Variations of the Game of DominoVariations of the Game of Domino
There are a number of variations of the game of domino. The most basic version of the game is for two players. Each player draws seven dominoes from a boneyard of 28 tiles. The players play their dominoes into tricks, with each trick counting one point. In the “five count”, any domino with five or more dots counts for the total score of their hand. If a player gets five or more tiles, his hand totals 42 points.
In some variations of the game, players may stack dominoes in long rows. When the first domino in a row tips over, the next domino in the line will follow, resulting in a cascading series of events. This is known as the domino effect. The game of dominoes is easy to learn and fun to play. It is a great way to spend quality time with friends or family.
The basic game of domino is similar to a deck of cards. The dominoes are divided into squares, and some are marked with identifying marks while others are blank. In addition to the spots and pips, the dominoes can have a contrasting color or be blank. If you play with a European-style domino, make sure to use contrasting colored pips. Traditionally, dominoes made from bone, ivory, or dark hardwood were the most popular. They are heavier than other types of dominoes and are typically more expensive.
During the game, a player plays a domino tile onto the table, and positions it so that it touches the end of the chain. Players may play only a tile with a particular number, or they can play a tile with the same number on both ends of the chain. The player who plays a tile with a number on one end of the chain is said to have stitched up the ends of the chain.
The basic version of domino is played by two players. Each player draws seven tiles from a double-six set. The players alternately extend their line of play, and the winner scores equals the sum of the pip counts in the losing hand. If all the tiles are the same value, they are referred to as “double-six” or “double-blank.”
Throughout the game, players collect points by making certain combinations, taking certain actions, or emptying their hands. Most scoring games use variations of a draw game. The player who fails to call “domino” before laying a tile must pick up an extra domino. If he has the lowest number of spots on the board, he wins. If he does not get two spots, he loses the round. A person can also accumulate points by chipping out a partner.
The domino effect is an analogy to the chain-like process of small events leading to similar events. In the case of dominoes, the chains of dominoes can be endless and involve hundreds, thousands, or even millions of tiles. The game has a number of other variations, including multiplayer games, online play, and even computer-based competitions. The game of dominoes is still popular and has been around for over two thousand years.