Matador (domino game)

Matador is a domino game variant where the primary goal is to be the first player to empty their hand of dominoes. A distinctive feature of Matador is the use of specific dominoes, known as "Matadors," that can be played in unique situations when other plays are not possible.

Gameplay:

Typically played with 2-4 players, Matador begins with each player drawing a set number of dominoes (usually 7) from a shuffled set. The remaining dominoes form the "bone yard" or "stock." The first player to start the game is often determined by drawing lots, or sometimes by the player holding the highest double.

The first domino played usually sets the initial values for the ends of the line of play. Players take turns adding dominoes to either end of the line, matching the open ends. For example, if the end of the line is a '3', a player must play a domino with a '3' on one side.

Matadors:

Matadors are dominoes with a value that totals seven when added together. Examples include 6-1, 5-2, 4-3, and the double blank (0-0). The use of a Matador is triggered when a player cannot make a standard play.

When a player cannot match the open end of the line, they must play a Matador domino, if they have one. The numerical value of the Matador does not have to match the open ends. Instead, the value that would make the total equal to seven (when added to the open end value) becomes the value that must be matched in the next play. For example, if the open end is '4', a player can play a 3-4 Matador. The new open end value is '3' because 3+4=7, therefore the next player must play a domino with a '3' on it. If the open end is '0' (blank), a player can play a 0-0 (double blank) Matador and the new open end value is '7', since 0+7=7. 7 is a “wild” value that can be matched by any tile.

If a player cannot play a standard domino and does not possess a Matador, they must draw dominoes from the bone yard until they either draw a playable domino or the bone yard is exhausted. If the bone yard is empty and the player still cannot play, they must pass their turn.

Winning:

The first player to play all of their dominoes wins the game. In some variations, the winner scores points based on the value of the dominoes remaining in the other players' hands. If no player can go out, the game ends when all players have passed consecutively. The player with the lowest total of dominoes remaining in their hand is declared the winner.

Variations:

Numerous variations of Matador exist, often involving different rules regarding the drawing of dominoes, the use of Matadors, and scoring. Some variations may have different Matadors defined, or different conditions for playing them.