Domino is a game of strategy and skill that involves arranging domino tiles on a flat surface in such a way that their adjacent faces are identical or form some specified total. They are a popular game among kids as well as adults, and there is a vast variety of games to choose from.
There are four basic categories of domino games: bidding, blocking, scoring, and round games. Regardless of which category a specific game falls into, it’s important to know the rules before you start playing.
A domino is a small rectangular tile that has a number of dots or pips on one side and blank or identically patterned on the other. The pips on a domino are typically arranged in a circle, octagon, or triangle shape, though they can also be a line, square, or other geometrical pattern. The dots on a domino are usually grouped in sets of five, with one domino having the same number of pips as the other dominoes of the set.
After a domino has been played, the open end of that domino must be touching another domino or a stack of dominoes. This configuration is called a layout, string, or line of play. The line of play can be a straight line or can snake around the table. Unless the player is using a double, every other tile must be placed perpendicular to the previous domino played and the two matching ends must be touching completely.
Once the dominoes are arranged, players take turns in making a play. The first player begins by drawing a domino from the stock. If the draw is a double, the player may immediately play another domino on top of it. This first domino is called the “set,” “the down,” or “the lead.”
When a player plays a new domino on top of a previous one, the next tile must be either a double or a single. The next domino must be a matching number to the previous domino and must fit within the same configuration — whether that’s a line of play, a snake-line, or a square. Generally, the player will play a single or a double to begin a line of play and then a double on top of it if possible.
As you play the game, your child will develop a sense of spatial awareness and color recognition as they arrange the dominoes in specific locations. They will also sharpen their hand-eye coordination and motor skills as they maneuver the pieces into place. If they’re working with a friend, their social skills will be developed as they communicate and collaborate. Ultimately, domino is an educational game that can be enjoyed by children of all ages and abilities.