How do you score in dominoes?
Scoring in dominoes generally occurs at the end of a round when a player “dominoes” (plays all their tiles) or when the game is blocked (no player can make a legal play). The winner of the round scores points equal to the total pip count of the tiles remaining in their opponents’ hands. Some variations may also award points during gameplay for specific tile combinations or reaching certain pip total milestones.
The precise method of scoring can vary significantly depending on the specific dominoes variant being played. In “Muggins” or “All Fives,” for example, players score points during the game by making the exposed ends of the domino chain add up to a multiple of five (or sometimes three). When a player dominoes or the game blocks, the winner scores the total pip count of the other players’ hands, rounded to the nearest multiple of five in some variations. In contrast, a game like “Block Dominoes” typically only scores at the end of the round. The player who dominoes receives the total pip count of the remaining players’ tiles. If the game is blocked, the player with the lowest pip count in their hand wins, and scores the difference between their pip count and the pip count of each of the other players. The game continues until one player reaches a predetermined score (e.g., 100, 250 points).
What are the different variations of dominoes?
Dominoes offers a rich tapestry of variations, each with unique rules and strategic depths, ensuring that the game remains engaging and adaptable across different cultures and player preferences. While the core principle of matching tiles remains consistent, variations diverge in scoring methods, hand sizes, initial setups, and the overall objective of the game.
The most popular variation is arguably Block Dominoes, where players simply attempt to match the ends of their tiles to the open ends of the domino chain (or “layout”). When a player cannot make a play, they must pass their turn. In contrast, Draw Dominoes allows players to draw from the “boneyard” (the remaining face-down tiles) when they cannot play from their hand, adding a different layer of resource management. Scoring games, like All Fives (or Muggins), introduce points based on the sums of the open ends of the domino chain being divisible by a certain number, typically five, emphasizing arithmetic skills alongside strategic tile placement. Beyond these well-known versions, a multitude of regional and house rules exist. These variations often involve alternative scoring systems, specialized tile combinations, or adjustments to the hand size and boneyard rules. Some examples include Chicken Foot, a popular social game, or Mexican Train, which sees players building individual “trains” radiating from a central hub and often incorporates a marker indicating a train is open for anyone to play on. The adaptability of dominoes is one of its most appealing features, letting it evolve with the people that play it.
How do you shuffle the dominoes?
The standard way to shuffle dominoes is to lay them face down on a flat surface and mix them thoroughly with your hands, ensuring they are randomly distributed before each player draws their starting hand. This method is often referred to as “washing” the dominoes.
To effectively “wash” the dominoes, spread them out across the table, using both hands to swirl and mix them in a random pattern. The goal is to eliminate any clumping of similar dominoes and ensure a truly randomized distribution. Spend a good 20-30 seconds thoroughly mixing them. Don’t just push them around gently; actively try to flip them and change their positions relative to each other. After shuffling, gently corral the dominoes into a general area in the center of the playing surface. This makes it easier for each player to draw their hand without accidentally revealing the faces of other dominoes. Players then take turns drawing their designated number of dominoes, keeping them concealed from the other players.