Dominoes

Dominoes are descendants of dice. The two ends on each of the original Chinese dominoes represented one of the 21 combinations that can occur with the throw of two dice. Modern western dominoes, however, have blank ends on them as well and so the number of dominoes is generally 28. The dark spots on light faces apparently reminded people of masquerade masks with eyeholes (called dominoes) and thus gave the playing pieces their name.

Bones are generally named for the number of dots on the two ends of the bone. A bone with a 2 on one end and a 5 on the other end is called the 2-5, for example. Bones that have different numbers on the two ends are called singles, and bones that have the same number on both ends are called doublets or doubles. Bones that share a common number of spots on one end are said to be of the same suit. In a double-six set, for example, 1-0, 1-1, 1-2, 1-3, 1-4, 1-5, and 1-6 all belong to the suit of one.

Most domino games are block games or draw games. In draw games, players draw from the boneyard when they have no matching bone. In block games, players pass and forfeit the turn when they have no matching bone. Otherwise, there is no difference. Both generally consist of several hands of dominoes played until one of the players accumulates an agreed upon number of points and wins the series. Points are generally earned only by the first player in each hand to go out (play his or her last bone, also called to domino) and win the hand. The primary object is thus to play all one's bones before an opponent does.

There are many existing rules for determining which player is the leader (or downer), the player to make the first play of the hand. In some rules, the lead is determined by lottery. The bones are shuffled face down on the table, and each player draws one bone. The player with the highest double, or heaviest bone, or other agreed upon prize is designated the leader. By this rule, the leader then reshuffles the bones before the final deal. By other rules, the final deal determines the leader. In this case, the player with the highest double must lead by playing that double. If no player has a double, the heaviest bone is played.

After the final shuffle the bones are dealt; each player in turn draws the number of bones required. The stock of bones left behind is called the boneyard, and the bones therein are said to be sleeping. If the leader was determined by lottery, the leader sets by placing any bone face up on the table. If the leader was not determined by lottery, the player with the highest double leads with that double, and if no player has a double, the hand is reshuffled and redealt.

The next player, and all players in turn, must play a bone with an end that matches one of the open ends of the layout. Play continues until one of the players goes out (and calls "out!" or "domino!") and wins the hand or until all the players are blocked. If all the players are blocked the player with the lightest hand wins.

Here are various Dominoes sets you can pick up today:

Double Six Color Dot Dominoes is a set of 28 jumbo, color dot dominoes comes in a vinyl case and includes instructions. Players will enjoy this simple and elegant dominoes game for years to come. These tiles measure 2" by 1" by 5/8".

Luminos Double Six Plastic Dominoes - Green is a set of 28 Luminos plastic dominoes comes in a plastic case and includes full instructions. These unique dominoes are made of transparent plastic with paper stickers on them to mark the dots. Each tile measures 2" by 1" by 1/4" and the case measures 9" by 2 1/4" by 1 1/8".

Double Six Tournament Dominoes are sturdy, fine-quality crystalline playing pieces are large enough to fit comfortably in the player's hand. Their polished finish and deeply engraved dots prevent loss of color and clarity, even after years of use. These dominoes measure 2" x 1" x 5/16".

Chickenfoot Dominoes Double Nine Set is the original, official, and only authorized version of this classic game! Chickenfoot is just the right mix of simplicity and intrigue to get any group together for some fun. Puremco's professional size dominoes are thicker and have jumbo, bright, colored dots that are uniform in size and easy to see. The leatherette, vinyl case is compact and easy to store when traveling or at home. Domino tiles measure 1" by 2" by 3/8".

Supertrain Numeric Dominoes is the latest and greatest domino game available! It’s Mexican Train with 14 Wild Dominoes and 7 Special Action Dominoes that allow players to play when they can’t follow suit. The special action dominoes, marked S, R, D, T and A are for Skip, Reverse, Draw, Twice and Anywhere. Players use these for special plays as enhancements for the great game of Mexican Train. Numeric Dominoes replace the traditional dots and are colored and easier to see, count and score! This set is great for Mexican Train and Chickenfoot as well as Supertrain and rules are included for six other games as well.

Double Nine Jumbo Black Dot With Spinners Dominoes is a set of 55 jumbo ivory colored dominoes comes in a deluxe carrying case. The dominoes dots are black and they have brass spinners. This set can be used for a wide variety of domino games including the popular Mexican Train or Chickenfoot games. Tiles measure 2" x 1" and 3/8" thick.

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