A domino is a rectangular tile with a line down the middle and a number of dots (known as pips) on either side. The number of pips distinguishes different kinds of tiles; for example, a double six has twelve pips on each end, while a double nine only has eight pips. Dominoes are normally twice as long as they are wide, which makes them easy to stack and re-stack after use. They are most often used for positional games in which a player places one tile edge to edge against another, forming a sequence of numbers or a specified total. These games can be played with a single person or with several people in teams. Dominoes may be made of different materials; traditional sets are typically made of bone, silver lip ocean pearl oyster shell (mother of pearl), ivory, or a dark hardwood such as ebony, with contrasting black or white pips inlaid or painted. Other materials such as ceramic clay, metals, marble, granite, soapstone, or frosted glass have been used in some sets.
Dominos are an important part of many popular board games, and the rules of each game differ from one to the next. Generally speaking, however, a domino has a value of zero if it does not have any pips on its face and a positive value if it does. It is possible to combine a domino with another, increasing its value. A domino can also be used in a betting system to make money or to earn points in a game, for example, by placing a bet on the outcome of a dice roll.
A large variety of domino games exist, with most falling into two categories: blocking and scoring. Blocking games require that the players play all of their pieces in order to win, while scoring games are more flexible in terms of how many pieces a player can have in his or her hand at any given time. Most domino games are designed to be played with the four most common sized sets: double six, double nine, double-12, and double-15. Larger sets do exist but are rarely used in general play; these larger sets allow for more complex and lengthy games to be played.
A major challenge for any business is staying relevant to consumers, and it is important for a company to be able to adapt quickly in the event of a shift in consumer demand. For example, in the early 2000s, Domino’s shifted its strategy from efficiency and fast delivery to quality pizza. This was done by introducing new recipes, expanding the menu, and using fresher ingredients. In addition, the company reorganized its HR policies to emphasize employee satisfaction and listen to customer feedback. This helped it reclaim its top workplace status and increase profitability. As a result, Domino’s is now the second largest pizza chain in the world. Its success demonstrates that strategic adaptation can be an effective way to compete in the market.