Domino (also known as dominoes, bones, cards or men) is a game in which the players set pieces in long lines and then knock them over in a cascade of rhythmic motion. It is a game of skill and luck that involves planning ahead and taking turns in order to win.

It also encourages children to learn about number recognition and counting, and it teaches them the importance of good sportsmanship. There are many different types of domino games, including scoring and blocking games for two to four players. Blocking games involve emptying one’s hand while blocking opponents’ play, while scoring games such as bergen and muggins require the losing players to count the number of pips on their remaining dominoes.

Some players build large, complicated domino structures called art pieces that can be admired for their beauty and structural complexity. A piece of domino art may be made up of straight lines, curved lines, grids that form pictures when the dominoes fall or even 3-D structures such as towers and pyramids. Artists may plan out their domino track on paper and then use the actual pieces to create it, or they may build it in stages. Some of the largest structures can take several nail-biting minutes to fall.

The word domino comes from the Latin dominus, meaning lord or master, and it’s often associated with the principle of cause and effect. For example, a domino that is tipped over can cause other dominoes to tip, and this is what gives rise to the popular expression, “domino effect.”

In terms of physics, the most important factor in creating an elaborate domino setup is gravity. When a domino is stood upright, it has potential energy that can be transferred to other pieces in the chain reaction, but once the first domino falls, most of this potential energy is converted to kinetic energy and the other pieces begin to tumble.

Most modern dominoes are manufactured from a polymer such as plastic or resin, but they have historically been made from bone, silver lip ocean pearl oyster shell (mother of pearl), ivory or a dark hardwood such as ebony, with black or white pips inlaid on them. These sets are typically more expensive than those made from polymer, but they provide a more authentic look and feel.

There are also a few other materials that have been used for dominoes, such as marble, granite or soapstone. These sets typically have a more natural, rustic look and are heavier than those made from polymer. They are usually more difficult to manipulate and may have less precise tolerances, but they can give a domino a unique look and feel that is attractive to some people. Some individuals and organizations even collect rare, antique or handmade dominoes. These sets can be very valuable, and they are sometimes displayed in museums and other public spaces. Some collectors even display their collections in special rooms in their homes or businesses.