Domino, a cousin of playing cards, are small flat blocks used for gaming and other activities. A domino is a rectangle with one side that has an arrangement of spots, or pips, similar to those on a die, and the other side blank or identically patterned. It also features a line in the middle to visually separate the two sides into squares. The number of spots on each side determines the value of a domino, which is usually indicated by the domino’s rank. For example, a domino with six pips has the highest rank and can “take down” more tiles than a domino with none or fewer pips.

Dominoes come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, and they can be arranged to make straight lines or more elaborate tracks. They can also be stacked to create 2D structures like towers and pyramids. Some people even use them to make intricate art, such as paintings and mosaics. They are also popular as party favors and toys for children.

Whether you’re using domino for games or as an art form, they are a fun way to explore geometry and engineering. Dominoes can be stacked in a variety of ways, and each way has its own benefits. For instance, a straight line of dominoes can be used to create a simple pattern such as a circle or a heart, while a curved line might create a more elaborate figure, such as a tree or a horse.

One of the most common uses for domino is in board games. Many of these games involve emptying or blocking opponents’ hands and scoring points based on the number of pips in the losing player’s remaining tiles. Some games, such as bergen and muggins, require players to play their entire hand before an opponent can score points. Others, such as matador and chicken foot, are a little more abstract, and can help kids learn about number recognition and counting.

Another important aspect of a good domino game is strategy. To be successful, players must plan how they will set up their dominoes and what they will do with them before the game begins. They may also need to consider the order in which they will place their tiles and how that might affect their opponents’ chances of winning.

In a traditional 32-piece domino set, each domino represents one of the 21 results of throwing two six-sided dice. The pips on each domino are arranged in pairs, with one pair representing the numbers from one to six, while the other pair has blanks or zeroes. Chinese domino sets, however, are typically longer than European ones.

The most common types of dominoes include doubles and triples, which are placed perpendicular to each other across the end of a row of matching dominoes. Some sets also feature doubles that are placed diagonally from the corner of a row. This allows for more complicated patterns to develop, such as a snake-line pattern that can continue outward from a central point.