A domino is a small block of wood or plastic with two square ends and a line in the center to divide it visually. The domino’s value is determined by the number of spots or pips on each end. The most common domino set contains 28 tiles, though larger sets exist with more than double-six. In general, the higher a domino’s value, the more likely it is to play an important role in a game.

Dominoes are used to play games such as poker, backgammon, cribbage and solitaire. The games are usually played with a number of people. Some are bidding games, while others involve blocking or scoring. A domino can also be used to illustrate a mathematical problem.

In fiction, the domino effect occurs when a character’s actions prompt reactions from other characters. It is important for writers to consider the domino effect when plotting their novels, as it can help to create compelling scenes. Whether they compose their manuscripts off the cuff or use a careful outline, novelists must answer the question, “What will happen next?” In this way, the story becomes like a series of scene dominoes that build on one another.

During the early days of chess, some players used dominoes to mark the field and control the game. This is known as a “domino gambit.” Although dominoes are used for many different games, they share some basic rules. The most important rule is that a player may not move a piece without having the previous piece on its foundation. This rule prevents the creation of a domino chain that could lead to an unavoidable loss.

The term domino is derived from the Latin for “flip,” which means to turn upside down or over. This is a reference to the way a domino falls when it is placed on top of another one. The word was later adopted to refer to a game played with the small blocks, which were also used as a way to circumvent religious prohibitions against playing cards.

A player begins a game of dominoes by drawing a certain number of tiles from the stock (or boneyard). Normally, these are placed face down and are called the stock or boneyard. After a player draws his hand, he places the first tile down, which is called the set, the down or the lead.

Traditionally, dominoes have been made from a variety of natural materials. European-style sets are often made from silver lip ocean pearl oyster shell (mother of pearl), ivory, or a dark hardwood such as ebony, with contrasting black and white pips inlaid or painted. Modern sets are more commonly made from polymer, although they can be found in a variety of materials including marble and granite.

Lily Hevesh is a freelance writer and blogger who enjoys writing about the arts. She is particularly interested in physics, history and science. She is an avid reader and loves to travel. She is also fond of cooking and making homemade gifts for her family and friends.