The Vineyard Town residents are partners in marriage and also across the domino table. The more seasoned player of the two, Patrick, has been playing for four years, and while it has only been a year since Sherica drew her first hand, the two are confident that their partnership will result in a major win in the Dragon competition.

“Every time we play together, we play as partners. We have a good chemistry where he is more the leader, while I am always the holder of the game,” Sherica shared.

She recalls detesting dominoes on account of the strain it had put on the marriage. Patrick, she says, was frequently out with friends enjoying the game.

“He had always loved playing dominoes. He loved it so much that we used to argue over it. I had to tell him that he needs to spend more time at home and stop going out to play. So one day he took me to a game and let me play. Then it all kicked off from there,” she said.

Sherica has learned so much more about her husband by being his ‘pardie’, including a bit about his competitive side.

“It’s sometimes rough because he takes the game very seriously. He really likes to win, so I have to always be on top of things,” she noted.

The Stephens, who represent the Mango Tree Strikers Domino Club, have been practising their strategy at least twice a week in preparation for the Dragon Stout-sponsored competition. They will square off against other teams in hopes of winning a piece of the $3.5 million in cash and prizes.

The tournament will see players from four domino leagues across the island including the Portmore League, Western League, Portland League and the Jamaica Domino Council Association from Kingston and St Andrew.