A domino is a small, flat rectangular block used as a gaming object. These blocks are variously known as bones, men, pieces, or tiles and are functionally similar to dice or playing cards. There are many games that can be played with dominoes, including straight lines that form pictures, curved lines, grids that form patterns, stacked walls, and 3D structures such as towers and pyramids.
Each domino features a line down the middle to separate it visually into two squares. Each end is blank or has a number of spots, called pips, that indicate its value and rank in the game. The most common set of dominoes has one unique piece for each possible combination of ends from one to six. There are also larger sets with more possibilities, such as the double-nine and double-18 sets that contain 91 or 190 tiles respectively.
To play a domino, a player must first draw a hand of dominoes and then place one on the table positioning it so that the matching ends are touching. This creates a chain of dominoes that gradually increases in length. Typically, additional dominoes must be played to the ends of the chain that show a number, so that they may be positioned as needed in the layout. Depending on the rules of a given game, additional dominoes can be placed at right-angles to a tile that already has two matching ends unless the rules require that a double be placed cross-ways, straddling the end of the chain that it is connected to.
Dominoes are often arranged to create pictures and patterns that are artistic as well as entertaining. Some people even use them to decorate their homes, and many companies produce domino art that they sell as collectibles. Some of these designs are very intricate, such as multi-colored circles and hearts, or more abstract, such as swirls and waves.
When it comes to business, Domino’s Pizza has a strong culture of teamwork and collaboration based on the principles of domino. The company also encourages employees to spend time with family and friends, and it provides a variety of employee benefits to help its workers manage their work-life balance.
Writing Tip for Today
Whether you write your novel off the cuff or take it seriously with a detailed outline, there’s no doubt that plotting is a crucial part of the process. To get your story off to a great start, consider using the “domino effect” in your plotting. By thinking of each element of your story as a single domino, you can create an intricate and compelling cascade of action that will keep readers on the edge of their seat.