Dominoes are small flat rectangular blocks used as gaming objects. They are also known as bones, cards, men, pieces or tiles and come in a variety of colors and patterns. They normally feature a number of dots or spots on one side and are blank (or identically patterned) on the other. The total number of spots on a domino is its value, sometimes called its rank or weight. This value may range from six pips up to none or blank.
Like playing cards, they can be stacked on each other in rows or in pyramids to form intricate structures. In addition, dominoes can be arranged in a grid to form pictures or 3D structures like towers and pyramids. Dominoes can be purchased in sets, but many people enjoy making their own designs. They can be set up in straight or curved lines, a grid that forms shapes when they fall, or a chessboard pattern. Some designers make a living from their art by creating elaborate domino setups for movies, television shows, events and even album launches.
The most common set of dominoes is a double-six set with 28 tiles, but larger ones are available for more advanced players or for games requiring longer chains. There are two main types of domino games, blocking and scoring. Blocking games involve emptying one’s hand while blocking opponents from play, and scoring games award points based on the number of pips left in losing players’ hands.
To start a game, a player places a single domino on the table positioning it so that either end of the tile shows a number. If both ends show the same number, it is a “doublet”, and if the two numbers match (for example, 6-6), the pair is a “double-six.” Each player then takes turn placing a domino in front of them on the table. The first player to place a domino that makes both ends of the piece match wins the game.
As the domino chain grows, each subsequent piece played must touch each of the open ends of the previous domino. If the next domino has the same value as the previous one, it is said to “stitch up” the ends. A domino with a matching pair has its rank increased and a blank tile has its rank reduced.
The game stops when a player can no longer play a domino, or if the total sum of all the pips on a player’s remaining dominoes is lower than the score for that round. Normally, the winner is the player with the most pips after a specified number of rounds.
In this case, the name Domino’s is an anagram of Domino’s, and its meaning is a reminder to be mindful of what you do and how it can affect others. Those who follow this advice will have the strength to overcome difficult challenges and the wisdom to plan ahead for the unexpected.
