Domino is a classic game for all ages. It is easy to learn and can last for hours when played with multiple players. It is a great way for seniors to spend time together socializing and laughing while having fun. This centuries-old game is also a great way to teach basic math skills and number recognition to younger family members.
A domino is a rectangular tile with two square ends and a number of spots (also known as pips) on each end. The values on each end range from zero to six and the value of a domino is determined by its placement in a domino chain. Dominos are normally stacked side by side and the number of spots on each end indicates its rank or weight. A heavier or higher ranked domino is considered more valuable than a lighter or lower-ranked one.
The most common type of domino game involves a layout or tableau and is usually a blocking or scoring game, e.g., bergen or muggins. Some domino games also duplicate card games, such as sevens or Pope Joan, and were once used to circumvent religious prohibitions against playing cards.
Each player begins with a hand of domino tiles and play moves clockwise. The first player lays down a domino onto the table and each subsequent player plays a domino that matches the previous tile. This builds a line of matching tiles which is called the “line of play.” The ends of the line of play that are exposed are referred to as “branch corners.”
In a scoring game the goal is to reach a total point amount. This is achieved by laying matching dominoes end to end – for example, a set of four doubles touching on either end or the exposed sides (the two adjacent sides) of a double – and then counting the total number of pips in the exposed ends of each tile. If the total of a domino is a multiple of five the player is awarded that score.
If a player plays a domino and its ends do not match, that is, the domino cannot be joined to another tile, then all existing tiles must be rearranged in order to create a domino chain of the same length as the previously played tile. The new chain is then counted and the player awarded the score of the newly scored domino.
Generally, all matching dominoes in a domino chain are added to the player’s score. However, if a player plays a tile that results in a domino chain that cannot be completed, the player is penalized for this and may lose the game.
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