Domino is a game in which players score points by putting down dominoes in a line. This line is called the layout, string or line of play. Dominoes have a number of different numbers of dots on each side, from one to twelve. The number of dots on each side determines what kind of tile it is, and how it can be matched to other dominoes. For example, a double can only be played on the end of a line of dominoes that match its number.
There are many games that can be played with a set of dominoes, but most fall into two categories: blocking games and scoring games. Blocking games require the player to remove all of his opponent’s tiles from the board, while scoring games reward a player with points equal to the number of dots left in his opponent’s remaining tiles.
When playing a game, the first domino to be laid is often chosen by the winner of the previous round. If this is not possible, the player with the highest double in his hand goes first. In most cases, the highest double is a double-six; if that is not available, a double-four or another domino of higher value may be used.
Before a game begins, the dominoes are shuffled. This is done by placing them face down on a flat surface and moving them around without touching any particular domino. The resulting collection of shuffled dominoes is known as the boneyard. The shuffling may be done by the winner of the last game, or by each player at random. After shuffling, each player draws a hand of seven dominoes.
Dominoes are normally twice as long as they are wide, which allows them to be stacked on top of each other to form very long lines. This allows players to create complex designs with their dominoes, and to use the dominoes as a sort of art form. The most common way to build a domino line is by laying down an ‘end’ tile (a domino with the same number of pips as one on the other side) and then matching it with a domino that has its number showing on only one side.
Dominoes are typically made from a type of hardwood such as ebony, and have contrasting black or white pips inlaid or painted on them. However, other materials are also sometimes used for sets, including stone (e.g., marble or granite); other types of hardwoods such as ash, oak or redwood; metals; ceramic clay; and even frosted glass. These sets tend to be more expensive than wooden or polymer dominoes. However, they offer a unique and novel look to the game, and have a greater feel than polymer or wooden sets. Some sets are even made from a combination of these different materials.