Domino is a tile-based game. The rectangular tiles have two square ends, marked with a number of spots. The first player to make a full set of eight pieces wins. The next player makes the same move, and so on. After all, the aim of the game is to make as many pairs of tiles as possible. However, the game can be quite tricky, especially if the opponent tries to avoid the same spots.

Origin

Although the history of dominoes has been shrouded in myth, it is thought that the game was invented in ancient China. In the 12th century, a Chinese soldier named Hung Ming invented the game as a way to keep soldiers awake during long battles. Another legend says that a Chinese nobleman named Keung T’ai Kung invented the dominoes and presented them to the Chinese Emperor Hui Tsung. Afterward, a man named Kao Tsung began to spread the game worldwide and a legend was born.

Types

Most domino games have basic rules. A game is won when the players make a line of play. A line is formed when all the tiles on the table match up to the number on the tile’s open end. A line is made by placing three or more tiles on a diagonal. Each player is awarded points if they make a line of play. The rules of the game vary slightly from country to country, but almost all domino games can be classified into one of these categories.

Rules

The Rules of Domino are simple but incredibly complex. Each player takes turns drawing seven tiles from the deck of double-six dominoes. If no domino is placed, it is picked up and placed back on the floor. The player who matches all seven tiles wins the game and scores one point. In some variations, you can even play the game with more than one person! Regardless of your preference, you can learn how to play the game by reading the Rules of Domino.

Variations

There are hundreds of variations of the classic game of domino. For example, Latin American versions can feature two, three, or four players. In this game, the player with the highest tile goes first unless there is a tie. Any tiles left over after the game ends are called the “Boneyard”.

Influence

Domino is a horse that influenced American Quarter Horses and Thoroughbreds. He earned $193,650 and was named Horse of the Year in 1893. This sire produced 19 stakes winners, including Disguise, Commando, Running Stream, Noonday, and Pink Domino. This stallion is also credited for producing Sweep by Ben Brush. Domino also sired a number of great horses, including the popular Red Rum.