Domino is a game that is played by playing tiles onto a flat surface. Each tile has a face, usually marked with spots, and a line running through the center. They are typically two-sided, so that each side can be joined with the other. However, some games allow them to be played on all four sides.
The set of dominos used in games is called a domino set. It is similar to a playing card, but differs in that it features pips, rather than wind blowing cards. Traditionally, European-style dominos are made from ivory, bone, or dark hardwood such as ebony.
There are many different types of domino games. Some games involve adding tiles to a board, while others are positional games. In the most basic version, players draw seven tiles from a stock of double-six tiles. They then take turns adding tiles to a line on the board. If one player is successful in adding the tile to the platform, the next player must add another tile to the same line, or extend the line.
Depending on the style of domino you are playing, you may have to use your hand to block the opponent’s play. You can also have a “chicken foot” where you have to chip out the other players’ tiles. Often, the winner is the one with the least spots. Most games score by awarding pips to the other player’s tiles.
The game is played clockwise. Once the players are ready to play, the first player lays down the chosen tile. This is often referred to as laying out the first bone of the hand, and it is the first step in the game. Typically, the tile is placed on the edge of the table, and the other player can then see what is in their hand.
Next, the player must play the tile so that it will be touching the end of the domino chain. When they are finished playing, the player must shuffle their tiles to begin the next hand.
Before the start of a domino game, the players must decide on a target score. If the score is reached, the winner takes the prize. If the players do not reach their target, the game is over. For example, if the score is ten, then the winning team can pick any domino in their hand. To achieve their goal, the winning team must have the fewest spots on the dominoes.
After the first player shuffles his or her tiles, the second player will draw seven tiles, and the third player will draw seven tiles. The fourth player will draw seven tiles, and so on. As the game progresses, the tiles are randomly shuffled and arranged on the table. Occasionally, the pieces are left unused.
One variation of the game involves a domino that is blank on its back side. Another variant calls for the player to play a tile with the same number on both sides. Alternatively, the player may only play a tile with a particular number on one side of the chain.