Domino is a family of games, which are played by two or more players. The word domino itself is derived from the Latin “domina,” meaning “rule” or “power.” Domino games may be blocking, scoring, or strategy-based, and they are popular with children and adults alike. They also serve as a tool for teaching mathematics and the mechanics of nerve impulses in the brain, called neurons.
A domino set consists of a large number of rectangular tiles, each with a different number of spots or pips. The most common sets are made from wood or polymer, but there are also many other materials from which dominoes can be crafted, including bone, silver lip ocean pearl oyster shell (mother of pearl), ivory, and dark hardwoods such as ebony. These sets tend to have a more traditional look and are usually more expensive than those made from polymer.
To play domino, a player draws a domino from the stock and places it in front of him, face up. He then begins the game by playing a domino of his choice, depending on the rules of the particular game. The first play is often the highest double, but other rules allow a player to open with any tile, as long as it is not a zero. The player who makes the first play is sometimes referred to as the setter, the downer, or the lead.
When one domino falls, it triggers a chain reaction that continues until the last piece has fallen. The resulting pulse moves at a constant speed without loss of energy, just like the transmission of a nerve impulse down a neuron. To understand this, you can make a few dominoes stand upright and then barely touch the first one with your finger. Observe what happens, then repeat the experiment several times.
Unlike the simple games of childhood, the dominoes used in professional domino installations can be elaborate, intricate, and highly complex. Some of these installations are designed to be viewed from all sides, while others have only one or two views. When a domino installation is completed, it may be a permanent display in an exhibit hall or museum.
A professional domino artist will test each section of an installation before the final assembly. The artist films the tests in slow motion to identify flaws and make adjustments. After the sections are perfect, they can be connected into a complete arrangement.
Hevesh began creating domino arrangements as a child, but her hobby quickly became an obsession. She now spends much of her time creating massive installations for movies, TV shows, and events. In addition, she posts videos of her work on YouTube, where she has more than 2 million followers.
Hevesh’s approach to domino is somewhat different than that of a typical craftsman. Instead of using a CNC machine, she works with the tools in her grandmother’s garage. Among other things, she uses a drill press, radial arm saw, scroll saw, belt sander, and welder. The resulting pieces are both functional and stunning.