Domino is a game with small rectangular blocks, usually 28 in number. Each domino has an identifying mark on one side and is blank or identically patterned on the other. The identifying mark is an arrangement of dots, called pips, similar to those on dice. The game may be played with a single player or with two or more players. Each player in turn plays a domino into the field by placing it so that its end touches the end of an existing domino chain. As more tiles are played, the domino chain gradually grows in length. A player who places a tile that results in both ends of the chain showing the same number is said to have “stitched up” the ends.
The first player, determined by the drawing of lots or the person holding the heaviest domino, begins play by laying the first domino on the table. The next player then matches it to a tile in his hand and continues this process until all the pieces are laid. The last domino, called a “main” or “mainline” domino, is a key piece that allows the player to create an uninterrupted chain of pips. This chain may then be used for scoring or blocking games, such as bergen or muggins.
A domino set may be made of different materials, including bone, silver lip ocean pearl oyster shell (mother of pearl), ivory, a dark hardwood such as ebony, or polymer. In addition, some sets are decorated in various artistic styles. These decorative elements are intended to enhance the appearance of the game. The playing surface is traditionally a wooden board, but plastic dominoes are also commonly used.
There are many different games that can be played with domino, but most involve emptying a player’s hands while blocking opponents from playing their tiles. Some games are scoring games, such as bergen and muggins, in which the number of pips on the losing players’ tiles is recorded. Others are blocking games, such as matador and chicken foot. Still other games, such as solitaire and trick-taking games, duplicate card games and were originally popular in areas with religious restrictions on gambling.
Lily Hevesh began playing with domino when she was 9 years old and soon developed a passion for the game. She started a YouTube channel that has attracted more than 2 million subscribers and now makes a living creating stunning domino setups for movies, TV shows, and events, as well as for private clients.
The success of Domino’s Pizza was based on a strategic business plan devised by founder Tom Monaghan. He chose to open stores in high traffic locations, such as near college campuses. This strategy allowed Domino’s to reach a large audience and build brand recognition quickly. This helped the company grow to over 200 stores by 1978. The success of Domino’s inspired other restaurant chains to adopt this strategy. Today, most restaurant brands have at least one location on college campuses.
