Why Does the Game of Dominoes Appeal?

A game is basically a structured form of interactive play, normally undertaken for fun or entertainment, and at times used as an educational tool as well. Games are very different from work, which are typically carried out to remuneration, and from the literature, which are more generally an expression of cultural or artistic elements. Game play involves using the mind in a non-directly controlled manner to solve problems, rather than simply following a series of predetermined commands. There are many types of games – sports, puzzle, logic, memory, strategy, dress up, fighting etc. – and the list is almost endless.

One popular type of game, usually associated with racing, is the dice game. The dice mechanic allows the player to allocate a certain number of points, or ‘credits,’ to get bonuses or ‘boosters’ for their car. A good example of this would be the Bonanza series; each level contains a series of critical hits, which, when multiplied by the number of ‘credits’ collected, offer the winning edge in that level’s race. There are literally hundreds of games based on dice mechanics, but perhaps the most well-known would have to be the classic Monopoly game, with its interface based on acquiring property, buying properties and producing goods to enhance the board. There are literally hundreds of games based on property management, without the use of dice, all of which demonstrate the critical importance of property management, as well as the importance of planning.

The second main article on this subject would have to be gambling games, such as slots or dominoes. Whilst they all require strategy to play well, there is something especially evocative about gambling games. After all, what do you have to lose if you place your money on the slot machine? With most gambling games, you are at least partially playing against yourself; whilst there is a certain amount of chance involved, you are often making educated decisions, taking into account the likely possibilities of outcomes with specific bills. Therefore, it can often seem like a contest to see which bill will payout the most, as well as giving you the most pleasure.

Dominoes, too, offer a great sense of cognitive thrill. The rules of dominoes are quite simple, with the basic set-up consisting of two groups of dominoes each containing three cards. However, unlike most games use of dice, card games use cards with edges – hence the name ‘domino’. Dominoes also have a distinctive sound to them, with each piece that is rolled causing a different kind of noise.

Finally, we turn to the most abstract of all board games – the game of dice. The main article on this topic therefore turns to the use of dice in Chess, one of the most abstract forms of strategy-based board game. Whilst there are many arguments on whether the use of dice in a game of pure logic makes any logical sense at all, the logic behind the dice in Chess is less important than the satisfaction that you gain from winning the game.

In general, though, players may choose to use logic, or perhaps even mathematics, but they should not forget the joy of victory, and the sense of achievement when you beat your opponent. Many players may find this a boring and tedious task, but those who are more patient will find it an exciting challenge. In short, it is up to the players to find a method that suits their style of play. Personally, I prefer the elegance and simplicity of old-fashioned chess over today’s sophisticated flash-based systems, but that is my personal preference, and what works for me may not work for others.