Domino is a game where players place domino tiles edge to edge on the table. Each domino has a number that shows on one end and when it is played, the chain begins to build, increasing in length. The game is typically played out of turn, with each player taking a turn until everyone has exhausted their hands or the chains are blocked and no play can be made. There are many different types of domino games, including positional and scoring games.

Most domino games are played by two or more players, with each player taking turns playing a tile on the table and positioning it so that it touches one end of the existing chain. The player then takes the next available tile from his or her hand and plays it on the end that is touching the current domino. The number showing on the domino is then added to the total count. If the player has a matching set of doubles, he or she may continue to add them to the line of play until all the chains are joined with matching ends. This process is called stitching up the ends.

During this process, the domino can be moved, shifted, or rotated so that it is positioned better to make the best play possible. When a player has a matching set of doubles, this can also be done to create a larger domino chain, as this will increase the chance that it will fall in a way that increases the score.

The speed at which the chains begin to grow is determined by the number of dominoes that are touching, the type of tiles being used, and the rules for scoring. The fastest and most exciting domino chains are often created by using a large number of doubles. The most common dominoes are made of clay or plastic, although sets can be made out of other materials, including stone (e.g., marble or granite); woods such as ebony and birch; metals (such as brass or pewter); or ceramic clay.

Many dominoes feature a design or image that is printed on them, and there are many different ways in which these can be created. These designs can be simple, such as a line of dots or a picture. They can also be very elaborate, such as a grid that forms pictures when the dominoes are stacked or 3D structures such as towers and pyramids.

Domino can be a great game for family and friends, and can teach many valuable life lessons. The most important one is to be sure to complete the tasks that are most important first, and to not get distracted by trivial things that can wait until later. This is a key principle of the Domino Effect, which is explained in the book Influence by Robert Cialdini. The effect is named after a piece of advice given by Admiral William H. McRaven, who said he always started his day by making his bed.