Domino is a game of skill, chance, and strategy that has enthralled players for generations. It is also a popular way to pass the time and socialize with friends and family. Whether in bustling city squares or quiet village homes, domino brings people together by emphasizing our innate desire for connection and community.
A domino is a small rectangular tile marked with an arrangement of spots, or “pips,” on one side and a blank or identically patterned other side. The pips are usually numbered, although some sets have the pips replaced by Arabic numerals to make the tiles easier to read.
Like playing cards, of which they are a variant, dominoes have a long history and are used in many cultures around the world. They have become a symbol of humankind’s shared humanity, transcending cultural and linguistic boundaries.
The most popular games of domino are blocking and scoring, although there are solitaire dominoes as well. These games use the same basic rules as block and scoring games, but are played with a smaller number of dominoes. Depending on the version of the game, a player may score points by laying the most matching dominoes or by knocking all of the opponent’s dominoes out of play.
After a domino set has been shuffled, each player draws a domino from the stock and places it in his hand. The player with the heaviest domino, whether double or single, makes the first play. If the players cannot agree on who should play first, the choice is determined by lot. Alternatively, the players may draw additional dominoes from the stock and “buy” their position (See “Passing and Byeing,” below).
Some players are known for their ability to create intricate domino setups. These creations can take several nail-biting minutes to fall, but once the dominoes reach their tipping point, they tumble with rhythm and beauty. A University of British Columbia physicist demonstrated the power of the domino effect in a 1983 study.
While the domino effect is beautiful, it can be disastrous if the dominoes are not properly placed or if an accidental nudge sends them careening out of control. For this reason, some people prefer to use wooden dominoes when they play.
In addition to the traditional games, some modern-day dominoes are made of natural materials such as bone, silver lip ocean pearl oyster shell (mother of pearl), ivory, or a dark hardwood such as ebony, with contrasting black or white pips. These pieces often have a more substantial feel, and can be crafted in a variety of shapes to add visual interest to the set. Some newer sets are even made of glass or ceramic clay. This gives the dominoes a unique look and feel, while still allowing them to be used in the same fashion as polymer dominoes. These sets are generally more expensive than their polymer counterparts, but they can offer an attractive and durable alternative for aficionados who prefer natural products.