The Basics of Dominoes

A domino is a small rectangular tile with either square or round ends and a number of dots resembling those on dice. A domino can be any color, but is usually white or black with a background that contrasts it. Dominoes are normally twice as long as wide, making them easier to re-stack after use. The domino game is played by two or more people using a set of tiles that may be made from any material, although most commonly they are made from plastic or wood. Often the tiles are stamped with a picture or words and can be used to represent numbers, letters, names, or other objects.

The word domino is a Latin word for “fall,” implying that the tiles should fall in a line and not scatter. In the game, each player places one domino on the table positioning it so that the matching ends are touching. The chain is then built up by playing more tiles onto the existing ones. As the chain grows, each tile adds its own unique shape to the overall structure.

Most domino games fit into four categories, bidding games, blocking games, and scoring games. Generally, each player draws five or seven tiles and plays them in turn, trying to place them so that the chain of tiles will grow as long as possible. The winner is the person who places their last tile on the board, either by putting it down at the end of the line or placing it on top of a previously played domino that has a number showing on its edge.

When the game is in doubt, the players draw new tiles for their hands. This process is called redrawing. If a player draws more for his hand than he is entitled to, the extra tiles must be recalled and placed back into the stock before anyone else plays with them. Some players will try to hide these extra tiles from other players, but if they are discovered they must be returned and not used for play.

Many different rules exist for the placement of the dominoes on the table and how they are counted. For example, the number of points scored in a line of play can be determined by counting the total number of pips at both ends of the dominanto that has been played. Those counts are then added together for the total score. Occasionally, a domino that is played with only one side of the tile touching (a spinner) can change how the total is calculated.

Hevesh makes a test version of each part of the domino installation to make sure that it works before she completes the whole thing. She also films the tests so she can make precise corrections if needed. In addition, Hevesh takes the time to listen to her employees and customers so that she can be sure that the company’s values are being upheld. She believes this is an important reason why she has been able to lead the turnaround at Domino’s.