Domino is a word used to describe small rectangular blocks of wood or plastic with a number of dots, called pips, on each side. They are usually twice as long as they are wide, making them easy to stack together and play with. Dominoes can be used to create straight or curved lines, grids that form pictures when they fall, 3D structures like towers and pyramids, and more. Some domino artists even use them to create art installations that are awe-inspiring. A few simple rules govern how dominoes can be arranged to produce the desired effect.
The most common domino sets have 28 tiles. They are often called “double six” or “double-twelve.” Some sets are extended to increase the maximum number of possible combinations of ends. The most commonly used extended sets are double-nine (55 tiles) and double-12 (91 tiles).
There are two main categories of domino games: blocking games and scoring games. In blocking games, players place a domino edge to edge against another, either identically (e.g. 5 to 5) or in such a way that they form some specified total (e.g. 13 to 23). The totals may be a single point, multiple points, or a variable number such as a percentage.
In scoring games, players win by accumulating more points than their opponents. This can be done by completing a line of play, placing all tiles in their hands on the table, or by counting the pips on the pieces left in the losers’ hands at the end of a hand or game. This method of scoring is also known as knucklebone scoring.
Some domino games involve a line of tiles called the line of play. This may be played lengthwise, the matching ends touching each other; crosswise, the matching sides of a double touching each other at their centers; or diagonally, as in a double-six game. Dominoes may also be played on a flat surface that is not a table, such as a floor or board.
When a domino is placed on a line of play, it adds its own unique energy to the chain reaction. This energy is transmitted from the top of the first domino to the bottom of the last one, and then to all other tiles. Physicist Stephen Morris explains that when a domino is standing upright, it has potential energy, which is its stored energy based on its position. When the first domino falls, much of this energy converts to kinetic energy, the energy of motion, and transmits itself from domino to domino.
Domino’s former CEO, David Brandon, and current CEO, Steve Doyle, were faced with a daunting task when they took over the company. By refocusing the company on its core values, including Championing Our Customers, and listening to employees, they turned things around quickly.
