Domino is a game of skill and strategy, as well as chance. It can be played with two or more players, and there are many different rules for each variation of the game. Traditionally, domino was set up on a table or other flat surface such as the floor, but now some games are available that are played on an electronic device.
Domino has cultural significance across various societies, as it provides a unifying force that transcends linguistic and geographical boundaries. Whether played in bustling city squares or quiet village homes, it brings people together and highlights our innate need for connection and companionship.
Each domino has an identity-bearing side that is marked with a pattern of dots, or “pips”—similar to the ones on a die. The other side is blank or identically patterned. Some domino sets are also made from 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 (inlaid or painted).
The first player to place his or her tile begins play. Each player draws the number of tiles specified by the rules of the domino game being played, and then places them in front of himself. The heaviest domino is the starting point of the next turn, and may be played in either direction. If no one has a domino with the right amount of pips, the player holding the highest double starts. The player to his or her left must then play a matching tile before another tile can be placed.
Domino is an excellent way to teach students the value of taking turns and listening to others. It’s also a great way to encourage teamwork, as students work together to match up the domino pieces and connect them end to end. Teachers can even use Domino as a fun and exciting learning tool to help students practice fractions.
When the first domino is tipped over, its high center of gravity causes it to rapidly spread out in all directions. This process is called the domino effect, and it’s a fascinating example of the power of small actions.
Stephen Morris, a Ph.D., is a professor at Michigan Technological University and an expert on domino. He has written several books about the game and has taught it to children and adults around the world. He has a passion for demonstrating how the physics of dominoes relates to the real world.
While the most common type of domino set has 28 tiles, there are a variety of different sizes and shapes of pieces, and there are even dominoes that can be used in multiple games. For instance, there are double-nine sets (55 tiles) and double-12 (91 tiles). In some cases, a domino set is “extended” by introducing ends with additional pips. The most common extensions are double-18 (190 tiles) and double-nine (55 tiles). Occasionally, larger sets are created that extend out to double-nine and beyond.
