[DOMINOES.]
After the dominoes have been laid face down upon the table, and well shuffled, each player—and there should be but two—draws seven cards, the one having the highest "double" leading the game. In case there should be no double out, the player holding the highest number of spots on one card is entitled to lead. The two then play alternately until the game is so blocked that one cannot match a piece; the other then continues until he blocks himself or plays all his cards, thus winning the game. In case both are blocked, each counts the number of spots on the cards left in his hand, and whoever has the smallest number wins the game.
The game is so simple, skill consisting almost entirely in the power of memory, that it cannot be hampered by many rules, but there is much advice which the learner would do well to remember.
In playing, lay down such cards as will enable you to play at either end the next time, if possible.
Play the cards with the greatest number of spots on them first, so that in event of the game being blocked to both you may stand a chance of winning by spots.
The numbers of which you have the most are the best to play, since your adversary is likely to have less.
When it is possible for you to block the game, do not do so if you have been playing high cards and your adversary low ones, for in that case the chances are that he will be able to "count out." It is dangerous to block your own hand until you have become so skilled in the game as to be able to form some idea of the size of your adversary's hand.
If you hold a double, and one or more with the same number, play it as soon as possible; but do not try to make a number for it, otherwise your adversary, if he be a good player, will see what you are trying to do, and prevent it. But if you hold a double of an end at which your adversary cannot play, work at the other end in the hope of shutting him out of the game entirely.