Domino is a game in which players arrange small rectangular blocks on end to form long lines. These are then tipped over, one at a time, causing the next domino in line to tip over and so on until all the dominoes have fallen. The resulting chain reaction is often referred to as the domino effect, and the game can be played with either one or many players. Dominoes can also be used to create artistic designs, such as curved lines or grids that make pictures when they fall.
The earliest evidence of dominoes is a clay tile found in the ruins of an ancient Egyptian tomb, dating back to about 1200 BCE. The tomb’s owner, who is believed to be a high-ranking official, placed the domino tiles in front of his wife as a sign of affection. This marked the first instance of domino play, but it is not known whether the couple enjoyed the games or simply admired their beauty.
Today, domino is a generic gaming device that can be used to play numerous games. The most common are blocking and scoring games, where the player wins by eliminating all of his or her opponent’s pieces. Other popular domino games include drawing a line and placing the tiles along it, or making a 3D structure like a tower or pyramid. Dominoes are usually made of polymer, but can be constructed from other materials, such as bone, silver lip oyster shell (mother of pearl), ivory, or a dark hardwood like ebony.
Many different types of dominoes are available, ranging from traditional sets with simple numbered ends to modern, multi-colored plastics. These are usually based on the same principles as the numbered ends, but with different colors or symbols on each end to indicate their value.
Although the traditional sets of domino are rectangular, some companies have developed new types of dominoes with different shapes and textured surfaces that provide more variety and visual appeal for players. They are also offered in various material options, including woods like maple and mahogany; metals such as brass and pewter; ceramic clay; and even crystal and frosted glass.
Domino’s strategy in the early years was to focus on efficiency and fast delivery, but consumers got tired of just speed. The company realized that it needed to change its approach and refocused on customer satisfaction. This included revamping its products and recipes, expanding the menu, reducing food waste, and investing in technological advances such as mobile and online ordering software.
When playing a game of domino, it is important to set up the pieces on a hard surface such as a table or floor. A domino that is set up improperly may not be able to be played, or it may fall over prematurely. This can be frustrating for the player, as he or she will then have to start over.