The domino is a tile-based game of chance or skill in which players place tiles edge to edge against each other so that the numbers (or blanks) on adjacent faces match. A line of matching dominoes is called a string, layout or line of play. Dominoes are usually made of either bone, silver lip ocean pearl oyster shell (mother of pearl) or a dark hardwood such as ebony with contrasting black or white pips. A small number of sets are made from alternative materials such as marble, soapstone and metal.
A domino may be a single tile or a set of tiles laid out in a linear configuration, with each end facing one another. The first tile played is known as the lead, and the player who makes this play is called the setter or downer. The order of play is determined by the rules of the particular domino game being played.
When a domino falls, much of its potential energy converts to kinetic energy and gives the next domino the push it needs to fall. This energy continues to travel from domino to domino until all the pieces have fallen.
For Lily Hevesh, a domino artist and professional engineer who creates mind-blowing installations, the process of building her creations starts with considering the theme or purpose for the piece she wants to create. Then, she brainstorms images or words that relate to the installation’s subject. Once she decides on a concept, Hevesh tests each section of the installation to ensure it works properly. She also films her testing in slow motion to help her correct mistakes.
Once she has a complete design, Hevesh builds each section of the installation, starting with the largest 3-D sections and working her way down to the smallest flat arrangements. She then assembles all the sections into a coherent whole.
Some domino games have rules that limit the number of tiles a player can draw from the stock for his hand. If a player draws more than the number he is allowed, the extra tiles must be passed to the player to his right or bought (see “Passing and Byeing” below). The overdrawn tiles should be removed from the stock and the deck reshuffled before any other player draws.
If the total of the ends of a pair of played dominoes is equal to or greater than some specified value, such as nine, a score is awarded. This scoring system is often used for dominoes played in public houses and social clubs.
In addition to dominoes, Domino’s has been known for a colorful logo, a unique delivery car and a commitment to listening to customers. The company’s CEO, Dominic DeLuca Doyle, has been praised for recognizing customer complaints and making changes to improve the pizza and the company as a whole. In an industry that can be stiflingly competitive, Domino’s is thriving because it is willing to take risks and stand out from the crowd.