Domino is an extremely versatile game that is enjoyed by people of all ages. It’s one of the best games to teach children about numbers and counting, but it’s also a great way for adults to spend time with friends or family members. Whether you play domino with your kids, as a party activity, or simply for fun, this popular game will help develop your strategic thinking skills and encourage creativity.
The word domino is a Latin word, but it’s also been adapted from other languages, including French and English. In fact, it was originally used to refer to a long hooded cloak worn with a mask at carnival season or at masquerades. In the 17th century, it became a name for a specific type of playing piece made from black domino pieces contrasted with ivory faces. The word was adopted into Spanish as domino.
Today, domino sets are typically made from polymer or resin, but some are still produced in natural materials. Sets in natural materials have a more authentic feel and are generally heavier in weight than their polymer counterparts, which can make them more satisfying to hold. They may be composed of bones, silver lip ocean pearl oyster shell (mother of pearl), ivory, ebony, or other dark hardwoods, with contrasting white or black pips inlaid or painted. Many sets use a combination of materials, with the top half thickness in MOP or ivory and the lower part in ebony for a more unique appearance.
Dominoes are also sometimes used in puzzles, where players attempt to place tiles so that their ends match: for example, a line of six doubles touching on each end. If the exposed pips total any number, the player earns that amount of points. In other games, the object is to empty a hand by blocking the opponent’s play. The resulting chains of unplayed tiles can be very impressive and a great challenge to the imagination.
While most of us have only the simplest of domino sets, an expert in this art can create a truly astounding display. For example, Hevesh, a domino artist with more than 2 million YouTube subscribers, has created massive displays for movies and TV shows, as well as the launch of Katy Perry’s album. Her most complex setups take several nail-biting minutes to fall.
The physics behind domino is quite interesting, and it’s amazing how a few simple rules can create such an intricate design. Physicist Lorne Whitehead demonstrated in a 1983 video that a domino chain can knock down objects one-and-a-half times its own size. It’s a great reminder that the power of the domino effect is far greater than we might think.