There are many different types of domino games. However, most of them can be categorized into blocking and scoring games. There are also some positional games.
Once the tiles are shuffled, players draw one from the stock to determine who will play first. Typically, the player drawing the highest double goes first.
Origin
Dominoes were invented in China and first appeared in Europe around the early 1700’s. They moved from Italy to France where they became a popular fad. By the late 1700’s France was producing domino puzzles that required players to place tiles on a given pattern so the ends of the tiles matched.
The word “domino” probably derives from a French version of the Latin word dominus, meaning lord or master. In an earlier sense it denoted a loose hooded cape with black and white lining worn by French priests during carnival season or at masquerades. The contrasting black dots on the dominoes may have reminded some people of this hooded cape. Another theory suggests that the name comes from a half-mask that is traditionally worn by Chinese soldiers.
Rules
The object of domino is to empty one’s hand while blocking the opponent’s. This is achieved by laying the dominoes end to end, except for doubles which may be joined on their sides. Each player adds to their score for each multiple of five dots in their opponents’ hands.
Each player draws seven dominoes and puts them in a row. The highest double starts the game. Then, players take turns placing dominoes in the line joining them to their matching ends. The player with the most points wins.
Depending on the rules, a double played as the lead may be a spinner and must be played on all four sides; or it may only have two matching ends. In either case, it can be played on both sides or at right angles to the line.
Variations
There are many variations of domino, but they generally fall into two categories – blocking and scoring games. Blocking games allow players to prevent their opponents from laying down any tiles. Scoring games let players add up the value of their remaining dominoes. Usually, the player with the lowest total score wins after several rounds.
In a variation called Mexican Train, each player starts their own private line of dominoes or train. The winner is the player who reaches a set number of points, usually 61.
In some games, doubles can be played off the ends of other dominoes, causing the line of play to branch. This is often done to prevent bogus plays, where the player intentionally knocks when they could have played but did not.
Materials
Dominoes are a fun way to develop numeric patterns, as well as problem solving skills. They also promote hand-eye coordination and patience. For younger children, the game can also teach pattern recognition and artistic expression.
Most domino sets are made from wood or plastic. They are molded and painted with an arrangement of spots, or “pips,” which represent the numbers. Each side of the domino has a different pattern or design. Some are blank, while others feature a picture.
In addition to the traditional cardboard box, many companies make wooden cases for storing your dominoes. These boxes are usually narrow and long enough to hold several stacks of tiles, and they can be easily cleaned with a damp cloth. Some are even designed with a cribbage board built into the lid.
Scoring
A scoring system is used to determine the winner in most domino games. Usually, the score is based on the number of ends of exposed dominos that are divisible by five or three. One point is scored for each time this division is made (i.e. four at one end and five at the other makes nine, which is divisible by both).
The scoring system can be complicated, depending on the type of game being played. For instance, in Muggins, players count the open ends of the exposed dominos to make a total. In some other cases, a domino is considered to have two ends when it is an open double, while in other games, all dominos with their ends exposed are counted as single ends.
