Domino is a type of rectangular block with a surface that is either blank or carries from one to six pips (or dots). It is normally twice as long as it is wide and features a line in the middle. A domino set contains 28 pieces, called tiles or bones. A domino is also known as a card, a spinner, or a piece and may be used in various games played by matching ends of adjacent pieces and lining them up in lines or angular patterns.
When a domino falls over, it transmits energy to the next domino, which in turn provides the push needed to knock the next one over and so on until all the dominoes are on the ground. This type of chain reaction is often demonstrated in domino shows, in which a master builder creates mind-blowing domino sets that elicit gasps from the audience.
In addition to domino games, the tiles can also be arranged to create artistic designs and used as building blocks for larger structures. For example, artist Hevesh uses dominoes to create stunning art installations that explore themes such as water, light, and energy. Hevesh’s work is featured in exhibitions and is sold through a gallery in her home city of Detroit, Michigan.
A version of the game is commonly used in schools to help students practice their math skills. The game is also popular among adults who gather for domino parties, where they compete to see who can set up the most complicated and impressive display of dominoes.
While the popularity of the game has grown, many people do not understand how it works or why it is so exciting to watch. This WONDER introduces some of the basics of domino and explains why it’s fun to play.
Domino, pronounced DO-mee-noh, is an Italian word meaning “little table.” It was first recorded in the mid-18th century and became popular in Europe around 1830. By the late 19th century, it had spread to the United States. In the early 20th century, Domino was published as a print magazine by Condé Nast and quickly became the top-selling house magazine in America. Its success helped launch a successful book series and other product lines, including furniture and a podcast with guests such as Ayesha Curry and Bobby Berk.
In the 21st century, Domino has expanded from a print publication to an omnichannel media and e-commerce company. It has also launched a series of lifestyle verticals, including Entertaining, Travel, Wellness, and Weddings.
The word domino has a rich history that spans cultures and languages. In English and French, it originally referred to a large, hooded cloak that was worn together with a mask at carnival season or at a masquerade. In the 16th and 17th centuries, it was also used to refer to the piece of wood a priest placed over his surplice during mass. Eventually, the term was adopted in both English and French to describe a playing piece that was black and ivory in color, just like the modern domino.