A domino is a small flat rectangular block used as a gaming object. Also known as bones, men, stones, or cards, each domino has a line in the middle to divide it visually into two squares and an arrangement of spots (or pips) on one side, with the other blank or identically patterned. These pips determine the value of the domino, which can range from six to none or blank. Each domino can be stacked on top of another to form a chain, called a stack or pile. This chain is the basis for a variety of games and puzzles.

Dominoes can be played with just two players, or with many. When playing with multiple players, each player must position their dominoes so that the ends of adjacent tiles match. This is sometimes called “stitching up” the ends of the chain. The player then plays a tile, either placing it directly on the end of a row of existing dominoes or laying it across a line of play. Each time a domino is played, the chains of matching ends grow longer.

While dominoes are typically made of clay or plastic, sets have been made from a variety of natural materials. Some are carved from marble, granite, or soapstone; others are cast from bronze or brass. Traditionally, European-style dominoes have been made of silver lip ocean pearl oyster shell (mother of pearl), ivory, or a dark hardwood such as ebony with contrasting black or white pips inlaid or painted on the top half. In recent times, some sets have been made of frosted glass or crystal, providing a novel look and feel.

Educators have found that dominoes can be a fun way to help children build key skills, including spatial awareness and color recognition. They can also help develop fine motor skills, such as moving and placing the dominoes correctly next to each other, as well as hand-eye coordination. In addition, they can spark a child’s imagination and creativity.

In addition to their educational value, dominoes can be fun for the whole family. They are a great way to relax after a long day and can be enjoyed by all ages. For example, young children can enjoy constructing a rainbow spiral with the classic 28-piece domino set, while adults can play a game such as domino slap. It is not uncommon to see a line of hundreds or thousands of dominoes set up in a careful sequence and then nudged just so, resulting in a spectacular cascade of rhythmic movement. This is often seen at domino shows, where builders compete to create the most impressive and imaginative domino effect or reaction before a crowd of fans.