The game of domino has become a global phenomenon. From professional domino game competition to building elaborate setups that are then knocked over, the simple yet sophisticated tiles have inspired a variety of games and activities. In fact, a person who has mastered the art of creating domino setups can earn a living as a domino artist. While some domino artists build intricate displays for movies, TV shows, and events—including the album launch of pop singer Katy Perry—most work at smaller companies where their creations have a more immediate impact on employees’ and customers’ lives.
Dominoes are flat, thumbsized blocks with one to six dots or pips on each end, with two of these ends facing each other. The values of the pips are added to determine the value of each tile. A single-ended domino has one value; a double-ended domino has two. There are 28 dominoes in a standard set, though extended sets exist that increase the number of unique combinations of ends by adding additional pairs of tiles.
A domino is normally twice as long as it is wide, which makes the tiles easy to stack and re-stack. Often, the edges of each side are smooth or ridged to prevent them from sticking together. The pips are usually color coded and can be labeled with their corresponding numbers or with a letter representing the domino number’s rank, which varies from A to F.
Most of the most popular domino games use a standard or double-six set, which contains 28 dominoes. However, there are many other games that can be played with other types of dominoes. These include a number of card-based and arithmetic-based games.
In the past, dominoes were also used as a tool for social control. By requiring players to agree on a particular sequence of actions, domino games provided an effective means of regulating behavior. They can be a great way to foster cooperation and collaboration among people who do not know each other well, or who may have contrasting or conflicting interests.
Dominoes are often used for educational purposes in schools and libraries, as well as by individuals. They can be an excellent way to develop logical thinking and strategic planning skills, as well as improve concentration. They can also be a fun and exciting activity that can help to relieve stress.
The game’s popularity has increased with the advent of online gaming, which allows more people to play at home. Some online domino games are based on skill, and others involve chance. In the latter category, a common type involves betting on the outcome of a roll of the dice.
The game originated in the 1300s in China and has been adapted for numerous games and activities. It was then introduced in Europe, where it quickly became a fad. Dominoes were adopted by Native American tribes as well, who developed a set of games that are very similar to the Western version.
