Dominoes are small, flat, rectangular blocks used as a gaming object. They are typically twice as long as they are wide and can be made of rigid material such as wood, bone or plastic.
Dominoes can be used to play a variety of games, including the traditional game where each tile has an arrangement of spots or “pips” on each end. The number of pips is a determinant of the value of the tile and may be referred to as its rank.
The most common domino set consists of 28 tiles, arranged so that each piece has two ends with zero to six spots. The highest-value piece has six pips on each end. However, some sets are arranged such that the number of spots is not fixed, and blank ends with no pips may also be included.
Some larger domino sets use more readable Arabic numerals instead of pips. In addition, some variants of the traditional game include double-six and double-nine sets, which each require a different amount of tiles.
In a typical game of dominoes, players draw seven tiles from the stock (boneyard). These are placed on-edge in front of the players so that players can see their own tiles but not the value of their opponents’ tiles.
Players then place the tiles, starting from their own hand and moving in an orderly fashion until the last tile is placed on top. Once the last tile is placed, players score points and the winners are the players whose total pip count of their remaining dominoes is the least.
Most traditional domino games involve a single player. A basic game of dominoes requires a double-six set, and the game usually ends when one player chips out or raps the table. Other variants of the game can be played by two or more players, and some involve the formation of a chain.
The game of dominoes is a classic form of entertainment and can be fun for children and adults alike. It is often played with friends, family or coworkers.
When Nick decided to make his own dominoes, he wanted to find a way to create something small enough that could be handled in a limited space but detailed enough that the craftsmanship would demand attention. Without a lot of tools in his possession, and only the materials that were around his grandmother’s garage, he started to craft dominoes using only what he had at his disposal.
After much experimentation and testing, he eventually found the right balance between size and detail. He crafted the dominoes from oak and then finished them with an oil-based finish that is durable and water-resistant.
He carved the dominoes by hand and used a drill press, radial arm saw, scroll saw, belt sander and welder to complete them. His skill and attention to detail brought him much success.
Ultimately, the process helped him create a unique and beautiful piece of furniture that he had always dreamed of making. In addition, it allowed him to practice his skills at a relatively early age. It was a great learning experience and led him to pursue other forms of creative expression.