Domino, a game object used in games of chance or skill that can be played on the floor or on tables. The domino is a small flat rectangular block that is usually made of wood or plastic and has a pattern of dots, like those on a die, on one face and is blank or slightly patterned on the other. The first player to complete a line of dominoes by touching the exposed ends of adjacent dominoes with his or her own is awarded points based on the total number of multiples of five. Variously referred to as bones, men, or stones, dominoes can be purchased from toy stores and drugstores and are also often sold in large sets for use in a variety of gaming activities.
For many people, domino is a popular family game that encourages strategic thinking and teamwork. Others find it a relaxing and enjoyable way to spend time alone or with friends. The game has a wide range of rules, strategies, and variations and can be played by one or more players. The simplest game requires two players and a double six set of dominoes, and the most basic rule is that each player must place one domino on its edge against another domino of equal value (the number of pips). Each subsequent domino placed in a line must match this value (one’s touch two’s and so on). If neither player has any dominoes with matching values, they must choose from a pile of dominoes on the table, known as the boneyard, until they have seven dominoes to play.
When Hevesh knocks over one of her creations, thousands of dominoes stand right where they were when she built them. That’s because dominoes have inertia, which is the tendency of an object to resist motion unless pushed or pulled. Hevesh nudges the first domino just enough to overcome this resistance, which allows her to push on the next piece in the line.
Hevesh’s impressive domino creations have garnered her attention from movies and TV shows, as well as from the media and YouTube. She has worked on team projects involving up to 300,000 dominoes and helped set a Guinness world record for the most dominoes toppled in a circle. She has even created domino setups for celebrities. And of course, she continues to make domino videos for her more than 2 million YouTube subscribers. Creating such intricate setups takes immense concentration and an understanding of the forces that cause dominoes to fall. But for Hevesh, the thrill of building a stunning display is what keeps her coming back to the game.