Dominoes are a type of game that is played with rectangular tiles. The tile is placed on a flat surface and the goal is to make a tower as stable as possible. Various rules apply to domino games. In most cases, the winner is determined based on the amount of pips awarded to the opponent’s tiles. A common rule is that players can only play a single tile with a number on one end of the chain. Other variations allow players to join their tiles to all four sides.
First, a player chooses a tile. This is usually the double-six. However, this may be any number. If the player chooses a tile with the same number on both ends, he or she is said to have “stitched up” the ends.
After the first player has picked his or her tile, the other players draw their tiles. This can be as many as three, depending on the number of players. Players must take turns adding their dominoes to the platform. When a player chips out, he or she stops play. Afterward, the other players continue until the hand is empty.
Before playing the game, each player must agree on the target score. This is done by drawing lots. Each player can see the tiles in the other players’ hands. If the number of tiles in the opponent’s hand is higher, the player with the highest total wins the round.
Once the target is agreed upon, each player draws a domino. The first player draws a tile and places it in the center of the table. Next, the second player draws a tile and places it to the left of the double. Lastly, the third player draws a tile and places it to either the right of the double, or to the left of the six.
Traditionally, European-style dominoes are made of dark hardwood such as ebony. Alternatively, they are made of mother of pearl oyster shell. They are also available in a variety of other materials.
Some versions of dominoes are blank and do not have pips. These versions are generally more challenging and less popular. For example, in a variant called “chicken foot,” a player may only chip out with the tiles that are on either side of the double.
Another variation of dominoes involves the use of spinners. Spinners are usually metal. Originally, these were designed to protect the face of the domino while it was being shuffled. Now, they are rounded off to prevent scratching the tabletop.
The standard version of dominoes requires the player to match two dominoes that add up to 12. Double-six tiles are arranged in rows. Usually, a double is considered a double when the two faces on the ends are perpendicular to each other.
Many other forms of dominoes are adapted from other card games, such as Poker. These types of dominoes are not very large, and are suited to positional games.
There are also dominoes that are used in conjunction with nerve cells. Some of these are blank, while others are made of ivory.
