Domino is a game played with small square pieces called tiles, each marked on one side with a number of dots. The value of each end – usually called the pip – determines its rank or weight, and the number of tiles in a set is also important for determining the total score. There are many different games, but most involve placing dominoes in a row to form a chain that ends with a single domino that has no dots left. This can be done with one player against another or two or more players in a group.
The dominoes can be arranged in a circle, in a row, or across a table or other surface. The rules of the game can be as simple or complex as desired. For instance, the first player to reach a specified number of points wins. The number of pips on the tiles can determine what type of game is being played, and some domino sets have specific rules for arranging them in a certain way.
Dominos have inertia, which means that they remain in place unless there is some outside force applied to them. A tiny nudge is all it takes for the first domino to fall and set off a chain reaction. Similarly, a small plot beat can have little effect by itself, but when combined with other scene dominoes it can make a huge difference in the story.
For example, if a character discovers a clue to the case and in the next scene the villain makes a point that contradicts this discovery, then something is wrong. A writer who uses outlines or other tools to guide their writing can avoid this problem by considering each scene as a domino that will influence the scenes ahead of it.
In addition to being fun, domino is a great way for kids to develop their spatial awareness and hand-eye coordination. It can also help them learn the names of different colours and improve their fine motor skills. It can even inspire kids to dream and come up with their own creative ways to use the dominoes!
The most basic Western dominoes are block-and-draw games for two to four players. The pieces are shuffled and placed on a table, and each player draws at random the number of dominoes required to play. The remainder are left behind on the table, known as the boneyard. The player who draws the highest domino plays first.
Traditionally, the best dominoes are made from natural materials, such as bone, silver lip ocean pearl oyster shell (mother of pearl), ivory, or dark hardwoods such as ebony. These have a richer look and feel than modern polymer sets, and they are more likely to be passed down from generation to generation.
Dominos also prioritize listening to their customers and employees, a value that is demonstrated by their Customer Champions program. When a customer has a complaint, the company will investigate and address it quickly, often directly. This has been a key driver of their recent success, including a top workplace award from the Detroit Free Press and a spot on Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For list.