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A traditional domino set contains 28 unique pieces, each representing a result of a throw of two six-sided dice. These unique pieces are arranged in sets with varying number of blank ends.
Origin
Domino originated in China, where it was played for centuries. The Chinese domino set was designed to represent every possible result of two thrown dice, unlike European domino sets that only use 28 tiles and leave blank faces for a 0 or 1. The Chinese also introduced duplicates of some throws and divided the pips into military and civil suits, while European dominoes do not.
Despite the differences between the two, both have developed their own versions of games and strategies. Most domino games are either blocking or scoring games.
The word “domino” appears to be derived from Latin’s dominus, meaning master of the house, or may refer to a hooded cape worn by priests that contrasted with their white surplice. The game spread throughout Europe and Asia by the early 1700s.
Rules
Players play domino by placing one tile on the table, then playing another over it. The exposed ends of the dominoes must match (one’s touch one’s, two’s touch two’s). Each player’s total number of points scored is calculated and recorded.
Before the game begins, each player shuffles the tiles thoroughly and places them on a flat playing surface. The player who shuffles the tiles may also be referred to as the setter, downer, or lead.
After each player draws a hand according to the rules of the particular domino game, the player with the highest double plays first. If a tie occurs, the player with the highest single begins play. If a player takes more than he is permitted to draw, the excess tiles are reshuffled into the stock and may be bought later in the game.
Variations
Domino games come in a wide variety of variations with different rules and scoring. Some are more complex than others, but all share the same basic concept: laying tiles so that their open ends match those of other dominoes in a line. Each time the line is complete, players score points by counting the number of pips in each domino.
The most popular and accessible domino game is Block Dominoes, which is also a great place to start for families. It is followed by Draw Dominoes and Muggins, which are both based on the same principles.
There are also more advanced domino games like Mexican Train, which is played with a double-twelve or double-fifteen set. Each player has their own private train of dominoes and there is a public “Mexican Train” for other players to play on.
Materials
Over the years dominoes have been made from many different materials. Typically they have a white or black surface and are marked with spots, called pips, or blank.
Early sets were made from animal bone (usually ox bones) and ivory for wealthier players. These were later replaced by ebony which was glued to the bone to make a stronger domino piece.
Modern mass produced dominoes are generally made of cheap shiny black plastic. They are usually played on a felt table to protect the dominoes from scratches.
There are also high end wood dominoes that can be a work of art, hand carved and layered in multiple woods. These may have hefty price tags to reflect the time and skill involved in their manufacture.
Scoring
Like playing cards, dominoes have identifying marks on one side and blank or identically patterned on the other. Those markings, called dots or pips, are used to determine points in the game. There are several different scoring systems for the game, and they vary by game and setting.
Some domino games have a line of play that the players add to as they make their plays. A player may play on this line of play either by touching the exposed ends of tiles that have been previously played, or by adding a new tile to one of the free ends.
This line of play is known as the “ends”. A player’s score in an end depends on the number of times the accumulated points of the ends are divisible by five or three.
