Domino is a game of chance or skill that can be played by two or more players. A domino has a rectangular or square base with an arrangement of dots, called pips, on one side and is blank or identically patterned on the other side. A player makes a play by placing or “setting” a domino on the table. As each subsequent domino is placed next to the first, a chain is formed that eventually falls over. These chains can be arranged to form straight lines, curved lines, grids that make pictures, stacked walls, or 3D structures such as towers and pyramids.

The basic rules of Domino are the same for both two and more players. Some games, however, have different rules for more than two players. For example, a game with more than two players may use only one domino for each turn instead of two. Likewise, some games have a set number of moves or tricks that must be made. In addition, some games require the placement of a certain number of tiles or pips before the ending moves are made.

There are also many variations of domino games. Some use the same basic rules as other domino games but have very different game play. Others involve scoring points, whereas others focus on blocking moves or eliminating all opponents’ tiles from the board. Most domino games are based on luck and chance, but some require strategy and skill as well.

Some of the most popular domino games are Block and Draw. In the Block game, each player takes a certain number of dominoes (for example, seven for two players or five for three players). A player who cannot place a domino passes his turn.

The Draw game is similar to the Block game, except that each player takes less at the beginning of the game. Also, each time a double is played, it must be followed by a tile that touches that domino on all four sides. The double and its two adjacent neighbors must then form a cross.

If a player does not have any tiles to play, he must draw new ones from the stock. The player who draws the heaviest domino, whether it is a double or a single, must make the first play. In the case of a tie, the player who has the highest numbered domino in his hand wins.

The most common material used for domino is ceramic clay with a plastic coating, although sets have been made from other natural materials as well. European-style domino sets have historically been 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 inlaid or painted on the surface. Some modern domino sets are made of a composite material such as resin, wood, or metal. These are more durable than clay and have a more attractive appearance, but they are often less expensive than other types of sets.