Domino is a game played with rectangular pieces that are stacked on end in long lines. Each domino features a line that divides it visually into two square ends, which are marked with an arrangement of spots or pips.
When a player matches one end of a domino to part of another, a line is formed. This is known as a domino line or string.
Origins
In its earliest sense, the word domino referred to a black hood worn by a priest over his surplice. In the twentieth century, the idiom domino effect came to refer to a situation in which one small trigger causes a sequence of events that spreads from one country or area to others.
Compared to Kingdomino and Queendomino, the only major change in Kingdomino Origins is the inclusion of movable fire symbols instead of fixed crowns. This addition fits the prehistoric theme of the game, and it adds some strategy to the placement of these resources such as mammoths, flint, and stone tools. Players earn points for regions with a combination of different land types multiplied by the number of fire symbols placed within them.
Rules
There are many different rules for domino, and the exact rules depend on the game-type and setting. For example, a rule common to most straight domino games is that a player scores points when the exposed ends of two adjacent dominoes total a multiple of five.
In games where a line of dominoes is built, the first player must lay a double. Then the next players must join a domino to the exposed end of the double. This process continues until a complete train is made (called a chickenfoot).
The first player to play a double is known as the leader or heaviest tile. Depending on the game, it is decided who begins playing by drawing lots or by seating arrangements. The winner of the last game may also open play.
Variations
Many variations exist for domino, most of which are elaborations of the quintessential two-player blocking game, known as “the draw game,” or simply “draw.” In this game, players each start with seven tiles from a double-six set. Players then alternate adding tiles to the line of play by matching one end of their tile to an open end on a previously played domino.
Most games involve trains or lines of dominoes that a player can add to on each turn. Some games, such as Mexican Train and Spinner Dominoes, have limits on the number of tiles a player can add to a train. Other games, such as Matador and Muggins, have unusual rules for the line of play. These games may include scoring elements, such as counting the total number of pips in the losing players’ hands at the end of the hand or game.
Materials
Dominoes are flat thumb-sized rectangular blocks that are marked on one side with an arrangement of dots, called pips. The other face is blank or contains a contrasting pattern (often black or white) to identify the piece.
A domino is normally twice as long as it is wide, which makes the pieces easy to stack and re-stack. The pips help players to identify which domino is next in a chain of dominoes and to make decisions about the best way to play.
There are many types of materials used for dominoes. The most common are plastics, metals and stone. For high end sets, a variety of woods are used. These sets often have a beautiful feel to them and are considered works of art.
Scoring
Dominoes are an easy-to-learn tile game that can be played by anyone. It has become a popular pub game in England, where it is often combined with darts to form competitive “Darts and Doms” leagues. The game is also widely used by schools, and it is a great way to teach children math and counting skills.
A player scores points by forming chains of tiles with matching ends touching (e.g. one’s touch one’s or two’s touch two’s). If the exposed pips on these tiles total a multiple of five, a player is awarded points for the entire chain.
At the end of a hand, players subtract the value of their outstanding tiles from their score. A player who is first to this amount wins the game.
