A domino is a tile that bears a single, numbered or blank identifying mark on one side and a pattern of spots or “pips” on the other, like those on a die. Each domino is usually twice as long as it is wide and features a line in the middle to divide it visually into two squares, called ends. The value of either end is indicated by the number of dots on that side of the domino, which is sometimes referred to as its rank or weight.
Dominoes can be arranged in many different configurations to form straight lines, curved lines, grids that form pictures when they fall, stacked walls, or even 3D structures such as towers and pyramids. They are typically made of a material such as bone, silver lip ocean pearl oyster shell (mother of pearl), ivory or dark hardwood, with contrasting black or white pips. Traditionally, the pips are inlaid or painted onto the surface of the tiles.
The term domino can also be used metaphorically, in the sense of an occurrence or event that results from a series of causal links or interactions. The mechanical domino effect, exploited in Rube Goldberg machines, is a classic example of this.
In writing, the domino effect can be a powerful tool for creating a sequence of events that leads to a dramatic climax. It can also be employed in constructing an intriguing character or narrative point of view. Think of a writer plotting a novel, and consider that every element of the story could be seen as a domino in the chain reaction that is her story.
When playing the game of domino, players take turns picking up dominoes from a stock until they have seven or more in their hand. Then they play these in order, laying a domino with its numbered or blank side touching another domino that shows a number on one of its ends (or both), or with the same number on both ends. Each time a player plays a domino that causes the other ends to show a number, that player scores a point.
Play continues until a player cannot legally play a domino or has no more in his or her hand, and then that player declares himself or herself out. Players may accrue points throughout the game for certain configurations, moves or emptying their hands; however, the most common scoring mechanism is to use the draw game.
If you’re looking for a way to get your kids to get active, try this fun domino exercise game. Lay out all the dominoes face down in front of your children and assign a number to each of them. Then ask them to pick a domino and do a physical activity, such as jumping jacks, leg kicks or fist twists, as many times as the number on their assigned domino. The more exercises they do, the higher the score! It’s a great way to get them active while learning numbers and colours at the same time.