Domino is a game that involves placing domino pieces on a board in such a way that they form a chain of dots, each domino touching one end of another. The chains that are created by this action can be very long and create much entertainment and challenge for the players involved. Dominos may also be used as a tool for learning and a medium for storytelling.
The word “domino” derives from a Latin phrase that means “falling together.” Dominos have a lot in common with neurons in the brain, in that both transmit signals at a high speed and can be triggered by any piece in the line. This is why dominoes are often used in science fiction as a symbol for the speed of technology and for its ability to change society.
After the dominoes are shuffled, each player draws a hand of tiles. The player with the heaviest tile, double or single, makes the first play. If there is a tie, it must be broken by drawing new hands until one player holds the heaviest domino. Some games allow a player to buy additional dominoes from the stock as they are played, and these extra tiles are added to the player’s hand.
In some games, the number of additional tiles a player can buy depends on how many total pips are already in his hand at the time that he makes the purchase. These extra tiles are called byes. The rules for these games often state how the byes must be placed, either as an addition to the current set of dominoes in the player’s hand or on the board.
Once the players have determined the order of play, they begin making their moves. In most cases, the players must place a domino on the table in such a manner that its matching ends are adjacent to each other. The placement of the domino may be a part of the fun for some players as it can add to the snake-like appearance of the chain that develops on the board.
When a player plays a domino that shows two of the same numbers on its ends, he is said to have “stitched up” those ends. This is done to prevent the opposing team from gaining an advantage.
Most domino games have a specific number of points that must be scored by the winning player. Some of these points are calculated by counting the pips on each loser’s remaining tiles after they make their last plays. Alternatively, the winner may count only one end of each double (for example, 4-4 counts as only four points).
The rules for domino vary with each game. Some games have more than two players, while others have only one. In games with more than two players, it is important to determine the correct order of play before the game begins. If a player plays out of turn, he must recall his domino. A misplay can result in a score for the opponent or even a loss of the entire game.