Dominoes has been one of the world's most popular games for generations. The earliest mention of the game dates back to the Song dynasty in China in the 13th century. It is believed that modern dominoes first appeared in Italy after being brought back from China by missionaries in the 17th or 18th century. The name "domino" is thought to have come from a costume worn during the Venetian Carnival, which consisted of a a black-hooded robe and a white mask. Since then the game has become a mainstay in communities all over the world. You can find the game being played on inner city sidewalks, in the back yards of suburban households, on children's bedroom floors, and even in big-money tournaments. Much of the allure of the game comes from its simple rules and the joy of playing with the iconic tiles. There are dozens of different games that domino tiles are used to play - in fact there are just as many variations as there are cultures that love the game. Some people think it is a game of blind luck, but this could not be further from the truth. Dominoes is a game of skill and strategy, and monitoring the tiles your opponents are playing is key to success. At the same time, the simple rules make it enjoyable for all ages and skill levels.