Domino, also known as dominoes or tumbling blocks, is a game in which players place domino pieces (generally rectangular cardboard tiles with the same face) end-to-end on a flat surface. Each piece has one or more dots, called pips, that identify it as a unique domino. Some dots are blank, while others are arranged in the pattern of a die or playing card. The first domino to fall, or “take up space,” initiates a chain reaction that can continue until all the dominoes have fallen.
A person who is particularly skilled at the game can create some mind-blowing domino setups. Dominoes are often used in games of chance and strategy, and they teach children numbers, colors, and patterns. The largest domino setups can take several nail-biting minutes to complete. Dominoes are also used for educational purposes in schools.
The word domino has been in use for over two centuries. Its etymology is obscure, although it is often assumed that it derives from the Latin dominum meaning “heavy.” The earliest recorded sense of the word was probably that of a long hooded cloak worn with a mask during carnival season or at a masquerade, and an even earlier sense was that of a cape worn over a priest’s white surplice.
When a person begins a new game of domino, he or she must set up a number of dominoes, one at a time. Each domino must have an equal amount of weight, so that it will fall when placed in the correct position. This is the most basic rule of domino, but there are many variations on the game. Some are played with multiple players, while others are single-player games. The most popular variants are the draw and asymmetrical dominoes.
Some of the most popular domino games involve blocking or scoring. In a blocking game, each player places their dominoes to prevent opponents from completing a play. In scoring games, a winning player scores the total of the pips in the losing player’s hand.
Dominos can be a fun and creative way to entertain family members, friends, or co-workers. Some people also enjoy constructing artistic domino displays for display in homes and public spaces. The most elaborate domino structures are constructed using multiple dozens of dominoes, sometimes in circular arrangements.
The success of any business or brand depends on understanding and reacting to consumer demand. Domino’s, the pizza chain, is a great example of this principle. When complaints about their pizza’s lackluster flavor began to ring out in 2009, the company reacted quickly. They featured the negative comments on a national advertisement, and promised to make changes.
Domino’s has a wide range of products that consumers can choose from when ordering online or at their local stores. In addition to their main product, pizza, the chain also offers various sides, appetizers, drinks, and cakes. Their menu also varies from country to country. This is because of regional food preferences and cultural traditions. For instance, the chain’s Indian restaurants do not serve any dishes that contain beef because cows are sacred to that population.