Dominos are a type of game piece that have a special feature that distinguishes them from other types of gaming pieces such as dice or playing cards. They are small, rectangular blocks with a number of dots (or pips) on each end. This unique feature allows them to be arranged in a variety of ways and used for a wide range of games and puzzles. The most common domino sets have a maximum of 22 pips on each end, but more specialized sets are available with more pips or different shapes.
Many modern games and activities are based on domino principles. For example, dominoes are often used to demonstrate how one event can trigger a chain reaction that leads to another event. Likewise, the domino effect can be used to illustrate how a single, focused activity can lead to positive outcomes in other areas of life.
A common domino game involves laying tiles and then scoring points by matching the exposed ends of two adjacent or touching tiles. For example, a tile with a 1 on one end and a 5 on the other would be scored as a 6-5. In some games the matched ends must match exactly, while in others only the exposed ends of the first tile played will be counted. For additional rules, check out our article “Domino Basics”.
Some people have the talent and interest to create stunning displays of domino art. This art can be as simple as a straight or curved line, a grid that forms pictures when it falls, or 3D structures such as towers or pyramids. Some domino artists also work with more complex themes and materials such as wood, brass, or ceramic clay.
Lily Hevesh started collecting dominoes at age 9, and by high school she was creating her own mind-blowing domino setups. She now works as a professional domino artist, and her YouTube channel has more than 2 million subscribers. She explains that she starts her designs by considering the theme or purpose of the installation. Then she brainstorms images or words that can be incorporated into the layout.
The resulting layouts can be as simple or complicated as the builder wants, and can include anything from a domino train to a large scale model of the Great Wall of China. Some of these models are designed to be played by multiple people, while others are built for show in front of audiences. Some dominoes are even commissioned by major film or television production companies to provide unique backdrops for shoots and special events. While the most popular dominoes are made from polymer, there are sets in natural materials such as bone, silver lip ocean pearl oyster shell (mother of pearl), ivory, or dark hardwoods such as ebony. These are typically more expensive than the polymer sets. However, for those with a strong desire to display their skills and creativity in the craft of woodworking, these sets can be a rewarding endeavor.