Domino is a traditional board game that is played by several players. It is similar to a card game. Players take turns drawing and adding dominoes to the platform. Using their tiles, players can either add to a line or build a tower. Upon completion of a line, the next player must match one of the end tiles to part of the first tile. Depending on the domino, the matching may require a specific number of pips. This is called the “weight” of the piece.
Most domino sets contain a variety of different pips. Each piece is unique and has its own spot value. A double has six spots on each side of it. Other versions of the game have a different set of pips. For example, a domino with no pips might be called a “double-blank.” The most common version is with six pips.
The game can be played in many countries and can be played by a group of people. There are a variety of different versions of the game, including trick taking, positional and solitaire. All of these games require the use of dominoes.
The game originated in Italy and France, but it was eventually brought to England. Many believe that the game was first introduced to Britain by French prisoners of war.
Historically, dominos were made of ivory and dark hardwood. Several variations of the game are still played, especially in Latin America and Africa. However, most Western versions of the game are based on a positional system. Generally, the tiles are laid out in a row perpendicular to a line. One or more players will then move the tiles randomly.
The object of the game is to make a tower stable. If a tower falls, the game ends. Before the game begins, players must agree on a target score. They then draw one domino each to decide who plays first. Typically, the player who reaches the target score wins the game.
Originally, the word domino referred to a hooded masquerade costume worn by priests. It was later renamed to English dominie. Originally, the pieces of the domino were shaped like the cape of a priest.
Although the origin of the name is obscure, dominos are likely derived from the Latin dominus. Whether the game originated in China or France, the tile sets were clearly of Chinese heritage. In the 14th century, dominos were debated as to whether they were independently invented.
Traditionally, European-style dominos are made of dark hardwood, such as ebony, or mother of pearl oyster shell. But they have also been produced from various other materials. For instance, some have been manufactured from bone, as was the case in a popular game in the Inuit tribes of Canada and Greenland.
Unlike traditional card games, dominoes are not played against the CPU. Rather, each player can see the other players’ tiles. These can be a fun way to play with friends or family. Moreover, the game requires hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness, and develops colour recognition and fine motor skills.