The game of domino is played with a number of tiles on a flat surface. Players lay these tiles onto the table in turn and try to beat their opponents by matching the faces of the tiles. There are several different versions of the game, which range from simple to surprisingly complicated. It can be played with a group of friends, or against the computer, and offers a wide variety of options.
There are two basic types of domino sets. European style sets are usually made of dark hardwood such as ebony or ivory. They are marked with the arrangement of pips on one side and a line in the middle. These are normally twice as long as they are wide. Some large domino sets use Arabic numerals instead of pips.
Some larger domino sets may be used for games that involve positional play. These are played by two to four players. Before the game begins, all the players agree on the number of spots they would like to accumulate. Once the players have agreed on the number, the first player decides which hand he or she is going to draw. Normally, the heaviest hand is chosen. In some cases, a player who is playing with a heavy hand must replace a tile that has been discarded.
In some domino games, the players may add to any line of tiles. These may be arranged on either the left or the right of the 6-6 tile. However, in some games, the doubles are always placed on the line perpendicular to the line, and the other tiles are only laid on the long sides.
Most domino games are played by two or three people. There are also variations that allow for the play of the game by all four people. This variation is called the Concentration variant.
The Concentration variant requires a total of twelve pips. When a player starts the game, he or she is given nine tiles. For each additional tile, the player can only place it against the long side of the double.
The traditional set has 55 tiles. They are often made from ebony or mother of pearl oyster shell. In the late 18th century, these were imported from France to England. Since then, the game has spread across the world.
The game of domino was introduced to France in the mid-18th century. French prisoners of war brought the game to England. Later, the game appeared in American literature. At that point, it became a popular fad in the country.
The game is a surprisingly strategic one. It can take a long time to set up. While the process is not complicated, it does require a lot of giggling. As the set grows, identifying the pips becomes more difficult. Other variations include a game that requires both partners to chip out the tiles.
One of the most exciting aspects of the game is the toppling. When the tower falls, it must be precarious enough to fall to the next player. Of course, a little luck plays a part in this process.