Dominoes, or the Chinese tile game, is one of the oldest games in existence. It is played with a set of rectangular flat tiles whose faces are divided into two equal parts, and which bear from one to six pips or dots. The standard commercial sets include 28 tiles, and larger versions may be available.
Dominos are a game of chance and skill, just as dice or cards are. While some people play dominoes to pass the time, many enjoy them as a way of playing competitively or just for fun.
A domino (or dominoes) is a tile-shaped flat piece of wood or plastic. It is usually twice as long as it is wide. It is numbered from one to six, and the numbers on each side of the tile are arranged as on dice.
In a typical set of dominoes, each piece is a member of a suit. Each number of the suit is either a digit or a symbol, and each of the suits has a specific color. In addition, some tiles are duplicates of other tiles.
The goal of most games is to play a tile so that it matches the end of a previously played domino. In some variations, the goal is to make the sum of the pips on an end divisible by five or three. In others, the goal is to make each tile appear in a specific sequence.
While dominoes have been around for centuries, they were first introduced to Europe by prisoners-of-war during the late 1700s. They are believed to have spread from Italy to Austria, Germany and France.
Throughout the 19th century, dominoes became popular in European public houses and social clubs, and a variety of variants were invented. The most common of these is a scoring version of “5s-and-3s,” where players try to make each end of their dominoes divisible by five or three.
In addition to being a recreational activity, dominoes are also used in business. A large company can use dominoes to create a visual display that makes employees more focused on their work. In this manner, they can demonstrate the value of their products and services.
When a new company is founded, the founders often start with an idea they have and then develop it into a profitable business. In the case of Domino’s, owner John Monaghan wanted to build a pizza delivery business that was quick and affordable for college students.
He opened his first Domino’s in Ypsilanti, Michigan, in 1967 and quickly established a reputation for fast food. He emphasized the importance of putting his stores near major universities, where his core customer base was likely to be located.
His strategy was a success, and so he began expanding the business. By the 1970s, he had over 200 restaurants in the United States and Canada.
As he continued to grow, he worked to change the image of his business and entice customers to visit him again and again. Doyle’s leadership style and strategic approach to growth helped Domino’s become the largest pizza chain in the world.