Dominoes are a set of small rectangular blocks that can be stacked on end in long lines. When one domino is tipped, it causes the next domino in the line to tip over and so on until all the pieces topple over. This is the origin of the term domino effect, describing a series of events that begin small and have a cascading impact.
A domino game can be played by two or more players, with the basic rules varying from place to place. Dominoes may be made of wood, bone, or plastic and are sometimes referred to as bones, cards, men, or pieces. The pips on the ends of each piece are used to count, or score, in various games.
The most common game in which dominoes are used is a scoring game, but there are also blocking games and solitaire games. Many of the games are adaptations of card games and were once popular in places that did not allow the playing of cards because of religious prohibitions.
Most of the games listed on this website are designed to be played with more than one player. For this reason, some basic instructions that pertain to multiple-player games do not apply to solo games. However, a general guideline for scoring is that the count of the open ends in a line of play is the number of points scored. This count is calculated by counting the pips on the ends of the dominoes in a line of play.
Some games, such as the traditional double-six game, require a set of dominoes with matching numbers of pips on each end. This is normally achieved by using a domino set that has been “extended” by adding additional tiles with higher pip counts. The most common extended sets are double-nine, double- twelve, and double- fifteen. Larger extensions have also been created, but they are less common and are usually only used with very experienced players.
There are many different types of domino games, but most of them fall into four categories: bidding, blocking, and scoring games. Some games also involve skill, as with the traditional solitaire game.
The word “domino” has many etymological roots. It was probably borrowed from the Latin verb domino, meaning “I dominate” or “I lead.” An earlier sense of the word referred to a long, hooded robe worn with a mask during carnival season or at a masquerade.
Domino’s Pizza was founded in 1960 by college dropout Tom Monaghan, and has since grown into an international corporation with over 11,000 stores worldwide. It is a leader in new ways for customers to order their pizzas, including ordering from mobile phones and Amazon Echo. The company is also in the process of integrating artificial intelligence into its operations to improve customer service. Its headquarters are in Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA. In addition to pizza, Domino’s offers a variety of bread products and pasta dishes. It has an extensive franchise program and a strong online presence through its website and social media accounts.