Dominoes are small rectangular blocks of wood or plastic, marked with a pattern of dots that resemble those on dice. They are used for a variety of games. A domino is most familiar as a game in which players build up chains of dominoes by placing one tile on the edge of a playing area, then putting the next on top of it. As each domino is pushed down, it causes other tiles to fall, and the chain continues until all the dominoes are in place. Dominoes can also be arranged to form other shapes, such as squares or towers. The most spectacular domino constructions are known as “domino art” and can feature lines that curve, grids that create pictures, stacked walls, or even 3D structures like pyramids. The word domino is also a verb that means to cause something to happen in a cascade or to knock over something with one push.
In the early 1800s, European missionaries brought the game of domino to China. From there, it spread throughout the world. Today, there are many different types of dominoes and games. Some of the most popular include Block, Double-Five, and Twenty-One.
A domino has a blank or identically patterned face on one side, and an identifying mark, called a pip, on the other. A domino’s pips are arranged in sets of two, three or five. A domino with the same number of pips on both sides is a double. A domino with a lower number of pips on one side and higher on the other is a triple.
The history of dominoes is a story of cultural exchange and influence. European dominoes are most often made of bone or ivory, and have contrasting black or white pips inlaid or painted on them. They are based on the ancient Chinese game of Qiu, and were brought to Europe in the 18th century. Chinese dominoes are generally larger and longer than their European counterparts.
Many other materials have been used to make dominoes over the years. Besides the traditional bone and ivory, set makers have used stone (e.g., marble, granite and soapstone); other hardwoods (e.g., ebony, walnut and redwood); metals (e.g., brass and pewter); ceramic clay; and even frosted glass or crystal. These sets typically have a more distinctive look and feel, but are usually more expensive than polymer dominoes.
Domino’s has taken a holistic approach to its strategic moves. In addition to improving recipes and utilizing fresher ingredients, the company is investing in new technologies that allow it to deliver pizzas faster and more efficiently. This is in line with the overall strategy of Domino’s to increase customer satisfaction and remain competitive.
A player wins a domino game by being the first to reach a predetermined number of points, usually 61. Each player begins by drawing a hand of seven dominoes. Then, each player plays a domino by positioning it so that its pips match those of an open end on the chain. When the chain is complete, a point is scored for each time a domino’s total is exactly divisible by 5 or 3 (with doubles counting as both).