A domino is a rectangular tile with pips that can be laid out edge to edge on a table to form an ordered sequence of numbers. The pips on each domino are color coded to indicate its suit and, when all four suits have been used, the total count of the entire line forms the number of points scored. Most domino games are played between two or more players, but some can be enjoyed by one player alone. There are many different types of domino games, but most fit into a few basic categories: bidding or blocking games, scoring games and round games.
Each domino set contains a certain number of tiles, usually between 20 and 25 pieces depending on the design. Each player draws a domino from the stock, and then plays it according to the rules of the game. A domino that is not played may remain in the stock for later play or may be passed to another player, depending on the particular game. A number of different materials have been used to produce domino sets, and sets can be made from stone (such as marble or granite); soapstone; woods such as ebony or oak; metals such as brass and pewter; and even ceramic clay. Typical domino sets today are made from a polymer resin that is colored to match the pips.
In many domino games, a line of dominoes is formed as players make their plays. This configuration is sometimes called the layout, string or line of play. When a player places a domino, it must be positioned so that its open end is touching a matching domino at the opposite end of the line. Generally, the line of play is developed in a snake-line shape on the table, but the directional direction may be arbitrary depending on the rules of the game.
When playing a game with more than one player, each player must determine his seat at the table by drawing a domino from the stock and seating himself accordingly. The player who draws the domino with the highest number of pips takes the first seat, and so on. A player’s seat can change throughout the course of a hand or game, and this is sometimes done by counting the pips on the losing players’ remaining dominoes at the end of the game.
A domino that is played out of turn is often called a misplay. If a player discovers that he has played out of turn, the incorrect play must be recalled. Otherwise, the wrong tile must remain in place and will be played out of turn when the next player makes his play.