Domino is a generic game piece that can be used for a number of different games. Although some of these games have the same name in various parts of the world, they often have very different rules. Some of the most popular domino games include the Block and Draw games.

The word domino is derived from the Latin dominium, meaning “flip over.” The term was applied to a particular type of game that involved placing pieces on the table in such a way that they touched one another, either side-to-side or end-to-end. The first player then played a tile on top of these dominoes, which resulted in a chain of dominoes that gradually increased in length.

There are many different types of dominoes, including wooden, plastic, and polymer clay. In addition, some sets are made of a variety of natural materials such as silver lip ocean pearl oyster shell (mother-of-pearl), ivory, or dark hardwoods like ebony, with contrasting black or white pips inlaid on the surface. These sets have a more traditional look and are generally more expensive than those made of polymer materials.

While the basic Domino game can be played with any set of dominoes, there are some games that require specific tiles. These are called specialty dominoes and may be more difficult to find in stores. Some specialty dominoes feature a unique marking, such as a dotted line or a special symbol. Other special dominoes are shaped differently and have a color or texture that adds to the game play.

Whether you are planning out an elaborate domino art, setting up a game to play with friends or family, or building a structure from bricks, you should consider the domino effect as you plan your design. Domino art can be as simple or as elaborate as you want it to be – straight lines, grids that form pictures when they fall, stacked walls and even 3D structures like towers and pyramids. In a domino show, builders compete for the most impressive and imaginative domino effect or reaction before an audience of fans.

When playing a domino game, you need to follow certain rules to avoid making a mistake. If you make a mistake while playing, it is referred to as a misplay and must be corrected before the next player plays his tile. Some of the most common errors involve the lining up of the dominoes or the order of play.

Sometimes it is possible that all players will be blocked from making another play, in which case the game ends. Occasionally, there are a few dominoes that are able to be matched up to each other, which is called a tied game. In a tieged game, the winner is determined by the number of matching dominoes left in the stock.

When a player draws more dominoes for his hand than he is allowed to have, it is referred to as an overdraw. In this situation, the player must draw the extra dominoes from his hand, without looking at them, and return them to the stock before anyone else draws from it.