Domino is a game of chance and skill in which players try to score points by laying end to end. The dots on the exposed ends of the dominoes must total a certain number, usually five, to win.
A domino is a small, flat block with white or black dots on it. It is commonly stacked to form elaborate patterns that look impressive when they are knocked down.
The word domino first appeared in the early 18th century in Italy, then rapidly spread to Austria, France and Germany. It is believed to have been brought to Europe by Italian missionaries, but the exact origin of the game is unclear.
There are two main games of dominoes: the positional game and the block game, both played by multiple players. There are also variations of these games, some of which are more popular in particular parts of the world.
Traditional European dominoes are made from bone, silver lip ocean pearl oyster shell (MOP), ivory or a dark hardwood such as ebony. Other materials can be used, including woods such as ash, oak or cedar, brass, pewter and ceramic clay.
The blocks are usually twice as long as they are wide, and each block features a line in the middle to divide it visually into two squares called ends. Each side of the block has a value, from six to none or blank.
Several variants of the block game exist, based on different rules. One of the most common is the Draw Game, which involves picking a sleeping domino from a set of dominoes before each turn. Another is the Cross Game, which has a different starting doublet, requiring that all of the next four tiles be played against it.
In the Draw and Cross games, each player starts with a predetermined number of tiles, such as seven in the case of the Draw Game or 55 in the case of the Block Game. If a player cannot place a tile on their turn, they must pick a sleeping domino from their set and add it to their set, or pass their turn.
Other popular types of dominoes include those that can be stacked to form 3D structures such as towers and pyramids. These are often sold in sets of 12 to 16 pieces.
Some dominoes also have Arabic numerals instead of pips, which make them easier to read. They can also be designed to display a pattern that changes when the domino is tipped.
Dominoes can be used in many other games and crafts, including papercrafts. Using a single domino to design a piece of art is a fun way to bring creativity and play into your life.
The domino effect can be a powerful concept in many areas of life. It’s an idea that is rooted in the politics of the Cold War, but it can be applied to any situation in which a single action leads to an escalation of events.