Domino is a board game in which players compete to complete a line of tiles by matching and playing dominoes against one another, matching and playing matching dominoes as quickly as possible. Rules may differ depending on where it’s being played; there are numerous different kinds of domino sets ranging from polymer, wood and even real ivory or mother of pearl.

Each domino is a rectangular tile featuring dots, known as pips, on its surface. A zero has no dots while double has the most. Pips on dominoes help determine their value either when playing them as singles or adding them onto an ongoing line of play.

When playing dominoes, the player must position them near one another so as to complete a chain of pip. This can be accomplished by placing edge-to-edge domino tiles along existing domino lines or such that adjacent edges show numbers which correspond with those being played.

Dominoes are typically arranged on the table in a straight line known as the line of play or string, with open ends facing upwards. The first domino played is known as a setter, downer or leader of the game.

Once a player has completed their turn, they must select a domino from the stock and make their move according to its rules and game. If there is a tie for first play, additional dominoes are drawn until one person holds onto the heaviest tile in hand – the winner takes their turn as per normal rules of the game being played.

Once all players possess seven tiles in their hands, a domino line or string forms across the table. Depending on which game is being played, this may either run lengthwise or crosswise along its path; its direction depends on whether doubles are allowed for play or singles only are.

Once a player completes playing their tile, they must move all other dominoes along the line of play so that they remain adjacent and touching. This process, known as stitching up the ends, prevents future players from taking turns until one of the dominoes in line has been touched by one or more pieces that has been played atop it; otherwise play will continue until either all dominoes in line have been touched, or until all end up touching another domino. Some games allow unused dominoes may be bought by other players; others require them being left behind in boneyard.