When you think about the game domino, you probably imagine it as a family of tiles. Each tile is rectangular in shape, with two square ends marked with a number of spots. If you play with European dominoes, you will have to match pairs of tiles, while playing Chinese dominoes will require a little more strategy. There are two primary types of dominoes: Chinese and European. In this article, you will learn about the differences between the two.
Chinese dominoes
Chinese dominoes differ in several ways from Western dominoes. The tiles are divided into two suits, namely, the Civilian and the Military. The names of each suit are based on the cultural significance of the tile. For instance, a tile with a red pips on one side is called a Civilian tile and a tile with a white pips on the opposite side is a Military tile.
The origin of Chinese dominoes is not completely clear. Some sources attribute the invention to Hung Ming, while others attribute the creation of dominoes to Keung t’ai kung and Fan Lai. Dr. Gustar Schlegel relates that the game was created around 1120 AD by a Chinese statesman who found it in the imperial treasury. It was during the reign of Kao-Tsung that the game was first played.
Originally, Chinese dominoes had only two pairs of ends. There were 21 possible combinations with each pair of ends. In modern-day Western dominoes, the ends of the dominoes are blank, and the pieces are shuffled face down on the table. Players take turns playing eight tiles, and the winner is the player who wins the most rounds. In many cases, the winner is the player with the highest points in the final round.
European-style dominoes
European-style dominoes are traditionally made from bone, ivory, or silver-lip oyster shell. Some modern versions are made of marble, soapstone, or wood. Many of these dominoes are also double-wide and double-sided. In addition, some dominoes feature contrasting pips. For a more unique version of the game, consider purchasing a set of European-style dominoes.
This game originated in China in the early eighteenth century, and was introduced to southern Germany and England by French prisoners of war. Once it reached Europe, dominoes quickly gained popularity and spread to other parts of the world, including North America. Today, dominoes are among the most popular board games in the world. You can play both classic and modern versions of the game. To find out more, check out our beginner’s guide to the game.
European-style dominoes differ from their Chinese counterparts in several ways. The domino tiles were originally made of wood, ivory, or ebony. Their pips were white. Today, the domino tiles are made of synthetic materials to improve their durability. Similarly, the newer playing decks have a thicker surface and additional weights that help them stay in place while playing. Those with more advanced skills can even make a living out of dominoes!
