Domino is a game of skill and strategy that has captivated people around the world for centuries. It goes by many names and has a wide variety of rules that can vary considerably from one game to the next. Regardless of how you play, domino is always fun, and it can also be educational for young children.

In order to start playing, each player draws a number of tiles according to the rules of the specific game being played. The player who holds the heaviest double begins play. If no player has a double, then the player with the highest numbered single starts. The order of play can be changed if the players agree to do so or if an earlier game ends in a tie.

A domino set can be made from various materials, including wood, ceramic clay, glass, or even frosted plastic. Plastic sets are generally less expensive than wooden or metal ones and can offer a similar look and feel to the more traditional, elegantly designed domino sets. Many of these sets are available in a variety of different colors, making it easy to find a set that matches a person’s personal style or decor.

When setting up a domino line, it is important that the first tile be positioned in a way that it will not fall over or knock over other tiles. A small mistake may cause the entire chain to topple, which will delay or prevent further play. In addition, it is not uncommon for a single domino to be flipped by accident, causing a subsequent piece to tip over and so on. This can be annoying for players who are trying to play carefully.

Once a domino is placed, it can only be moved to another position on the line if it has an open end (the side with the pips) adjacent to a matching closed end. For example, a double can be played to an open-ended double, but not to a single. It is important to note that the pips on a single domino must never be played to an open-ended double, and that the same rule applies to any other types of dominoes.

The game is played by placing dominoes on a table in long lines of dominoes with matching ends touching one another. When a domino is played, the matching ends must touch each other completely and the domino cannot be moved from its position until another tile is placed upon it.

While domino is a game that can be played by just two people, it is often more fun with more players. This can add a social element to the game as well as an extra challenge and difficulty for the players.

There are many games that can be played with a domino set, but most of them fit into four categories. These include bidding games, blocking games, scoring games, and round games. Some of the most popular domino games are derived from these categories, but other games exist that are not related to any of these four.