Domino is a game of skill and luck in which players try to build a set of dominoes on the table. The game has become very popular worldwide, and many versions of it have been created. These games can be played alone or with friends, and they can vary in complexity and rules. Some are similar to poker or other board games, while others are more like traditional dice or playing cards.
Dominoes are rectangular tiles with a line down the center that visually divides them into two square ends with a number of spots or “pips” on each end. The number of pips on each end determines the value of the domino. Most dominoes have one value on each end, while a few may have zero dots or be blank. The value of a domino on each side can be combined to form a total value for the whole tile, which is then called its rank or weight.
Most modern dominoes are made of plastic polymer, but historically they have been made from ivory or bone; other natural materials such as stone (e.g. marble or soapstone); metals such as brass and pewter; woods including ebony; and a variety of other materials. These sets have a more traditional feel than polymer sets and are often preferred by older generations.
The word domino derives from the Latin dominus, meaning lord or master. The origin of the game is less clear, although both it and the word appeared in France in the late 17th century. In its earlier sense, the word denoted a hooded cloak worn with a mask during carnival season or at masquerades. It was also used to refer to a cape worn by a priest over his surplice.
A typical domino set consists of 28 tiles, with each tile numbered on both sides and with a line down the center that separates it into two squares. Each side of the domino has a different value, ranging from six pips to none.
There are a variety of domino games, ranging from simple to complex. The most familiar are draw and block games, in which players take turns laying down dominoes on the table until they have built a full row or a complete train of pieces. The winner is the first player to reach 100 points.
There are many different types of dominoes, from travel-size sets to large-tile formats ranging from Double-6 to Double-18. Some of these are called extended sets because they add a number of extra pips on an end to the number on the other. There are also additional ways to extend a set, such as by adding a set of dominoes that has the same number of pips on both sides of each piece. Increasing the number of unique combinations of ends allows more players to play more dominoes games. Some extended sets have as many as 190 tiles. These larger dominoes can be used for many different games and are a good choice for schools.