A domino is a small rectangular wooden or plastic block with blank or identically patterned sides. One side of the domino is marked with an arrangement of spots resembling those on dice; this side is called the “value.” The number of pips on a domino determines its value and the rank of the piece in a game of domino. The domino is normally twice as long as it is wide.
Dominoes are used in games of chance and skill. The rules of the different domino games vary, but most follow a general pattern. The first player makes a play and then the other players add tiles to that play, working clockwise around the table. The line of play, which is formed as tiles are added to the original tile, is called a string or a layout. The open end of a domino, which is the side facing up when the piece is set down, is called its “point.”
A player may play out of turn as long as it is discovered before the next player begins to play. In this case, the player must recall his tile. Then, the next player must continue the chain reaction by playing a tile on an adjacent point. If a player fails to do this, he must draw new hands.
If there is a tie, the player holding the highest double or the heaviest single begins play. The winner of the last game may also begin play in some games.
The most common set of dominoes is called a double-nine, or simply double-nine. It contains 28 pieces. It is possible to buy extended sets of double-nine, double-12, and double-18, which increase the maximum number of pips on an end from six to nine.
There are many variations on domino games, but most fit into four categories: bidding games, blocking games, scoring games and round games. Each category requires a different strategy.
In addition to the traditional games, domino can be used to create artistic displays. For example, artists can use it to create curved lines, grids that form pictures when they fall or 3D structures such as towers and pyramids.
The name domino is derived from the Latin word dominium, which refers to a hooded cloak worn together with a mask at carnival time or a masquerade. The term also denoted a garment that contrasted with a priest’s white surplice. The word and the game both appeared in France shortly after 1750. It has been suggested that the contrasting colors of the domino pieces reminded people of this garment. The word was borrowed into English at about the same time, and both the garment and the game became popular in England and America. The term soon spread to Europe. In France, the word initially denoted a cape worn by a priest over his surplice, and it is this sense of the word that probably led to its association with the game of domino.