Domino is a family of games played with small square blocks called dominoes. Known also as bones, cards, men, or tiles, each domino has a line in the middle to divide it visually into two parts, each bearing from one to six dots or pips (the value of each end can differ depending on the game). A complete set of dominoes usually has 28 such pieces. Dominos may be arranged in lines or angular patterns, and each player tries to place their dominoes so that they will cover all the open ends of their opponents’ sets. Some games count the number of pips on opposing players’ dominoes as points, while others involve blocking a winning player from playing their remaining dominoes.
Dominoes have been used for many purposes, from educational tools to architecture. They can be carved from wood or made of other materials, including clay, ivory, silver, and gold. Some are engraved with Arabic numerals, while others feature symbols or pictures. They have also been used to train soldiers and as a form of entertainment at parties.
Some people enjoy constructing complex domino structures, and others simply enjoy knocking over the whole thing. No matter what the purpose, a domino set is an excellent tool for developing spatial skills, as well as concentration and focus.
For Hevesh, designing a domino layout begins with an idea of what she wants to accomplish, and then she creates a sketch. She will consider how a piece fits with the theme or purpose of the installation, and then she will start to brainstorm what shapes, colors, and symbols might best complement the design.
When Hevesh has a sketch that she likes, she will begin to lay out the dominoes. She will usually begin with a single domino on the bottom of the pile and work her way up, adding more and more dominoes until she has a full arrangement in front of her.
Hevesh’s goal is to make a layout that will impress and amaze her audience, but she is careful not to over-design. She is also mindful of the domino effect, ensuring that every domino will be able to fall without hitting any other pieces that are still standing.
The final step is to test the layout and make any adjustments necessary before beginning to play the dominoes. Then the fun begins!
There are a wide variety of domino games, some more complex than others. Generally, each player begins by drawing a set of dominoes. Then, the first player (determined either by drawing lots or by who holds the heaviest hand) places a domino on the table. The rest of the players draw and place their dominoes, until all of the pieces are played or a player cannot make any more moves. The first player to play all of their dominoes wins the game. Some of the most popular domino games are bergen and muggins, which count the number of pips on other players’ tiles, or blocking games such as matador and chicken foot, where the player who blocks all of an opponent’s pieces wins.
