Domino is a game where players place tiles with matching numbers across a line of play. Each tile has a side with dots that show a value and a blank side.
Depending on the game, rounds are either predetermined or played until a set score is reached. The player with the highest score wins the game.
Origin
Domino is a masculine and feminine name of Latin origin meaning “lord, master.” It also refers to the game of dominoes. It is the 69,339th most common family name in the world.
Mercenary and mutant rights activist, Domino is a key member of Cable’s Six Pack and X-Force teams. She is able to influence the laws of probability, shifting odds in her favor. Domino’s ability manifests as a psionic aura around her and can cause improbable things to happen.
A mutant, she was born Neena Thurman as part of the government’s Project Armageddon genetic engineering program. Her precognitive abilities and combat training have made her a high profile target of opponents from Stryfe to Mister Sinister. She has also helped a mutant resistance group to escape from S.H.I.E.L.D..
Rules
The rules and regulations of domino vary from game to game. Generally, the highest double must be laid first. The player that matches one end of their tile to this double may play it anywhere along the line of play. This creates a ‘double chickenfoot’, and new dominoes can then be added to either side.
When all players have drawn their tiles, a domino chain is formed across the table. This is called the layout, string or line of play. The number of points scored for matching the exposed ends of each domino is determined by the rules of the particular game.
If a player notices that a domino is misplaced on the wrong end, they must call a UDL official to fix the problem. If a player fails to do this within 15 seconds, they will be penalized for slow play.
Variations
The game can be played with any number of players. The winner is determined after a specified number of rounds, or when one player runs out of dominoes and cannot play. A score is calculated based on the total remaining dot count in each player’s hand. A blocked round has the same score as a winning round.
Domino’s inaccuracy, wobble and divergence were higher than Clements 250. These results suggest that the Domino model is prone to error. These errors can be mitigated by using a surface with more friction. Friction with the surface slows down the wave of dominoes, making it easier to place them on their sides. This can reduce the rate of domino propagation by about half. It is also important to use a smooth surface, as this allows for better domino counting.
Materials
Dominoes are flat rectangular-shaped games pieces that can be made of a variety of materials. Over the centuries, domino pieces have been carved from bone and ivory, wood, stone, and metals. They usually have an identifying mark on one side and are blank or identically patterned on the other, similar to a playing card. The identifying marks are called pips and they range in value from six to zero.
To make a domino set, use a clear epoxy resin that is easy to mix and cures quickly. Add a few drops of pigment powder or resin dye, alcohol ink, or glitter to the resin. Mix enough to fill the mold cavities halfway, and wait 24 hours before demolding.
Scoring
In a game of straight domino points are scored when the exposed ends of two tiles total a multiple of five. This scoring system is common in British public houses and social clubs. In partnership play, the player whose hands are empty scores an extra point every time their opponent’s spots can be divided by five or three.
Counting the outstanding dominoes in one’s hand is an important aspect of winning any type of domino game, especially blocking games like muggins and all fives. Some players also prefer to subtract the pip value of the outstanding tiles from their running total at the end of a hand. This method is particularly useful for blocking a partner’s play, but may require some practice to master.