A domino is a small rectangular block that is used for games. They are usually twice the length of their width and are made from hard materials such as wood or bone. However, you can also buy them in plastic. Traditionally, they are made of ivory, mother of pearl oyster shell, silver lip ocean pearl oyster shell, and dark hardwood.
Dominoes are played by placing them in rows of five or seven. Each player picks a number of tiles from a certain number of sets. The goal of the game is to play the number of pips that will add up to a number that is seven when added to one of the ends. Most domino games are variations of card games.
The word domino was first recorded in the 1771 Dictionnaire de Trevoux. In the mid-18th century, dominoes began to spread in Italy, France, and Austria. By the end of the nineteenth century, they had begun to make their way to England. French prisoners of war brought them to England.
These simple game pieces can be played by two to four players. There are a variety of different domino variants, including trick-taking and solitaire games. Other games can involve putting the tiles in specific order to create interesting shapes.
Some games even require the use of a computer. Although it is not necessary, it can provide a fun challenge. You can play against the computer or against a friend. If you do not have dominos, you can still enjoy the game by using other objects.
While there are many different kinds of games, there are three common types. The first type is called a “block and draw” game, which involves two to four players. It works by determining a sum of pips on a layout that is a multiple of 5. The second type is called a “doubles” game. This requires that you place your tile in a way so that your double touches the middle of your chain.
One of the more obscure variants is a game called Tien Gow, or Chinese dominoes. This is played with 32 pieces and each piece represents each face of two thrown dice. When the pips are lined up in a specific pattern, the results can be seen.
Another variant is the concentration variant, which is played with a double six set. It works by placing all of your tiles on a row, and then playing the tile with the highest total pip count.
Lastly, there is a very old version of dominoes, which is similar to the modern game. This is called the cloak, which was a long-hooded cape worn by priests. During the late 1700s, a variety of new games were created. Many of these games included a domino component, and the word domino was finally re-used.
The word domino is actually derived from the Latin term for masquerade mask. Originally, the name meant a mask or cape that a priest might wear.
