Learning Lessons Around the Table

Some of my earliest memories involve sitting around a table, watching my family play dominoes. The sound of tiles clicking, the laughter, and the intensity of each move stuck with me. To a kid, it seemed like just a game. But as I grew older and started playing seriously, I realized dominoes was teaching me lessons that I’d carry into my personal and professional life.

I’ve taken business classes, completed advanced programs at Harvard, and studied real estate for years. But even with all that education, I can honestly say some of my sharpest lessons in strategy came from those domino games. They forced me to think ahead, calculate risk, and stay calm under pressure—skills that turned out to be priceless in real estate and business.

Seeing Beyond the First Move

In dominoes, the first tile you lay down sets the tone for the entire game. A beginner might just play whatever they have in their hand, but a more experienced player knows the importance of thinking ahead. You have to imagine how the table will look five or ten moves from now and how your choice will affect both you and your opponents.

That lesson directly applies to real estate. When I guide a client through a purchase, I’m not just looking at the deal in front of us. I’m thinking about how this property will perform years down the line. Will the neighborhood grow in value? Will this house fit the client’s long-term needs? Will timing the market differently lead to a better opportunity? Just like in dominoes, it’s about more than the move you’re making today—it’s about setting yourself up for success tomorrow.

Reading the Players

Dominoes isn’t just about the tiles; it’s about the people around the table. If you pay attention, you can learn a lot about your opponents—their habits, their tells, and even their emotions. Sometimes you win not because you have the best hand, but because you understand how the other players think.

In real estate, the same principle applies at the negotiation table. It’s not just about numbers on paper. It’s about reading the other party—what they really want, where they’re willing to compromise, and how much pressure they’re under. Whether I’m working with a seller who’s eager to close quickly or a buyer who’s nervous about overpaying, understanding the human element makes all the difference.

Patience and Timing

Anyone who’s played dominoes knows that patience can turn a losing hand into a winning one. Sometimes the smartest move is not the flashiest one but the one that sets you up later in the game. Holding back, waiting for the right opportunity, and resisting the urge to rush can change everything.

That patience is just as valuable in real estate. It can be tempting to chase the first deal that looks good, but sometimes the best results come from waiting. I’ve had clients who were anxious to buy, but by encouraging them to hold off just a little longer, we found properties that were a much better fit and offered greater value. Just like in dominoes, timing matters. Acting too quickly can close off opportunities, but acting at the right moment can open doors you didn’t see before.

Strategy Over Emotion

Dominoes can get competitive. It’s easy to get caught up in the heat of the game, especially if someone blocks your move or surprises you. But the players who succeed are the ones who keep their emotions in check and stick to their strategy.

That’s a lesson I’ve carried into real estate. Buying or selling a home is emotional—it’s one of the biggest financial and personal decisions people make. But if you let emotions control the process, you risk making choices that aren’t in your best interest. My role as a broker is often to be that steady hand, helping clients stay focused on the bigger picture and not get distracted by temporary setbacks.

Building Confidence Through Small Wins

In dominoes, every small win builds confidence. You might not win every game, but each smart move, each clever block, and each well-timed play adds up. Over time, those small victories shape you into a stronger, more strategic player.

The same is true in business. Not every deal is a home run, but every experience teaches you something. Each negotiation, each property, each client interaction adds to your skill set. Over the years, those lessons compound, giving you the confidence to take on bigger challenges and make bolder moves.

Why I Still Play

Even now, I still love playing dominoes. It keeps my mind sharp and reminds me of where so many of my instincts came from. It’s more than just a pastime—it’s a training ground for strategy, patience, and adaptability.

When I sit at the table, I’m reminded that every tile has value, every move matters, and every setback can be turned into an opportunity. Those lessons are as true in life and real estate as they are in the game.

I’ve studied business at some of the best institutions and learned from top professionals in the real estate industry. But I’ll always believe that some of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned came from a simple game of dominoes.

The game taught me to think ahead, read people, stay patient, and keep emotions in check. It showed me that strategy matters more than luck and that small wins build lasting success.

So the next time you sit down to play, remember—you might be doing more than just passing time. You might be training yourself in the kind of strategy that can change your life, just like it did for me.