Domino is a popular game in which players try to build a chain of dominoes that ends with one or more of their own tiles showing at both ends. The first player to play a domino with a number showing at both ends takes the next turn. Some domino games allow players to block opponents’ plays, while others involve scoring points by counting pips in the losing player’s hand. Most domino games are played on a flat surface, such as a table.
In addition to the many ways people enjoy playing with domino, it is a great way to teach kids basic math and counting skills. In addition to the traditional wood-and-polymer domino sets, some companies have developed more elaborate, high-tech versions that make use of LED lights and computer software to create impressive patterns and displays. Some of these can even create music and videos based on a pre-programmed sequence.
The most common dominoes are made of wood, but some are also made of other materials such as bone or ivory, a dark hardwood (such as ebony), stone (e.g. marble or granite), metals, or ceramic clay. Some are painted with black or white pips, while others have a more colorful tin or plastic finish. There are even sets made of translucent materials that allow the player to see the pips on the other side of the tile.
A well-known domino artist is Hevesh, who has built incredible structures involving hundreds of thousands of dominoes and helped set the Guinness World Record for the most dominoes in a circular arrangement. Hevesh says that one physical phenomenon in particular is essential to a successful domino setup: gravity. When a domino is stood upright, it has potential energy based on its position; when the domino falls, much of that energy is converted into kinetic energy, which causes other dominoes to fall.
Domino has a long history in business as well. Its name is derived from the Latin dominus, meaning “lord” or “master.” Some leadership theories consider Domino a masterful leader who stands out and keeps his eyes open for advantageous opportunities. Other leadership styles, like the behavioral theory of management, take a more participatory approach that encourages employees to be proactive and find solutions on their own.
As a brand, Domino’s Pizza has become synonymous with its fast delivery service. The company has even aired a television show titled Undercover Boss, in which Domino’s CEO sends his top executives to work behind the scenes of the company’s restaurants and delivery services to get a better idea of the day-to-day operations and challenges.
When it comes to writing, a good analogy for the concept of domino is the scene domino: a series of related scenes that build on each other to create tension and logically guide the reader through an argument or storyline. If you’re a pantser—that is, you don’t write out detailed outlines of your story before you begin writing—dominoes can be an effective tool for weeding out scenes that aren’t adding to the story or creating enough drama.