Playing domino games online is a great way to pass the time. It is also a great way to practice for a real game with friends or family. You can even compete against other players on the internet and in tournaments. There are also many different options for games to choose from, such as the classic version with dominoes or a variation with sixes or nines pips. The online versions can be played from any computer or mobile device and they are completely free to use.
In most domino games, the goal is to remove all of your tiles from the table before the other players do. Each player has a certain number of dominoes in their hands that they can place on the table. A tile must be placed with two matching ends touching fully. This configuration is called a hook, a chain, or a line of play. The number of matching ends is known as the count. The player with the highest count wins the game.
The game starts with each player drawing a number of dominoes that corresponds to the rules of the specific game being played. The player with the highest total number of pips in their hand begins playing first. If no player has a high total of pips, the player with the heaviest single tile takes over the game. In some cases, a player can draw additional tiles from the boneyard and add them to their stack.
As the game progresses, the players develop a domino chain or a layout that extends across the table. The resulting line of play is referred to as the train. It is possible for other players to play on the train, depending on the strategy used by the other players and the luck of the draw. The trains can be used to create a series of combinations that result in a big score or to block the other players from scoring.
Another method of scoring is counting the pips left in the losing players’ hands at the end of a hand or the game and adding it to the winner’s score. The counting method can include the pips of doubles, although one common rule is to only count the lower end of a double (i.e. 4-4 counts as only 2 points).
The free version of online domino has some cool features that will keep you coming back for more. You can play the game with your friends in a multi-player game or you can compete against players from all over the world in an online ranking system. It is also compatible with all major browsers and operating systems so you can enjoy it no matter what device or platform you have. It’s easy to get started with just a few clicks. You can even log in with Facebook or Google+ to save your progress. This way you can keep track of your winnings and improve your skills over time.