Hobbies And Interests
Block Dominoes
The simplest domino game is block dominoes. For young children, it works as a matching game. A double-six set can accommodate two to four players and more can play with larger sets. If there are four players, they may team up and play as partners. Players draw five tiles, and the remaining tiles stay on the table face down in what is called the bone yard. The player with the largest double plays the first domino, and play continues clockwise. Players may only play dominoes that match the number of a domino on the table. If they cannot play, they must pass. In this game, they are not allowed to draw from the bone yard. The game ends when someone plays their last domino. If no moves can be made before someone wins, the game is blocked.
Chickenfoot
A double-nine set is used for chickenfoot and all players play individually. Brightly colored sets make it easier for children to match colors and numbers. Find a set with large numbers rather than dots for young children. Score is kept after each hand and the object is to have the lowest amount of points. Players seek to use their tiles before other players, as when a player plays their last domino, the number value of the remaining dominoes in each player's hand is counted toward that player's score. Play moves clockwise and dominoes may only be played on matching dominoes. If a player does not have a matching domino, they may draw. When a double tile is played, it is called a chickenfoot and three matching tiles must be played off it, branching off like toes, before tiles can be played anywhere else.
Matador
Older kids will enjoy the challenge of matador dominoes where, rather than matching dominoes, you must create the sum of 7. Each player draws seven tiles and the rest are set aside as there is no bone yard. Any domino may be placed to begin the game and play continues counterclockwise. Dominoes with pips that add up to 7 are called matadors and may be played at any time as wild. If a player cannot place a domino he must pass. The first player to use all his dominoes yells "Domino!" and wins.
War
Several different versions of the classic card game war can be played with dominoes. Play like the card game with tiles passed out face down. Each player turns over a tile and the player whose domino has the most pips wins the round. If both players' dominoes have the same amount of pips, there is a war with each player turning over three dominoes and the amount of pips on the third domino determining the winner. Another variation helps children practice multiplying. Play dominoes in the same way, but multiplying the two numbers rather than adding. In this version, any blank tile will automatically be zero.