Dominoes are a set of flat thumb-sized blocks bearing from one to six pips (or dots) on each end. There are many different games that can be played with them.
A domino game’s seating arrangements are often determined by drawing lots or by counting the heaviest double. Afterwards, the player holding that tile begins play.
Rules
The rules of domino vary from game to game, but most have the same basic structure. Each player has a pawn that they move around the domino map, and on their turn they play a domino so that its numbers match those of a previous domino played or against one of the ends of the sniff (more on that later).
After playing a domino, players add up the numbers on its two ends. If the total is a multiple of five, that number scores a point. The player who scored the most points wins the game.
Some domino games allow players to move their pawns over the faces of other dominoes, while others forbid it. The pawn may not be moved over blanks or dominoes that have been flipped up by an opponent, and if it moves over a domino that is already in the line of play, the player must recall it. This is known as a blocked turn.
Variations
Dominoes are available in a wide range of materials. They can be made of plastic, metal or wood. Some are even made of foam to create large yard dominoes for outdoor play. Dominoes are also used in a number of different games and rules. The most basic is a blocking game, where the goal is to empty one’s own hand while blocking the opponent’s. Block games may eventually become scoring games, in which players score points based on the value of their remaining tiles.
Another variation is Straight Dominoes, which starts like a Block game but ends when a player has no more tiles left or can’t play their last tile. The goal of this variant is to score points by laying domino halves end to end. The exposed ends of the dominos must match, and the total of the dots on the exposed ends must be a multiple of five. This is sometimes called a “train” and the players place a marker on their train to stop other players from adding to it.
Materials
Traditionally, dominoes are made from some sort of rigid material, commonly called bone, wood or plastic. Each domino tile has two faces with dots, also known as pips, which represent numbers from one to six. Some tiles have no dots and are blank, representing zero.
In the 18th century, European dominoes were carved from animal bones (and ivory for wealthier players). To help make the black spots, shallow holes were drilled into the bone and inlaid with thin pieces of ebony.
Modern mass produced dominoes are usually made of a cheap, durable polymer such as plastic or melamine. However, high quality wood dominoes, often layered in multiple different woods and finely lacquered, can be expensive. Some sets are sold in a wooden case. A felt surface is a good choice for playing domino, as it will keep the backs and faces of the tiles from scratching the table. This type of surface is also commonly used for card games.
Scoring
Dominoes are scored in a variety of ways depending on the game being played. For example, scoring in 5s-and-3s requires that the exposed ends of adjacent dominoes match (i.e., one’s touch one’s, two’s touch two’s, etc.) and that the sum of all the dots on those ends be a multiple of five. Each time this occurs the player receives a point.
Domino also features a number of blocking games where the objective is to empty one’s hand by blocking opponents. These games typically use a double-six set and are often used to circumvent religious prohibitions on card play.
The r/Domino subreddit is the place to discuss everything related to domino, from tips and rules to specific tile combinations. Feel free to post anything about domino that doesn’t fit elsewhere! Domino is designed and optimized for complex data science workflows. It enables self-service access to tools and infrastructure, allows reuse and collaboration across teams and the business, enforces best practices, compounds knowledge, and improves efficiency.