Dominoes are an enjoyable family game with many variations. Some popular variants of dominoes include blocking, scoring and round-type dominoes. Most dominoes games share similar rules; some can differ slightly or significantly; in general though each player must place his or her tiles so that both matching ends touch completely along the line of play; doubles are always placed crosswise across their touching end whereas knocked dominoes count as knocks; in such a situation play continues without interruption.
Dominoes can also be used as a form of art, be it simple curved lines, grids that form pictures when falling or three-dimensional structures such as towers and pyramids. Some artists even make their living from domino artwork!
Most domino sets are constructed of composite materials; however, natural materials like bone, silver lip ocean pearl oyster shell (mother-of-pearl or MOP), ivory or dark hardwoods such as ebony may also be used with either black or white pips inlaid or painted to contrast against each other. MOP and ivory domino sets typically cost the most; they feature classic looks. Other popular options for domino sets are metals such as brass or pewter; ceramic clay; or even frosted glass sets.
Domino games fall broadly into four categories: bidding games, blocking games, scoring games and round games. Blocking and scoring games resemble card games; these were often used to circumvent religious prohibitions against playing them. Other domino-related games have been created to take advantage of its unique properties; these fast-paced versions may require no bidding at all!
To win at dominoes, one player must accumulate a predetermined number of points or chips before all other players have had an opportunity to play. If he or she does not manage this goal, he or she must leave by chipping out, which some games allow them to do but this may lead to unpredictable outcomes.
As well as following the rules of a game, additional factors can impact its outcome. Some players prefer playing with all tiles from their stock while others like to leave some behind and only count those that have been played out. Still others might prefer restricting the number of pips available for purchase out of stock, or at least only counting visible to players – something known as “snake-line”, which can make the game very complicated to play. To prevent this scenario from occurring, players should agree upon a strategy prior to starting play; drawing lots can help with this or seating arrangement can determine who will go first as alternatives.