Domino is a versatile game that can be played with a variety of rules. In this article, we will explore a few tips and tricks to help you master this game. These tips will include blocking strategies and maximizing the number of dominoes you can play.
The first double to be played to the board is called a spinner. This piece has a value on both ends and may be considered “heavy” or “light”.
Origin
A flat thumb-sized rectangular block, the face of which is blank or bears from one to six pips or dots; 28 such pieces form a complete domino set. The word “domino” may be derived from Latin dominus, meaning master of the house, or from a hooded mask worn at a masquerade ball.
A career mercenary, Domino was recruited by Professor Xavier to investigate several shell companies with financial ties to anti-mutant politicians and businesses on Krakoa. During her investigation, she was possessed by the Undying alien Aentaeros and killed, but was revived using alien technology grafts. She rejoined X-Force after its transformation into a proactive black-ops security agency and helped thwart the plans of the British mutant Corben. Her powers allow her to affect the laws of probability, shifting odds in her favor.
Rules
Dominoes rules vary from one variant to the next, though some basic rules apply to most games. The game’s goal is to create a chain of dominoes that extends out from the open end. This configuration is called the line of play.
The starting player is determined by the rules of each specific game. Generally, the player with the highest double will make the first play.
Before each game, players shuffle the tiles and thoroughly mix them by moving them with their hands. The winning player then draws seven tiles for the next game. The other players may choose to take turns shuffling before each game, or the winner of the previous game can shuffle for the next. If a player can’t take his turn, he “knocks.” Knocking consists of banging a tile on the table or tapping it with his hand to signal that he cannot play.
Variations
Dominoes are rectangular blocks that have a value displayed on one side and are blank or identically patterned on the other. They are often used as a mathematical teaching aid to help children learn basic multiplication and division. Dominoes can be played by two or more players in teams. However, younger children may get frustrated if they are forced to play individually. It is important to give them enough space to work without toppling other players’ domino blocks.
The Block game is the quintessential domino game for two players. Each player draws a set of tiles (usually seven), leaving the remainder behind in a “boneyard.” Players alternately extend the line of play by adding matching tiles to one end, and pass their turn when they cannot.
Materials
Dominoes are typically made of wood or paper. They can also be molded from various other materials such as metals, clay or even frosted glass. In general, dominoes aren’t very expensive and can be purchased in a variety of stores.
For games that involve capturing or winning sets of domino, players may wish to keep track of their score by using small wooden boxes. These narrow boxes are open on one side and can accommodate many stacks of domino tiles.
To create a glossy, glass-like finish on your domino, you can coat it with resin. This is an advanced technique that requires a little more patience and skill than other methods of decorating your dominoes. Be sure to follow all safety precautions when working with resin.
Scoring
A game of domino is not complete without a scoring system. In scoring games players get points both during play and at the end of a round. The first player to reach a specified number of points wins the game.
Usually the score is kept on a board that has a large X representing the point value of each line of dominos. Then small x’s are drawn to represent the number of points earned in each of four spaces around the X.
In the case of a tie, a draw is declared and a new hand begins. In blocking or drawing games a player tries to block out the opponents with tiles that match those already on the layout. This strategy is often employed in partnership play with the aim of minimizing the number of high-number dominos or “fat numbers” in a player’s hand.