In a game of domino, each player takes turns adding tiles to a line that gradually forms a snake-like chain. The line of play is sometimes called a layout or string and the matching pips on a domino are usually called spots, as they resemble those on dice. The first tile played in the chain is called the set, down or lead. Depending on the rules of a specific game, this tile may be placed so that it touches only one end of the chain or both ends (or both sides) and is therefore known as a spinner.
Regardless of the rules of a given game, the general concept is the same: the more tiles that are added to the chain, the higher the score. The game is won by the first person to reach a specified number or point total. This is usually determined by counting the ends of the domino chain or determining the total of all the pips on the dominoes in a particular line.
Dominoes are rectangular blocks made of wood or plastic and bearing identifying markings on one face. The other side of each piece is blank or identically patterned. The pips on the dominoes are similar to those on a die and are marked in an arrangement that is different from the standard way of marking a die, with some dots being empty, or blank. The traditional 32-piece domino set contains the pips that represent each possible result of two thrown dice and is distinguished from Chinese dominoes, which contain duplicates of some throws and divide the pips into suits rather than numbers.
The word domino means “little white one” in Italian and is a diminutive of the Latin word dominium, which also meant “little dominion.” Its earlier sense denoted a long, hooded robe worn together with a mask during a carnival season or masquerade.
Some games require that a certain number of dominoes be drawn for each player’s hand. A player who draws more than he is allowed to take places the extra dominoes back into the stock and reshuffles the deck before drawing his hands. In other games, players draw the number of dominoes they are permitted to add to their hand from the stock, thereby allowing them to make an additional play.
Most of the games listed on this website involve more than one player and are primarily for the enjoyment of family or friends. However, some can be played alone. If a game ends in a tie, the player holding the highest domino begins play in the next round. In a game that involves partnerships, the players may choose their seats by lot after the stock has been shuffled.
Some of the more popular domino games are bidding games, blocking games and scoring games. In these, each player bids or plays a particular domino in turn, and the winning player wins the game. In other games, a domino is played to the table in order to block or remove a particular opponent.