Domino is a small rectangular block used as a gaming object. Generally twice as long as its width, its sides typically bear an imaginary line dividing them visually into two squares containing spots (called “pips”) like those found on dice; one side may even be completely blank with no pips at all! Each end’s value is determined by its number of pips; once a domino has all of its pips multiplied together this total becomes its score for that player; typically played on flat surfaces like tables or boards and players alternate turns until one player “chips out”, whereupon their last dominoes are played out and play passes to another.
Dominoes are traditionally made from wood or bone; however, other rigid materials, including plastic and paper may also be used. Sometimes they’re even coated in varnish to protect them from damage. Early dominoes were originally constructed using pieces made of ebony with ivory faces – these tended to be larger and more valuable.
As well as their obvious use as entertainment, dominoes are also widely employed for educational activities like teaching the alphabet or numbers or honing hand-eye coordination skills. Dominoes can be played in puzzle games where your goal is to stack pieces on top of one another to form patterns or pictures before your structure collapses completely. Most popular domino sets in the US include double six tiles; however many games utilize larger sets with 28 tiles as well.
One of the greatest aspects of dominoes is their versatility: every piece can be used differently in various games. Some involve positioning pieces, while others score by stacking dominos on top of one another and measuring how much of one side has been covered by the piece being placed upon. When scoring this way, its exposed face should match that of its neighboring domino being laid atop.
Another hallmark of the game is the domino effect, or domino chain reaction, which refers to how one action can cause another action, leading to further chain reactions that influence future actions. A domino can trigger this chain reaction of dominoes falling one after the other – this metaphor can also be applied when writing: by considering each plot beat as one domino that influences future scenes.
Domino Effect in Business. For instance, Don Meij from Domino’s Pizza used his Undercover Boss appearance to visit one of their busiest locations and speak directly with employees to ascertain why employees were quitting. Based on this feedback he implemented changes like more relaxed dress codes and leadership training programs which helped improve company culture while increasing employee satisfaction.