Domino is a word that has many meanings, including the popular table game of dominoes. The term can also refer to a chain reaction that occurs within a system, such as global finance or politics. The domino effect can be seen physically in the form of actual collisions, or metaphorically as a cause-and-effect chain. The most common use of the term is to refer to the way that one piece of information or action can affect a number of other pieces.
Dominos are arranged on a flat surface and each player takes turns placing a domino on the table positioning it so that one or more ends of the tile is touching a previous domino in the chain. Each time a player places a domino that creates an open end on the chain, the chains grows longer. Players continue to play dominoes until the chain reaches a point at which no further tiles can be played, or until one player wins. Normally the winning partner is the player who has the fewest total spots on all of their remaining dominoes, although some games require that a single player chip out.
The most common domino sets contain two to six doubles, each with a different number of pips on each half face. Dominoes with the same number of pips on both faces are called combination dominoes. A domino with no pips on either face is called blank or double-blank. Some sets have different types of dominoes, such as those with no pips on the short sides and ones with pips on both short and long sides.
Most domino games are played with a double-6 set, although some can be played with larger or smaller sets. Some games are adapted from card games and were once popular in areas to circumvent religious proscriptions against playing cards.
While dominoes are usually used in games for two or more players, they can also be used to decorate a room. Dominoes can be glued to surfaces and can be painted with bright colors or intricate designs. They can also be framed and made into wall hangings or sculptures.
The word Domino comes from the Latin for “falling over,” which may refer to a large and overwhelming force or an event that has cascading effects. It also may refer to an individual who falls over or loses control. The Domino’s Pizza franchise, named for its founder and first franchisee, grew quickly because of the company’s emphasis on location. It placed its pizzerias near college campuses, which attracted young people who wanted fast food.
Professional domino artist Hevesh has created elaborate installations that are featured in movies and TV shows. She also has a YouTube channel with more than 2 million subscribers. Hevesh uses a combination of strategy, creativity, and luck to create her elaborate setups. Her largest domino projects take several nail-biting minutes to complete. She has even helped to set a Guinness World Record for most dominoes in a circular arrangement.