Domino, also called a double six or simply a domino, is one of the world’s most popular games. It’s played in homes, schools, and community centers; it’s featured in literature, film, and music; and it inspires creative works of art and architecture. It’s no wonder that the game of domino has earned such a rich and varied legacy.
The term “domino” refers to any of the many different types of gaming tiles that are made from rigid material such as wood, bone, or plastic and then shaped to form flat, rectangular blocks with rounded corners and numbered, if not painted, dots or pips. The pips can be of any color and can be inlaid or carved. They can also be engraved with letters, numbers, or designs. The word “domino” is Latin for “little tiger.” It was first used in the 15th century.
Whether used for playing simple, traditional domino games or more elaborate creations, the game provides an ideal medium for fostering connections among friends and family members. The game has also inspired a number of forms of artistic expression.
There are countless variations on the basic game, with rules varying by game, player, and locale. For example, there are some games that only have two players; others require multiple players. In addition, the number of pips on a domino can vary as well; most commonly, there are sets with double-sixes and those with double-nine or more.
While the game has its roots in European culture, it has spread throughout the world and into virtually every corner of the globe. It has become a part of cultural heritage and is cherished by people of all ages and backgrounds.
The words set, down, and lead are used to describe the act of placing a domino onto a table for play. Once a domino is placed, it is then considered to be in the “line of play.” The line of play can be lengthwise or crosswise. Doubles are played crosswise, while singles are played lengthwise.
In some domino games, the winner is determined by counting the pips on all of the lost players’ tiles left in their hands at the end of a hand or the game. Other games determine the winning player by counting the total of all the pips on the heaviest domino in the losing players’ hands.
In the past, domino sets were often handmade. Traditionally, they were made from natural materials such as bone, silver lip ocean pearl oyster shell (mother of pearl), ivory, or dark hardwoods such as ebony, with contrasting colored pips. More recently, some sets have been manufactured from ceramic clay or frosted glass. These sets tend to be more expensive than those produced from polymer materials. However, they have the advantage of being more durable. They can withstand heat, moisture, and rough handling. In addition, they offer a more unique aesthetic. In recent times, some manufacturers have also experimented with using new, environmentally friendly materials such as bamboo.