by A domino is a small, flat, rectangular block used as a gaming object. Often, it is used in conjunction with other pieces, such as a die, a spinner, or a board. The identity-bearing side of a domino is marked with an arrangement of spots, called pips. The other sides of a domino are blank or identically patterned. The number of pips on each side of a domino determines its value in a game. The value of a domino may also be described as its rank or its weight.
Many people enjoy stacking dominoes on end and arranging them in long lines. When the first domino in a line is tipped over, it triggers the next one to fall. Over time, a domino chain can form very complex designs. This is the concept behind the term domino effect. In literature, writers use the domino effect to show how one event can have far-reaching consequences that may not be immediately apparent.
Dominos are also a popular choice for children to use as toys, either alone or in groups. The individual dominoes can be stacked on end to form lines or they can be placed at right angles to each other to create 3D structures such as towers or pyramids. The pieces can also be arranged to form shapes such as hearts or flowers. Children also like to build a maze using dominoes and then try to navigate through it.
In addition to traditional domino games, they can be used to play positional games that require the players to place one domino edge to end against another in a way that the exposed ends match (i.e., the ‘one’s touch the ‘two’s and the ‘two’s touch the ‘three’s). In these games, the total of the dots on each exposed end of the domino must be a multiple of five to win.
Other types of domino games include scoring games in which the players try to accumulate points by laying a series of dominoes in such a way that each of the exposed ends match (i.e., ‘one’s touch one’s and two’s touch two’s’). The points are scored according to the rules of the particular game.
For example, in the game of double-six, each exposed end of a domino is valued at six points. When the final domino is played, the player scores six points for each ‘double-six’ that remains in the opponent’s hands, except for a count of one or two above a multiple of five.
Some sets of dominoes are made from natural materials such as bone, silver lip ocean pearl oyster shell (mother of pearl), ivory, or a dark hardwood such as ebony. These sets tend to have a more elegant look and feel than those made of polymer materials. They are also usually more expensive than those made of polymer. A few domino sets are crafted of marble, granite or soapstone for a more durable look and feel.
