Domino is a game in which players score points by laying dominoes down in lines and angular patterns. It is played with a set of twenty-eight dominoes. Each domino has a blank or “blank” face, or one to six pips (“dots”), and there are many variations in the design and pips of the dominoes. The simplest domino set is called a double-twelve; larger sets are sometimes known as “extended” in which the number of pips on each end is increased by three to a maximum of double-nine.
Dominoes are made of materials such as bone, silver lip ocean pearl oyster shell (mother-of-pearl), ivory or a dark wood like ebony, with contrasting white or black pips inlaid or painted on them. There are also sets made of stone (e.g. marble, granite or soapstone); metals such as brass or pewter; ceramic clay; and even frosted glass. These sets tend to be more expensive than those made of plastic polymers, but have a more elegant look and feel.
The word “domino” appears to have come from two separate senses, both of which were in use at about the same time. The earlier sense referred to the long hooded cloak worn together with a mask during carnival season or at a masquerade, and the playing piece is often reminiscent of that garment. In English, the word began to be used in this sense shortly after 1750; in French, it had a still earlier meaning as a cape worn by a priest over his surplice.
To play Dominoes, each player draws five dominoes and mixes them up. Each player then plays a domino in turn until all his or her remaining dominoes have been played. When a player cannot make a play, the remaining dominoes are turned face up and all the players count the total number of dots on them. The player who has the lowest total count wins the hand.
To reach new customers and encourage brand loyalty, Domino’s uses targeted internet advertisements and direct marketing via email and text messaging. They also partner with sports leagues, music festivals and events to increase brand awareness. The company’s goal is to continuously improve customer services, the taste of their pizza and product delivery methods. This is to maintain their competitive edge in the fast-food market. In 2009, they were faced with a lot of complaints about the quality of their food and their service, so they decided to feature all the negative comments in a national advertisement. This was a bold move that paid off and increased their public image. The company has been growing rapidly since then. In 2014, they had over 3000 stores worldwide. Domino’s has a strong presence in the US, Canada, and Australia. They have also expanded to Latin America, Spain and the Middle East. In these markets, they are competing with other international chains such as Pizza Hut and Papa John’s.