Domino is a type of tile-based game where players try to build chains that end with the last domino falling down, either by blocking the opponents or scoring games. It is normally played with a set of double-six tiles, each displaying on one side an arrangement of spots, known as pips or dots, and the other blank or identically patterned. The domino is distinguished from other types of tiles by the line or ridge in the middle, which divides it visually into two squares and indicates the value of a domino on one side (either zero or more than six).
In addition to the traditional scoring games, Domino can also be used to create art such as curved lines, grids that form pictures when they fall, or 3D structures like towers and pyramids. The most elaborate domino arrangements take several nail-biting minutes to complete and are often made using the most advanced tools, including laser cutters, CNC machines, and high-quality adhesives. Nevertheless, Hevesh insists that the most important element to a great domino setup is the simple physical phenomenon of gravity. “Gravity is the key,” she says, explaining that when a domino is knocked over, it’s pulled toward Earth by its own weight, which then causes it to crash into the next domino on the track and set it into motion.
Aside from its entertainment value, Domino is a popular educational tool for teaching basic math and social skills. Children can use it to learn about geometry, patterning, and even the history of world empires. For more serious students, it can help them develop an analytical mind and improve their concentration. For example, students can practice their attention-to-detail by matching a series of numbers on a domino to a number sequence on a piece of paper.
While most people are familiar with the standard double-six domino set, there are many other variations. These include blocking games such as matador and chicken foot, which involve emptying a player’s hand while preventing opponents from playing, scoring games such as bergen and muggins, and domino solitaire or trick-taking games that mimic card games.
Domino is also a popular game for corporate team-building activities. For example, a business leader might host an event where employees have to place a domino in the center of a circle, then they must complete an assignment with the rest of the group in the same time frame. The first person to finish the task wins a prize, and everyone else in the group follows suit.
A well-written story also has a Domino effect, where the protagonist’s actions affect other characters in a predictable manner. In order to pull this off, authors need to give readers motivation and reason for the hero to behave outside societal norms. The writer must also provide a clear path for the character to follow so that the domino cascade makes sense. Otherwise, the plot will fail to engage readers. This process is sometimes referred to as a chain of events or a narrative arc.