Domino, also known as dominoes or bones, is a game of skill and luck that is played with small rectangular blocks. The face of each block is blank or marked with dots resembling those on dice. The domino game originated in the 18th century, though some historians argue it may have roots in an earlier sense of the word, referring to a long hooded robe worn with a mask during a masquerade. Today, the most popular domino games fall into four categories: bidding games, blocking games, scoring games, and round games.
Unlike a deck of cards, which can be dealt randomly to players, a set of dominoes are drawn by the players and placed in front of them. Normally, each player draws seven dominoes. The order of play is then determined and the first player begins by playing a domino that matches one of the open ends of the domino layout. This first domino is sometimes referred to as the set, the down, or the lead.
Once a player has played a domino that fits the current layout, he or she must then make a play on that domino to establish the next sequence of moves in the game. A player is considered out of turn if he or she plays a domino before the other players have completed their turns. When a player is out of turn, he or she must recall the domino and wait until the next player has finished his or her hand to play.
In most domino games, the number of points scored is proportional to the number of tricks won by a player. A trick is a domino played edge to edge against another domino with a matching number of dots. A single domino is worth two points, three points if it is doubled.
A player who wins the most points at the end of the game is awarded the victory. In some games, a player is awarded additional bonus points for specific accomplishments such as forming a chain of dominoes.
In recent years, Domino’s has worked to improve its company culture by listening to employees and implementing new practices. In addition to a relaxed dress code and leadership training, Domino’s has established an Innovation Garage where employees can collaborate on projects and experiment with solutions for the business.
In the most common form of the game, a domino has two aces (one with six pips and one with nine), but a double can be used to replace either ace. In most games, the highest domino in any player’s hand is used to “open” the game; it may be played on a double of the same value or a higher double. The highest domino that is played in the opening is also referred to as an “opening double”. Larger sets of dominoes are available, increasing the number of unique combinations of ends by adding more pips. The most common extended sets are double-nine, double-12, and double-18.