Domino is a game of strategy, where players take turns adding tiles to a platform, trying to make it stable. It is played by one or more opponents, usually against a CPU. The objective is to reach a target score. Players can win by achieving the lowest number of spots on their dominos. To play, each player draws a domino.
Each domino is divided into two squares, or ends. In most games, the open ends of the dominos are not used. However, in some versions, the open end of each domino is considered open. This allows for a variety of shapes to be formed.
Dominoes are usually made of dark hardwood such as ebony or ivory, or bone. They also contain identifying marks. Typically, they are twice the width of the table. One of the ends of each domino is marked with the arrangement of the pips.
Before drawing the hand of tiles, the players must mix up the tiles. These are then placed face down on the surface of the table. Usually, the first tile drawn is a double-six. Other tiles are left over for the player to draw from.
There are various variants of the domino, and they all feature different numbers. The most common, however, is six-pips. Some other variants allow for a double-blank to be played, which may count as a 0 or a 14. Several of the variations allow tiles to be joined to all four sides of the domino.
Most of the Western dominos are used in positional games. Traditional European dominoes are made of ivory, bone or silver lip ocean pearl oyster shell. Interestingly, Chinese dominoes were played around the 17th century, but their suit distinctions are not used in European sets.
French prisoners of war brought dominoes to England in the late 1700s. By the mid-18th century, the domino game had spread to France and Austria. Today, dominoes are played worldwide.
The traditional European-style dominoes are made of mother of pearl oyster shell. While some variations of the domino include a blank side, the traditional set includes no duplicates.
Although the origins of the domino are obscure, the name “domino” has been recorded in the Dictionnaire de Trevoux in 1771. Two earlier meanings of the word are “monastic hood” and “masquerade mask”. Another version of the game was played by Inuits in the Arctic. Whether or not these games were influenced by the European dominoes is unknown.
Today, the domino game can be played against friends and family, or against the computer. You can also play against a partner. Playing Domino can be quite fun, and it’s easy to learn. If you are interested in learning more, you can read the history of the game, written by Michael Dummett.
Domino is a fun and challenging game for families and friends. The game can be played anywhere, and it is great for teaching kids about math and business. With a little effort, you can be a domino pro in no time.