double, the person who holds the heaviest single begins the game. In addition, the number of rounds can be predetermined or played until a set amount of points is reached.
Materials
Dominoes are small thumb-sized flat rectangular blocks of rigid material, often plastic or wood. They are usually twice as long as they are wide. One side of each domino bears a pattern of spots or dots, called pips. The other side is blank or carries a value indicated by the number of dots (or lack thereof). Each domino belongs to one of two suits: the suit of six or the suit of zero.
Most modern domino sets are made from polymers and come in a variety of colors, but some have been produced from other materials, including bone, silver lip ocean pearl oyster shell (mother of pearl), ivory, stone and wood. These sets are usually more expensive and more durable than those made from polymers.
Variations
There are many different variations of domino, ranging from connection-style games to train-based games. Some of these games use different scoring methods. In one variation, players count the number of pips left in the losing player’s hands at the end of a hand or game to determine who wins.
Another popular variation involves ignoring the first round and instead starting with a tile drawn from the bone pile. This speeds up play and allows the player to skip over any double tiles.
Dominoes help kids develop spatial awareness and color recognition, as well as fine motor skills. They can also improve their math skills as they learn to place the correct pieces next to each other. This game can also boost social and emotional development.
Scoring
When a player plays a domino in a straight line, points are scored if the exposed ends match (i.e., one’s touch one’s or two’s touch two’s). Generally the number of points scored is a multiple of five.
Some variants allow a higher or lower score. When players are paired, the team with the lowest total score wins.
A common scoring method involves drawing from the boneyard until a player has a full set of seven tiles in their hand. Then each player subtracts the value of their remaining dominoes from their opponent’s and scores the resulting amount. This method of scoring is quick, reliable and easy to read. It is especially useful for beginners who often have difficulty keeping track of the value of their outstanding dominoes.