Dominoes are small rectangular blocks that are used for gaming. They are made from rigid materials such as wood or plastic, and they are decorated with a pattern of painted pips. Some domino sets also have blank or painted backs. Most domino sets have numbers on them ranging from 0 to 6 and are usually 3/8 inches thick.
The most basic type of domino game is for two players. In this case, each player draws seven tiles. Each of the players must then lay down a tile that matches a single end of the chain. This is known as the “stitch up” of the ends of the chain. Typically, the first tile drawn is a double-six. If a player is not able to play a tile that matches a single end, he will have to draw a new tile.
Alternatively, a player may only play a tile that has a number on one end of the chain. This is called the “chip out”. However, some versions of the game allow both players to chip out. Depending on the type of domino game, each player may be awarded a certain number of points for each match. For example, in a match that uses a pair of 2s, the winning player will receive points for every matching tile he or she has.
Another type of domino game is the “concentration” variant. This version requires the total number of pips in the set to be a certain amount. In this case, a player’s partner must be able to score a certain number of points before the round is over.
The game spread to Italy and France in the mid-18th century, and eventually to Britain in the late 18th century. It also appeared in American literature by the 1860s.
A number of different games are played, and players can be as competitive or as casual as they like. Typically, the winner is the player who has a higher total of points at the end of a round. These games can include chicken foot, Mexican train, and Five Up. There are a variety of ways to play, and some games even have an element of acrobatics to them.
Players can also play a “doubles” game. This is similar to a standard game of dominoes, but the doubles must be played to the right of the 6-6 tile. Doing this is a way to branch off from the traditional game. To do this, the player must place a second tile, perpendicular to the first, at the center of the table.
Players can also use “blocking” tactics in their games. If a player is not able or unwilling to play a tile that is a match for a certain end of the chain, he or she must draw a tile that is a match for that end. By doing this, he or she can make sure that the tower remains stable. Blocking is a useful tactic when playing larger-numbered dominoes.