Dominoes are tiles with two numbered halves used for matching games across many cultures.

The longer version

Each tile is divided into two halves, and each half carries from zero to six pips, so a full double-six set contains 28 unique tiles with no repeats. The blank half represents zero, which is why the earliest sets were effectively a way of writing out every unordered pair of two numbers.

Matching games work by laying a tile against a half of equal value, so the layout branches and players are frequently blocked, which is where scoring strategy comes from. Larger sets going up to nine or twelve exist for more players. The tiles appear independently in several cultures, and regional rule families differ mainly in what happens when nobody can play.

Where this entry sits

Facts here look at the rules, equipment and odd histories behind familiar sports and games, from balls and rackets to cards, boards and playing fields. Expect small details about scoring quirks, stadium design and the long story of the Olympic Games. The full list sits on the Sports and Games page, where every entry is listed in order.