Domino vs. Dominoes — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 20, 2024
Domino refers to a single tile in the game, marked with dots, while dominoes is the collective term for the set of tiles used in gameplay.
Difference Between Domino and Dominoes
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A domino is a single rectangular tile traditionally used in gaming, which is divided into two squares with a number of dots (or "pips"). Whereas, dominoes refer to the entire set of tiles, generally consisting of 28 pieces in a standard set.
Each domino features a specific configuration of pips ranging from 0 (blank) to 6, which determines its value and role in the game. On the other hand, dominoes as a set encompass all possible pairs of numbers that these pips can form, facilitating various game types.
In gameplay, a player places a domino onto the table, ensuring it matches the connecting tile's number of pips. Conversely, dominoes as a whole are manipulated as players strategize to block opponents and empty their hand first.
The strategy in using a single domino can influence the entire game, as placing the right tile at the right time can shift the momentum. In contrast, managing the set of dominoes effectively involves calculating odds, predicting opponents' tiles, and controlling the game layout.
Collecting dominos involves both art and strategy, as some enthusiasts collect different styles and materials, while competitive players focus on the tactical aspects of the entire set of dominoes, analyzing patterns and probabilities.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A single tile in the game.
The full set of gaming tiles.
Count
One
Usually 28 in a standard set.
Usage in Gameplay
Placed individually.
Used collectively.
Strategic Value
Can be decisive per play.
Overall management crucial.
Collectibility
Less commonly collected.
Often collected as sets.
Compare with Definitions
Domino
In competitive play, each domino's placement is strategic.
Placing the right domino can often lead to a win.
Dominoes
The game is popular worldwide, with many cultural variations.
In many countries, dominoes is a game that brings families together.
Domino
Each domino features a line dividing its face into two square ends.
This domino has three pips on one end and five on the other.
Dominoes
A game involving a set of marked tiles and based on matching numbers.
They spent the evening playing dominoes at the kitchen table.
Domino
A flat, rectangular piece used in the game of dominoes.
He carefully placed the domino on the table, matching it to the tile played just before.
Dominoes
The dominoes set includes tiles ranging from double blank to double six.
He checked the dominoes set to ensure all pieces were present.
Domino
Dominos are made from various materials like wood, bone, or plastic.
She preferred playing with wooden dominos for their classic feel.
Dominoes
Collecting antique dominoes sets is a hobby for some.
His collection of vintage dominoes includes sets from over ten countries.
Domino
The term can also metaphorically mean a trigger that causes a chain reaction.
His abrupt resignation was the domino that set off the company's restructuring.
Dominoes
Dominoes can be played in various styles, such as blocking and scoring games.
The scoring rules in their dominoes game added an extra challenge.
Domino
A small rectangular wood or plastic block, the face of which is divided into halves, each half being blank or marked by dots resembling those on dice.
Dominoes
Dominoes is a family of tile-based games played with gaming pieces, commonly known as dominoes. Each domino is a rectangular tile with a line dividing its face into two square ends.
Domino
Dominoes or dominos (used with a sing. or pl. verb) A game played with a set of these small blocks, generally 28 in number.
Dominoes
A small rectangular wood or plastic block, the face of which is divided into halves, each half being blank or marked by dots resembling those on dice.
Domino
A country expected to react politically to events as predicted by the domino theory
"The dominos did indeed fall in Indochina" (Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr.).
Dominoes
Dominoes or dominos (used with a sing. or pl. verb) A game played with a set of these small blocks, generally 28 in number.
Domino
A costume consisting of a hooded robe worn with an eye mask at a masquerade.
Dominoes
A country expected to react politically to events as predicted by the domino theory
"The dominos did indeed fall in Indochina" (Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr.).
Domino
The mask so worn.
Dominoes
A costume consisting of a hooded robe worn with an eye mask at a masquerade.
Domino
One wearing this costume.
Dominoes
The mask so worn.
Domino
(dominoes) A tile divided into two squares, each having 0 to 6 (or sometimes more) dots or pips (as in dice), used in the game of dominoes.
Dominoes
One wearing this costume.
Domino
(politics) A country that is expected to react to events in a neighboring country, according to the domino effect.
Dominoes
Plural of domino
Domino
A masquerade costume consisting of a hooded robe and a mask covering the upper part of the face.
Dominoes
Any of several games played by arranging domino tiles on a flat surface.
Domino
The mask itself.
Dominoes
Any of several games played with small rectangular blocks
Domino
The person wearing the costume.
Domino
(geometry) A polyomino made up of two squares.
Domino
A mistake in performing.
Domino
(intransitive) To collapse in the manner of dominoes.
Domino
(transitive) To cause to collapse in the manner of dominoes.
Domino
A kind of hood worn by the canons of a cathedral church; a sort of amice.
Domino
A mourning veil formerly worn by women.
Domino
A kind of mask; particularly, a half mask worn at masquerades, to conceal the upper part of the face. Dominos were formerly worn by ladies in traveling.
Domino
A costume worn as a disguise at masquerades, consisting of a robe with a hood adjustable at pleasure.
Domino
A person wearing a domino.
Domino
A game played by two or more persons, with twenty-eight pieces of wood, bone, or ivory, of a flat, oblong shape, plain at the back, but on the face divided by a line in the middle, and either left blank or variously dotted after the manner of dice. The game is played by matching the spots or the blank of an unmatched half of a domino already played
Domino
One of the pieces with which the game of dominoes is played.
Domino
United States rhythm and blues pianist and singer and composer (born in 1928)
Domino
A loose hooded cloak worn with a half mask as part of a masquerade costume
Domino
A mask covering the upper part of the face but with holes for the eyes
Domino
A small rectangular block used in playing the game of dominoes; the face of each block has two equal areas that can bear 0 to 6 dots
Common Curiosities
How many tiles are in a standard set of dominoes?
A standard domino set contains 28 tiles.
Are all dominoes sets the same?
No, domino sets can vary in size and number of tiles, commonly up to double-nine or double-twelve sets.
Can you play a game with just one domino?
No, you need a set of dominoes to play any of the recognized games.
What are dominoes?
Dominoes refer to both the set of tiles used in the game and the game itself.
What is a domino?
A domino is a small, rectangular tile used as one of the pieces in the game of dominoes.
What does 'domino effect' mean in common speech?
It refers to a situation where one event sets off a chain of similar events.
What's the difference between 'domino' and 'dominoes' in terms of gameplay?
'Domino' refers to an individual tile, whereas 'dominoes' is the game or the set of all tiles.
How do you win in dominoes?
Winning strategies vary, but generally involve placing all your tiles before your opponents can.
What materials are dominoes made from?
Dominoes are made from various materials, including plastic, bone, wood, and sometimes metal or stone.
Are there tournaments for dominoes?
Yes, there are many regional and international domino tournaments.
What's the best way to learn dominoes?
The best way is to learn the basic rules and then practice by playing games.
Can dominoes be played by two people?
Yes, dominoes can be played by two people, and it is a common format.
Is domino a game of luck or strategy?
Dominoes involve both luck, in drawing tiles, and strategy, in placing them effectively.
How old is the game of dominoes?
Dominoes has ancient origins, with some historians tracing its roots back to China in the 12th century.
Can dominoes be educational?
Yes, playing dominoes can help with skills like counting, pattern recognition, and strategic thinking.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
