A domino is a type of playing card, with identifying marks on one side and blank or identically patterned on the other. They are also sometimes called pips, stones, or tiles. They are the individual parts of a set that usually contains 28 pieces.

Dominoes are used to play a variety of games, including positional games. They can be placed edge to edge, or in long rows or patterns. They have been used for centuries in China, Japan and Mexico.

Some people use them in their daily lives to make lists, organize things and plan events. They are also popular for creating art.

Many companies and organizations use dominoes as a symbol of organizational success. They may use them as a way to promote teamwork or to encourage employee morale.

They can be found in schools and hospitals, where they are often hung over the heads of staff to create a positive atmosphere or as a way of showing appreciation for hard work. They can also be used to display the names of staff members and company leaders.

These pieces are made from plastic, wood or metal and are shaped like a flat, thumbsized rectangle. They are typically carved or painted in colorful designs.

Depending on the style, each domino piece can have from one to six pips or dots. A typical set of dominoes has a total of 28 pieces, but there are also sets with more pips and less.

There are a number of ways to play dominoes, and the game can be played by anyone. They are easy to learn and are a fun and engaging way to spend time with friends or family.

The best way to play dominoes is to get a good, sturdy set of dominoes, which can be purchased at most craft stores and home improvement stores. They are inexpensive and can be used over and over again.

Some people also use dominoes as a type of puzzle, and they can be fun to put together. They are also a great way to teach kids about logic and order.

They can also be used to make a variety of other types of sculptures and installations. For example, artist Lisa Hevesh uses them to create mind-blowing, 3-D installations. She starts by brainstorming images and words for each section of the installation, then she makes test versions of each section before putting them up.

She then films each part in slow motion to ensure that it works properly. If something doesn’t, she adjusts the design until it does.

This process can take months, but it allows her to ensure that she is creating a design that will work.

After she has the final design, she can start constructing the dominoes. She begins by placing the largest sections of the installation first, then adds smaller ones as needed.

Then she places the final line of dominoes that connects the whole installation together. She uses a combination of glue and silicone to ensure that all the pieces fit together perfectly.