Dominoes are a type of game that involves laying down tiles in a line, or a shape, and then knocking them over. These tiles have a number printed on them, and they can be made to match up with one another in a variety of ways. There are many different types of domino games, from simple to elaborate, and they can be played by two or more people. Some games even have a winning score.
Dominoes have a history that goes back more than 500 years. They were first developed in China, where they were used to play a game that was similar to backgammon. Later, they were brought to Europe and other parts of the world, where they became popular for recreational use. There are now many different kinds of dominoes, including plastic, clay, and wooden versions. The most common are tile-based, and they are available in a variety of colors.
In a game of domino, each player takes turns playing a tile on the table. The tile must be placed so that it touches the end of a previous domino, or of a chain of dominoes if one exists. The player must also ensure that his or her own tiles will not be covered when the next tile is played. If a player is not sure whether or not he or she can cover the next tile, it is best to ask.
The first step in playing a domino is to set up the tiles on the table. Each domino should have its identifying marks, called pip spots, facing up. Some of these may be marked with a single number, while others are blank or identically patterned on both sides. The other face of a domino is usually flat, and it may be a contrasting color to the identifying marks. The dominoes must be arranged in a line or other shape, depending on the rules of the game being played.
A player can begin a domino game by drawing a hand of tiles from the stock. If a player draws more than he or she is entitled to, the extra tiles should remain in the stock. The player should not look at these extra tiles, and the tiles should be reshuffled before anyone else draws their hand.
After arranging the dominoes on the table, the player must then determine who will make the first play. This is often determined by the last player to play a tile, but it can be any player. The player who makes the first play may be referred to as the setter or downer of the game.
Lily Hevesh began playing with dominoes as a child. Her grandparents had a 28-pack, and she would enjoy setting them up in straight or curved lines and flicking them to see what happened. Hevesh has now turned her passion into a career as a professional domino artist, and her YouTube channel features several videos of her impressive creations. Her art includes 3-D structures, grids that form pictures when they fall, and complex curved lines. When creating her work, Hevesh often tests each section individually to make sure it works before putting them together.