Domino is a tile game that can be played anywhere. You can play against one or three opponents, the computer, or with friends or family. The game features a variety of tiles, tables, and pips. The goal is to build a pattern by matching the tiles. The first player to complete his or her hand will win the game.

The game begins with the player placing a tile on the table. The tile must touch one end of the domino chain. If a tile has the same number on one end, he or she must play it against that end. If the tile is played to the opposite end of the chain, it is said to be “stitched up”.

Traditionally, dominoes were made from ivory or bone. Some were made from mother of pearl shell. Other dominoes were made of ebony or dark hardwoods. The European style of dominoes is also made with ivory. Some have even been engraved with symbols, such as a star, heart, and a cross.

The first domino played in a hand is known as the “first” domino. When a player plays a domino, the opposing player mentally notes the numbers that are available. The game ends when the first player chips out. Some versions also require both partners to chip out. In these cases, the partner with the least number of spots wins.

The origins of dominoes are uncertain, but the game was originally played in ancient China. The earliest reference to dominoes is dated to the Song dynasty. It was introduced to Europe by French prisoners during the 18th century. However, the game did not become the modern game we know today.

Traditionally, domino games were scored by the number of pips that match the opposing player’s tile. In some versions, doubles are counted as one or two, while double blank tiles are worth a single point. The aim is to reach a certain score, usually 61 points. Before the game begins, players must agree on a target score. When the score reaches this level, the winning player wins.

In the late eighteenth century, dominoes arrived in Britain from France. The game may have been brought to Britain by French prisoners of war. In French, the word domino means hood, a black-and-white hood worn by Christian priests during the winter. Today, the domino game is most common in Latin America. However, the game is also found in Inuit culture. In fact, the Inuits play a game similar to the Western Dominoes and probably copied the game from Western culture.

There are many variations of domino. Most common sets are the Double Six with 28 tiles and the Double Nine with 55 tiles. However, many modern and popular games are designed for larger sets and more players. The rules can be adapted to suit the size of the set used.