The domino is a small rectangular object used in playing games. It is usually twice as long as wide. These pieces can be made of several different materials, including wood, plastic, and bone. A traditional European-style domino is usually made of ebony or ivory. They can be stacked in long lines, or in any way you like.
Each domino has a numbered face. When playing a game, a player must decide which tile to play first. If a domino has a number on one side, the player may only play that particular tile. But if a domino has a number on both sides, the player is said to have “stitched up” the ends. Unlike cards, there is no need to match the faces of dominos.
After players have chosen their tiles, they lay them on a flat surface. Once they have all their tiles, the next player is then ready to go. To win, the player must match a domino’s pips to one of the other players’ pips.
Most domino games are variants of card games. Before the game begins, the players must agree on the target score. Some of these variations include a basic match using a pair of 2s, and a Concentration variant in which a player must add the total of his or her pips to that of the opponent.
Players take turns placing a domino onto a platform. The first tile played is generally a double-six, which produces an open end of 6 and 5. The second tile is the 6-5, and the third is the 5-5. Other variations allow the placement of a tile at an angle that creates an L. This is a very useful tactic.
Besides the classic matching-up of pips, some versions of the game involve blocking. If a player blocks a certain tile, the opponent must draw from a pile of unused tiles. Alternatively, the first tile in a line may tip over, and the next tile in the line must fall over the first to make it stable.
There are four common sets of dominos: double-6, double-9, double-12, and double-15. These sets vary in size, and can be adapted to suit most playing styles. However, the majority of domino games are designed for play with a double-6 set.
Doubles are usually placed perpendicular to the line of the chain. Depending on the rules of the game, all four sides of the doubles are considered to be open. In some domino games, a double may be counted as one or two.
The best way to play the game is to use a large numbered set. The larger the numbered domino, the quicker it will be played. Using a larger numbered set can also increase the number of players. Because of this, some new and popular party games are geared to accommodate a larger number of players. Similarly, some games have point limits that can be adjusted.
A domino is a great way to teach children about math and number recognition. Although they are derived from a Latin word, the name of the game may actually be a Scottish word.