Dominoes are a family of tile-based games. These gaming pieces are rectangular tiles with two square ends, each marked with a number of spots. The object of domino play is to match up as many spots as possible. The game is typically played with up to six players, who alternate moves. The first person to collect all of the pieces has won.
There are many different styles of domino games. The most popular styles are called layout games, scoring games, and blocking games. There are also different sizes of dominoes. Each player draws a specific number of tiles, depending on how many players they have. The most common size for two players is double six, with twenty-eight tiles. However, larger sets are also popular for games with several players.
Traditionally, dominoes were placed in a certain way. They must be placed in such a way that the two matching ends are adjacent. Doubles must be played at the end of a chain, cross-ways. In addition, a player must place tiles perpendicular to a double’s middle. Despite these rules, domino chains can take on any shape – and are usually not predictable.
Different versions of domino differ from one another, with each style displaying a distinct character. Some types are solitaire, and others are trick-taking. However, the majority of variations are adaptations of card games. As such, domino games are historically very strategic, but luck is also a factor. Domino games can be played with two to four players, depending on the player count.
Often, players team up with each other to calculate the score of the game. The winning team usually ends up with a lower score than their opponents, but they may have to strategize to counteract a bloated hand. The game is typically played for several rounds, or until the player reaches a certain point limit. The common point limit is between one hundred and two hundred points.
Players start the game by placing one tile face up on the table. The next player then matches one end of their domino to a part of the first tile. Players may choose to join any number of tiles to one side, but some versions of the game allow tiles to be joined to all four sides. Players can also add a tile to a line if they wish. If there are no dominoes left, players must draw from their unused tiles.
The origin of dominoes is not completely clear. It is believed that the game first came from France sometime after 1750. The word domino originally meant a long hooded cloak, or a masquerade mask. This may be why dominoes were used as a disguise or monastic robe. As a result, dominoes became a popular game in France.
The domino game is simple enough to learn and play with friends or family. There are many varieties of the game and it can be played in any environment. Players can play the game against each other, or against the computer. Dominoes can be played with up to three players, or with the entire family.