Domino (also dominoes) is a game played with a set of small wood or plastic blocks, each topped with one or more dots resembling those on dice. It is a form of skill-based tabletop game that can be very competitive. The basic rules of domino are identical across games, but the specific rules vary from place to place.
For example, the number of tiles in a game may differ from one to another, and the way they are laid out on the table also affects the playability. In addition, the game may be played in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. A player wins by reaching the end of his line of play or by completing a specified pattern, such as an even number or an alternating pattern of odd and even numbers.
The game’s most recognizable feature is the line of play. When a player makes a successful play, it causes the dominoes to fall in a particular arrangement. This line of dominoes is called the string, layout, or line of play. The open ends of the dominoes are lined up in a row, with the starting point of the line indicated by the heaviest tile.
In many cases, dominoes are arranged to create an artistic display when they fall. Some domino artists are very skilled and can create incredible curved lines, grids that form pictures when they fall, or 3D structures such as towers and pyramids.
Creating such intricate arrangements is difficult and time-consuming. Hevesh works on several projects at once, sometimes involving thousands of dominoes. To make a single piece of art, Hevesh starts with a template and then tests each section individually before putting the whole project together. This process can take several nail-biting minutes as she waits for each domino to fall in its proper place.
Hevesh says that the most important physical phenomenon to understand when working with dominoes is gravity. When a domino is standing upright, it has potential energy, which is its stored energy based on its position. But when a domino is knocked over, it falls with rapid speed and transforms much of that potential energy into kinetic energy—the energy of motion.
A domino has more than just potential energy; it can also have negative energies, such as friction caused by contact with other pieces in a chain reaction. This friction produces heat, which can alter the material of a domino or even cause it to break apart.
Some people make a living by designing and making dominoes, but others enjoy playing the game for its own sake. For example, some people use dominoes to create sculptures in their homes or churches. They also set up large displays in public places such as parks and shopping malls to promote events. A domino enthusiast can also find a great deal of enjoyment by playing the games with friends. The social aspect of domino is one reason it has lasted for so long.