Dominoes are simple, dot-marked tiles that have brought generations of families and friends together to enjoy friendly competition and strategy games. Although the game is easy to learn, it requires calculation and can be very challenging. Nearly all domino games fit into one of four categories: bidding games, blocking games, scoring games and round games.
A Domino is a squared piece of wood, ivory, bone or another material, with a layout of dots on one side and a blank or identically patterned side. The identifying marks, called pips, are arranged in an arrangement similar to the spots on a die. The pips are inlaid or painted and may be either white or black. A Domino is played by placing it edge to edge with another domino so that the pips on the two adjacent sides add up to a specified total. There are many variations on this basic theme, including the use of different colors and the number and arrangement of pips on each tile.
Almost all domino games are played by a group of players. One way to arrange seating is by lot, a process in which each player draws a domino from the stock and places it down on the table where the seat is located. The person with the highest numbered domino sits in the first seat, the next highest sits to his left, and so on. In some games, the winner is determined by counting the number of pips on opposing players’ tiles at the end of the hand or game. In other games, the winning player scores the total value of the open ends of a line of play.
Most domino games are played with a standard double-12 set of dominoes. There are also standalone physical sets that work better for certain games, such as the public “train” game, and which have more colors and larger tiles. There are also plastic trays available to hold the dominoes and keep them organized in a train formation.
Some game rules vary between regions and cultures. For example, in some American domino games, a double is considered a spinner if it can be played on all four sides, while in other countries this is not the case. The resulting difference in rules often results in a very different feel to the same game.
In addition to determining seating arrangements, domino rules govern how a game is played and the method of scoring. Some people prefer the traditional rules to be followed, while others favor a more modern approach.
There are many different types of domino games, from the very simple to the incredibly complex. The basic rules of most games are similar worldwide, however, and the basic elements remain the same: the domino has a single, double or zero face, and it can be played on both sides. The game requires calculation and strategy, and the ability to read and remember patterns and numbers. A game of domino can be played for an hour or more as people socialize, snack and drink while playing the centuries-old game.