Domino is a game in which players construct a line of dominoes by placing them edge-to-edge against one another. The top domino usually bears spots called “pips,” while its counterpart may remain blank or identically patterned – similar to how dice have multiple dots on both sides – similar to an arrangement similar to how dice have multiple dots on them. There are various rules associated with domino games; most involve placing multiple dominoes down before counting all their respective pips to determine who wins the match-up and counting the total pips from both sides in order to find who the winner.
Domino has quickly become a worldwide favorite both at home and schools alike. Its origins date back to the 17th century in France while modern versions first emerged during the mid 19th century in America. Nowadays dominoes are composed of polymer or resin while traditionally their boards were often composed of bone, silver lip oyster shell (mother-of-pearl), ivory or darker hardwood such as ebony. Modern sets may also include synthetic materials like acrylic or polystyrene for improved feel and weight.
As is commonly observed, dominoes possess great inertia and resistance to movement when left to their own devices, yet even the slightest push can set them in motion – this phenomenon is known as the Domino Effect and used in everything from car accidents to physics demonstrations. Here, University of British Columbia physicist Lorne Whitehead shows us just how powerful the Domino Effect can be by using 13 miniature dominoes each measuring 1 millimeter thick – as shown here with their combined effect knocking over objects more than 1.5 times larger.
The word domino comes from Latin for “to fall.” A similar Latin term, apsis, refers to a cape worn over priest’s surplice. Early meanings also included long hooded cloaks or masks – suggesting that domino playing pieces featuring black and white colors might bring to mind these garments worn by priests.
Dominoes are designed to be two times longer than they are wide, making them easy to stack after use. Most dominoes are constructed from wood or plastic; however, some models feature ceramic clay or frosted glass as an alternate material option. Some individuals even create their own sets from scratch!
Typically in domino games, the first player to place a domino is known as the “lead.” They must choose the domino with the highest number of pips on its open end; once this player has played their dominoes, other players must follow suit with their plays until all dominoes have been laid and result in a line which players must match up to a specific total; this process of placing dominoes is known as Line of Play; basic instructions can be found here under Line of Play for some of the most popular domino games.