Domino is a game of skill, strategy, and chance played with rectangular tiles called dominoes. Each domino has a line that divides it into two square ends, each marked with dots or blanks, and a shared identifying mark (called a pip) on the face of the tile. The backs of the dominoes are indistinguishable and may be blank or patterned. The first person to play all of their dominoes is the winner. The game has many variants, but most involve scoring points by blocking other players from laying their dominoes or taking them from their hands.
The game is also used for gambling purposes, in which the player aims to make a specified total on one of the dominoes. It is most often played with a standard double-six set, although many extended sets of larger numbers of dominoes exist. Some extended sets have the same number of pips on all ends, while others introduce new pips in the middle. The most common extended sets are double-nine and double-12.
Most people associate the word Domino with a game of skill, strategy paito china and chance, but it has long had authoritative undertones that have been associated with power and control. It is derived from the Latin word Dominus, which means master or lord. In ancient times, the name Domino was often given to individuals who occupied positions of authority, leadership, and dominance. The game itself originated in the 18th century, and it quickly became popular among Europeans in part because it allowed them to indulge their passion for gambling while circumventing strict religious proscriptions against playing cards.
Typical European domino sets include 28 tiles, each representing one of the 21 possible results of throwing two six-sided dice (2d6). Traditionally, the tiles were made of bone, silver lip ocean pearl oyster shell (mother-of-pearl), ivory, or ebony wood, with contrasting black or white pips inlaid or painted on them. Some sets are now made of more unusual materials such as marble, granite or soapstone; other types of wood; and metals including brass or pewter.
A more modern variation of the game is drawn Domino, in which a player draws 6 dominoes and starts by placing them in a row side by side with their matching edges touching. Each subsequent player adds a piece to the row in turn until it is complete, or they can’t and are booted off the game. The winning hand is the one that scores the most points.
Using an internet connection, players can compete online against other users around the world in games of Domino. A variety of computer programs and mobile apps are available for the game, as well as traditional domino tables that can be purchased at toy stores or specialty gaming shops. A free, downloadable version of the game is offered by numerous websites. Those who prefer the privacy and security of offline gameplay should consider purchasing a physical set of dominoes to use for the game.