Dominoes are small, square, rectangular or octagonal blocks with one to six spots (or pips) on each face. Stacking them on end in long lines, they can be pushed so that the first domino tips over, causing the next domino in line to tip, and so on until every domino in the line has fallen. This is called a domino effect, and it’s an amazing sight to see! Dominoes are used in a wide variety of games. Some have simple blocking and scoring rules, while others require skill and strategy.

Some of the most popular games in the world use dominoes. They may be played by two or more people, in teams or individually. The rules of the game determine who makes the first play and what sequence of plays follows. Each game of domino has its own unique rules, but there are some general principles that apply to all of them.

The most common way to play domino is in a line, and each player has a turn to make a play. When a player makes a play, she places her tile so that it is joined to the open end of the last tile played. The line of play is also referred to as a layout, string or chain of play.

When playing domino, the number of pips on a tile determines its value. A domino with more pips is “heavier” than a domino with fewer pips, and it is therefore easier to knock over.

A player’s seat at the table is determined by lot. When the stock is shuffled and the players draw their hands, the player who draws the domino with the most pips sits to the left of the other players. If there is a tie, the player who holds the heaviest double begins play.

Traditionally, dominoes have been made from natural materials. European-style dominoes are usually made of bone, silver lip ocean pearl oyster shell (mother of pearl), ivory or a dark hardwood such as ebony, with contrasting black or white pips. Modern sets are often made of polymer resin or plastic, but some players prefer the look and feel of natural materials.

If a player is losing a game, she may be penalized by counting the number of pips on the tiles left in her hand at the end of a hand or the entire game and adding this to the loser’s score. In some games, players may agree to not count the sides of a double, but only the ends. This rule is sometimes referred to as “playing off the ends.” This is a common variation in many games of domino.