Domino is a game with a long history. Its rules and variations are numerous. However, most domino games fall into four categories. These include blocking games, scoring games, and round games.
Dominoes are small rectangular blocks with numbered sides and blank or identically-patterned opposite sides. They have an arrangement of dots called pips that indicate their value.
Origin
Dominos is a game that requires skill and patience. It is also a great way to pass the time with family and friends. Dominos have a long history, from the original Chinese dominoes to the modern set.
The markings on dominoes, which are known as pips, originally mimicked the results of throwing two dice. The dominoes we know and love today were developed in Europe, most likely by prisoners of war.
The word “domino” carries connotations of colonization, but the game itself originated in the same way as playing cards. The term may have been inspired by a hooded cloak worn at carnival season and masquerades. The cloak is also linked to the design of the domino pieces, which were initially made with ebony blacks and ivory faces.
Rules
Like playing cards, dominoes have a set of rules that must be adhered to. The player drawing the heaviest tile makes the first play, and this is followed by the players to his right in turn. If there is a tie, it is broken by drawing new tiles from the stock. Some games allow players to buy additional tiles from the stock, but these should be added to the hand and played according to the rules of the game.
The line of play is formed as the players make their plays, and it is often referred to as the layout or string. Some games require that the heaviest double be played as the lead, and these may also be called “the down” or “the lead.” The open ends of these doubles are considered to be ends of the line of play.
Variations
Dominoes have a number of different variations. Traditionally, dominoes have one face with an arrangement of dots or pips, similar to those on dice. Usually, blank or matching faces are found on the other side of the domino. There are 28 unique domino pieces in a standard double-six set.
The domino effect is an idea that suggests a small change will have unforeseen consequences on the system. It is also known as the butterfly effect because a small change in one area can affect a far-flung outcome.
A number of different domino games exist, including Mexican Train and Chicken Foot. Some have rules that allow the line of play to branch, while others require a specific type of domino. For example, Bendomino uses curved tiles that can block one or more sides of the line of play.
Materials
Modern dominoes can be made from a wide variety of materials. Some of the more common include: plastics, metals, stone and wood. Some of the most creative domino makers use unique and exotic materials for their creations. These often come with hefty price tags to reflect the time and skill that goes into them.
European dominoes were initially hand carved from animal bones (and occasionally ivory for wealthier players) to form the tiles and inlaid with black spots to make them stand up. In the early 20th century a synthetic material called Bakelite was invented and used for a large number of products including dominoes.
When using Dominos to join boards it is recommended that the tenon thickness should be 1/3 of the thickness of the workpieces. Using a thicker tenon can actually weaken the joint by removing too much of the substrate material.
Scoring
In domino games, scoring is done at the end of each hand. The number of points a player earns depends on the game rules and the pips in their hand. In some games, the winning player must count all revealed tiles and those in his or her hand. This makes the game more strategic and requires more practice for beginners.
In most domino games, the pips on a domino’s open ends must match. This is called the line of play. Usually, doubles are played lengthwise; singles are played crosswise. Some doubles are also known as spinners and can be played on both sides. It is important to keep track of the pips in your own hand and those of your opponents when counting. A bogus play can cost you a lot of points.
