Domino is a generic gaming device like playing cards or dice that can be used for a wide variety of games. A domino is a rectangular tile with one or more dots on each side. The most common set contains 28 tiles, although larger sets are available for players who want to play longer games. In addition to its use for gaming, domino can be a useful tool for teaching mathematical concepts such as addition and commutative property.
The first step in understanding the commutative property of addition is having students build an equation for the total number of dots on a domino using the information provided on each end. This allows students to see that the total number of dots can be written in different ways (for example, 3 dots + 4 dots and 7 dots + 5 dots) but the sum is always the same. This is a great way for students to make the transition from moving around physical manipulatives to using only symbolic representations of numbers and equations.
In a basic game of domino, each player starts with seven dominoes. The rest of the dominoes, which are numbered from 1 to 28, are placed in a pile face down. This pile is called the boneyard. Each turn a player chooses a domino from the boneyard that matches either one or both ends of a previously played domino. The player then places this domino on the table, positioning it so that its matching end touches one of the ends of the previous domino.
Each domino has a value printed on it, normally in the form of Arabic numerals. Alternatively, some dominoes are marked with a suit such as hearts or diamonds rather than individual numbers. The number of pips on a domino is sometimes called its rank or weight. A domino with more pips has a higher rank than a domino with fewer pips. Each domino also has a number of pips on each side.
A large part of the fun in domino is the way in which it is arranged to create a chain of dominoes. The pattern of the chain can be as simple or complicated as the whims of the players. The length of the chain is also variable. A short chain can be built up for a quick and exciting game, while a long chain may take hours to construct and topple.
In the early days of domino, it was played primarily in the United States. The company grew rapidly, and soon domino was sold in many countries. As a result, the domino company is now an international corporation that employs thousands of people. This expansion has led to staffing shortages, which have made Domino’s cautious about running sales promotions and increasing store count growth. However, the company’s extensive store network and supply chain efficiencies will likely allow it to overcome these challenges. The company is poised to capitalize on growing demand for quick service restaurants in China and other developing economies.