Domino is an engaging combination of skill and luck that’s great for relieving stress, connecting with family and friends, or exploring creative expression. Additionally, it provides children with an exceptional learning opportunity. A domino is a flat rectangular block measuring three-inches by eight-inches that bears one to six dots on one side; 28 such tiles make up one set. Players may employ dominoes in many different games including straight lines or angular patterns, grids that form pictures when pieces fall or even 3D structures such as towers and pyramids!

The core principle of domino games involves matching and placing adjacent tiles to form a layout or string of play. The layout may consist of crosswise (with their matching ends touching), lengthwise, or with spinners between pairs of tiles at either end; its order of play depends on its rules; typically the player who draws a heavier double/single, or has one with more points, takes first play – alternatively the winner from previous game can start another one immediately after starting his previous one ends.

After players draw their hands, any excess tiles are placed face down into a stock or boneyard stack for later use depending on the rules of the game. Players generally must draw the number of dominoes allowed under these rules into their hand and add these new dominoes onto existing dominoes in their hands.

If a player draws more tiles than what is necessary for his hand, this is known as an overdraw and they must be returned back into the stock before any other player draws from it. His opponent may buy or pass along these extra tiles to other players as appropriate.

Playing dominoes requires converting potential energy stored within other dominoes to kinetic energy which then transfers from one domino to the next until all dominoes have fallen – an example of conservation of energy.