How to Play Dominoes
Dominoes are small rectangular pieces used to play a variety of games. There are many different sets of dominoes that have been used for centuries around the world. The most common set is the double six. It includes a total of 28 tiles. Other sets include the double nine, the double twelve, and the double fifteen. Some of the older sets are made from ivory, bone, or silver lip ocean pearl oyster shell.
Dominoes are typically played by two or four players. In most cases, the goal is to reach a certain number of points. This number is usually set before the game begins. Once the player reaches the target, he or she wins the game.
When the game starts, the players pick their tiles from a stock of dominoes. Depending on the number of players, each player will have a specific number of tiles. For example, if there are eight players, each player will draw nine tiles. If there are only five players, each player will have three tiles. Similarly, if there are just two players, each player will have seven tiles.
The number of pips on each tile is added up to form the winner’s score. During the course of the game, the players are also allowed to take a pause from play to block opponents’ moves. Depending on the game, a time limit is often imposed for each turn.
A common rule in domino games is that one half of each domino is set with pips from a single die. The other half is set with pips from the second die. Typically, each domino has a number on its right and left ends, a number on its long side, and a number on its short side. Occasionally, a domino has a blank end, meaning that other players cannot see its face.
Players are usually given the opportunity to knock out their opponent’s tiles, but in some versions of the game, the opposing player can knock out his or her own tiles. Sometimes, this is done to prevent players from winning by taking out more than their share of the tiles. Another tactic is to make the other players chip out.
Before playing the game, the players agree on the target score. One common rule is to award points for a total that is divisible by five or by three. Alternatively, the target number of points can be a predetermined amount. In addition, the players can agree on how much time the game should be played for.
Most games have a point limit of 150 or 200. Unless the game is a drawing game, the winner is determined when all of the rounds have been completed. However, in some domino variations, the game may have a time limit for each turn. Therefore, if the game lasts longer than the specified time, the players will be penalized with a draw.
When the game is finished, the players count the pips on their own tiles and their opponent’s. If the winner’s hand is full of pips, he or she is awarded points.
