Domino is a type of game that uses a sequence of domino blocks to determine the winner. The blocks are stacked on end to form long lines, and when one is tipped over, it causes the next domino in line to tip over, and so on. This can create very complex designs, and can be a fun way to spend time with friends and family. Some people even use dominoes as art, building curved lines, grids that form pictures when they fall, and 3D structures such as towers and pyramids.
There are many ways to play domino, and each game has different rules and objectives. Some games focus on scoring points, while others involve blocking opposing players’ progress. In a score-based game, the player who reaches the specified target number of points wins. Points are usually awarded by counting the number of pips on opposing players’ tiles, with double-blank counted as zero or 14. Some game variants also use colored dominoes (typically painted ebony) that have specific values depending on their color and design.
Many modern domino sets are made of plastic, but they have been produced in a wide variety of materials including silver lip ocean pearl oyster shell (mother of pearl), ivory, woods such as ebony and walnut, metals such as brass or pewter, and even ceramic clay. Some of these natural materials and their resulting products have a richer, more elegant look than the standard polymer dominoes, but they can be more expensive to purchase.
In 1967, Domino’s began operating its first official franchise locations in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Domino’s founder, Tom Monaghan, emphasized putting his pizza shops near college campuses to attract young customers, who were often the primary breadwinners in their families. This strategy was successful, and the company grew quickly.
Domino sets are available in a wide range of sizes, colors, and designs. Some are even made with specialty materials such as ebony or marble, or in a combination of two different materials. These more exotic sets have a premium price tag, and are often used as decorative items or for special occasions such as weddings or holidays.
When designing a layout for a domino game, the rules of the game dictate which ends are open to additional tile placements. Typically, a domino is placed so that its long side straddles an open end of another domino, with the open end to the right or left of it. Additional tiles may then be played onto that end of the layout, forming a domino chain that gradually increases in length.
Hevesh makes multiple test versions of each part of her installation before assembling the entire setup. She often films each section in slow motion, which allows her to see how it performs and make corrections if needed. Once each section is working correctly, she adds it to the overall installation, making sure that the larger 3-D sections are up first, followed by flat arrangements.