Domino is a game in which the players place tiles on the table, with each tile touching two ends of an existing chain. The result is a line of domino that develops into snake-line patterns, depending on the whims of the players and limitations of the playing surface. The number of dominoes in each player’s hand at the end of a game or a single hand determines how much he or she scores. There are a few different ways to score, but one common method involves counting the pips on the winning player’s tiles.
While the basic rules of domino vary, there are certain basic guidelines that all games must follow. The first step is to draw a hand of dominoes from the stock (see Order of Play). Depending on the rules of the particular game being played, the person who draws the heaviest tile must make the initial move. This person is known as the setter, downer or leader.
When a player makes his or her initial move, the other players must place their dominoes next to it so that the pips match the corresponding pips on the first tile placed. In most games, the dominoes are arranged in a line that is called the Line of Play.
Each player must then play a domino in turn, positioning the tile onto the table so that it touches one of the ends of the line of play. If the domino is a double, it must be placed perpendicular to the line of play and touched fully at both ends, with the matching sides of the domino facing each other.
If a player plays a tile that results in the line of play being blocked, he must take his or her turn again after all of the other players have made their moves. The player may also decide to pass or bye.
In addition to being a fun and educational game, domino provides an excellent opportunity for students to practice math skills, such as addition. Using the dots on the dominoes, students create addition equations that demonstrate that the total number of dots does not change no matter how the dominoes are oriented.
This type of activity is particularly useful for students in Grades 1 to 3. This lesson supports Mathematical Practice Standard 8, Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning.
Domino is a popular pastime with family and friends, but it is also an excellent classroom activity that can help teach students to think critically and to consider the effect of one action on another. In addition, domino is a great way to help children develop the fine motor skills necessary for handwriting and typing.
If you are planning to use domino in your classroom, it is important to follow the instructions that come with the particular set of dominoes that you purchase. Some sets have instructions that suggest how many hands to draw and how many of each domino to place in the initial line of play. Other instructions specify which dominoes to place where and when. In addition, some sets include a booklet that describes the basic rules of the game and gives tips for playing well.