Domino is a game in which players place domino tiles on end in long lines. The first domino to be tipped over causes the rest of the line to tip, and so on. Depending on the rules of the game, this can create elaborate patterns or even entire structures. While many people use dominoes to play simple games, there are also complex sets and intricate rules that can lead to hours of fun.
Most domino games fit into one of four categories: bidding, blocking, scoring, and round. Each category has different rules that govern how the tiles are played and which player makes the first move. While some of the rules can vary slightly from one set to the next, most games follow similar patterns.
When playing a domino game, the starting player is determined by a number of factors, including the rank of his or her hand, the rules of the particular game being played, and any special arrangements in the set. The player who makes the first play is often referred to as “the setter,” “the downer,” or “the lead.” This person should place his or her tile face up on the table and make clear which side of the domino is facing up.
The rank of a hand is determined by the number of dots on a domino or, in some cases, by how a domino was arranged when it was placed on the board. The rank can be used to determine who makes the first play, or it may indicate who must draw additional dominoes from the stock.
If a domino is played and it has no numbers on either end, it is said to have no value and should be discarded. A “spinner” is a domino that can be played on all four sides; this is helpful when determining how to proceed in a particular turn because it can increase the amount of possible moves.
Most domino sets have twenty-four or more numbered ends, and some include extensions to allow for more possibilities. These supplementary ends increase the maximum number of unique combinations of ends and pieces. Common extended sets include double-nine (55 tiles), double-12, and double-18.
Some of the most interesting domino arrangements are used to create art. For example, Hevesh, an artist who has created displays for movies and television shows and helped set a Guinness World Record for the most dominoes toppled in a circular arrangement, uses the art form to create grids that form pictures when they fall or stacked walls and 3D structures like towers and pyramids.
The most important factor in making any piece of art is planning. Hevesh starts each project by thinking about the theme and purpose of the display. She then creates a blueprint on a large piece of paper to show how she wants the dominoes to fall. The plan can be as simple or elaborate as desired, and can include straight or curved lines, or grids that form pictures or words.
