Domino is a game that involves the placing of small blocks of wood or plastic called tiles. Each tile has a surface that bears an arrangement of dots resembling those on dice. These dots are known as pips, and some of them are blank while others form a number or other symbol. The tiles are arranged in a line or string, and this configuration is known as the “line of play.” A domino’s open end may be joined to the line of play in one of two ways: with or across.
A domino’s pips are usually colored white or black, and they are usually arranged in a circle or square around the center of the tile. There are also tiles that have a picture on one face and a number or symbol on the other. These are often used in games for children.
The simplest rule of domino is that a player must play a tile when his turn comes up, even if he does not have a matching number in his hand. This is important because it prevents players from holding back a playable tile for strategic reasons. It is also a good idea to keep an eye out for the best time to place a tile. In some games, the heaviest tile must be played first, and this could have a big impact on the outcome of the game.
Most domino games involve more than one player. Before a game begins, each player must shuffle the dominoes by spreading them on a flat playing surface and thoroughly mixing them by moving the tiles with his hands. The shuffling is done either by the winner of the previous game or by each player in turn. The winner of the first game then draws a domino from the stock and plays it.
In addition to the standard polymer dominoes, many sets are made of different materials: stones (e.g., marble or soapstone); other types of wood (e.g., spruce, oak, or redwood); ivory; bone; and dark hardwoods such as ebony. These sets have a more traditional look and are generally more expensive than the polymer versions.
A domino design can be as simple or elaborate as the person’s imagination allows. It can include straight lines, curved lines, grids that form pictures, stacked walls, and 3D structures such as pyramids. Before beginning a domino design, it is a good idea to make a scaled drawing to help visualize the finished product. This is especially helpful when planning for larger displays. Test versions of each section are also made before the final installation to ensure that each portion of the display works correctly. Hevesh also films each section of the display to make sure the resulting dominoes are properly connected and fall in the desired way. This attention to detail allows Hevesh to refine her designs and to create displays that are truly stunning. She is a master of her craft, and her designs are sure to impress anyone who sees them.