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The Basics of Dominoes
Dominoes are rectangular black and white blocks used in a wide variety of games. They are similar to playing cards and are made of rigid materials like bone or plastic.
Most domino sets are comprised of 28 pieces. The piece with the highest total pip count is called the lead. Other pieces are blank. One or more of the pieces are replaced during a game. When all the pieces are in place, players must try to get the highest total number of pips.
Typically, players place a domino edge to edge against another. These can be shuffled and lined up in long rows. If a domino is tipped over, it will tip the next one in line. In addition, a domino can fall through flicking. A domino is usually twice the width of the line it is placed against.
Dominoes are also known as tiles, bones, or tickets. Many children enjoy playing games with them. However, the origins of the domino are obscure.
The term domino was first recorded in the Dictionnaire de Trevoux in 1771. Its meaning is uncertain, although it is believed to mean a cape or mask worn by a priest. Some early variants of the domino were crude woodcuts on paper. Later, it was used to refer to a masquerade mask.
By the late 1700s, dominoes were being used in France. During this time, they were brought to England by prisoners of war. From there, they spread to Austria and southern Germany. As the game gained popularity, it became a fad.
The European style dominoes are typically made of ivory, silver lip ocean pearl oyster shell, or dark hardwood. They are usually double nine with 55 tiles. Traditional Chinese dominoes are 32-piece sets that represent every possible face of two thrown dice.
Traditionally, European-style dominoes were made of bone or ivory. In the United States, these are often referred to as boneyard pieces.
In the most basic version of the game, players must draw seven tiles from stock. After the set is in place, the first player plays the lead tile. He or she then draws the number of tiles needed for the rest of the game. Alternatively, the second player can draw a number of tiles equal to his or her opponents’ tiles.
The most popular types of games include scoring games and trick-taking dominoes. Another variation is the Concentration variant. With this variation, players must obtain a total of twelve pips to win.
Dominoes can be played by a variety of players, from children to professionals. Unlike playing cards, dominoes can be played on the table or in the air. Several different versions of the game are available, including solitaire, doubles, and the classic ‘Five-Up’. Regardless of the game, one important thing to remember is that each domino has a unique number of pips.
If you have never played a game of domino, you might want to consider giving it a try. Not only will you enjoy yourself, but you’ll learn a few lessons from the process as well.