One of the cherished traditions among students at the University of the Western Cape is to play the game dominoes. Even when I was at the University of Stellenbosch, in the early 1990’s, dominoes was a popular game to play during your lunch time or other breaks.
Student Tatum Baugaard says, “Dominoes is not just a game but part of my culture.”
Meanwhile, a Communications Officer at UWC, Carmel Roberts says the university is not just a place of academic pursuit but also a vibrant hub for cultural and social interaction.
A cherished tradition
Playing dominoes is one of the most cherished traditions among students.
She says throwing domino bricks is a rite of passage at the tertiary institution.
Roberts adds, “This game, rich in cultural significance and community bonding, echoes through the halls and outdoor spaces of the University, especially in the Student Centre.”
With the second semester in full swing on campus, so is the rivalry between domino teams. Roberts says as the music and laughter filter through the centre, so does the knocking of domino bricks.
A prominent tradition among students
Roberts says many students at their institution share a similar story: learning to play dominoes in their family backyards, usually during family gatherings.
She says for many coloured students, dominoes are a family tradition, a game learned by watching older family members play with stealth and skill.
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This tradition carries over to university life, where dominoes become a means of connecting with fellow students and making new friends.
Student Kwanele Makhaba says the game not only helps him unwind but also helps him make friends and build relationships.
Makhaba added they play the game every chance they get.
Dominoes is a blend of tradition, social interaction and strategic play
He says when there’s a break for 45 minutes, they converge on the Student Centre, to play and even though they love to play a lot, playing the game will not stop them from attending classes or doing their work.
According to Britannica, dominoes originated in China in the 10th century. The article revealed, “Western dominoes were first recorded in the mid-18th century in Italy and France and were apparently introduced into England by French prisoners toward the end of the 18th century.
Roberts concluded, “Dominoes at UWC is a blend of tradition, social interaction, and strategic play. It’s a game that entertains and builds community, sharpens minds and upholds a rich cultural legacy.”
They are most commonly used for playing positional games. In positional games, each player, in turn, places a domino edge to edge against another in such a way that the adjacent faces are either identical (e.g., 5 to 5) or form some specified total.”
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