Dominoes, also called bones, cards, men or tiles, are rectangular plastic, wood or ceramic pieces that feature a line in the middle to visually divide them into two squares. Each of these squares features an arrangement of spots, referred to as “pips,” similar to those on a die, though some are blank (or sometimes have no pips at all). The number of pips on each side of the domino determines its value in the most popular variant of the game. The value of a domino is determined by its rank, or the number of pips on its ends; higher-valued dominos have more pips on their sides and thus are considered “heavier.”
The first player to reach a set point wins the game. Generally, this is accomplished by placing a domino edge to edge against another with matching ends. When a double is played, the exposed ends must match, i.e. one’s touch, two’s touch, three’s touch, etc. The chain of dominoes then develops a snake-like shape as more and more tiles are added.
In some games, the remaining tiles are used to “chip out.” This is done by each player taking turns playing a domino until there are no more dominoes to play. This is a form of rummy.
Dominoes have a rich history and are widely celebrated in many cultures around the world as a social gathering of family and friends. They are a symbol of the human desire for connection, whether in bustling city streets or quiet village homes. Dominoes are also a great way to teach basic addition and subtraction.
For a long time, dominoes were manufactured in Europe using natural materials such as bone, silver lip ocean oyster shell (mother of pearl), ivory and dark hardwoods like ebony, with contrasting black or white pips on the numbered sides. In more recent times, sets have been manufactured in a variety of materials such as polymer, resin and clay, but these are not as popular as the traditional wooden or metal versions.
When used in fiction, dominoes can be used to create a sense of drama, illustrating the impact of one event on another and helping to build a story. They can also be used to create a sense of dread or tension by placing the setting of a scene in a dark or dangerous area.
Dominoes can also be used to highlight a certain characteristic or personality trait in characters. They can be used to portray a character’s stubbornness or determination, for example. They can also be used to show a character’s scheming or manipulative ways.
After a few years of turmoil and lawsuits, Domino’s started to turn things around. This was largely due to the company’s core values, such as listening to their customers. This led to new initiatives, such as a relaxed dress code and leadership training programs, that helped them grow and improve their business. In the end, they overcame their difficulties and went on to become a top workplace.