Domino is the name of a type of table game that consists of rectangular blocks or tiles with a pattern of spots, similar to a die, on one side and blank or identically patterned on the other. Each domino has an identifying mark, called a pip, which is used to distinguish it from another domino. Dominoes are stacked to form straight or curved lines, grids that form pictures, stacked walls and 3D structures such as towers and pyramids. The game can be played by one person or a large group of players. Typically, the objective of a domino game is to empty a player’s hand by blocking the opponent’s attempts to play. In the end, a winner may be determined by counting the total number of pips in each losing player’s remaining dominoes.
Dominoes are often used in art, with the pieces being arranged into designs and then toppled over by a mechanical device. The most common form of domino art is simple lines that create shapes or words when the pieces are fallen. More complicated designs include curved lines, 3-D structures and even Rube Goldberg machines. Some artists use their own personal domino design, while others are supplied with a set of dominoes by the manufacturer.
A domino is also an apt metaphor for many aspects of life. For example, if a person experiences a minor setback, it can have a significant impact on his or her life, and it can trigger a series of events that lead to greater consequences. Similarly, the domino effect is an idea in the field of computer science that describes the behavior of complex systems when one component in the system affects all other components.
When a person is in an accident, it can have a domino effect that can lead to several other accidents, including medical emergencies and financial issues. It is also possible for a single domino to cause global consequences, such as the global economic crisis that began in the United States and spread throughout the world.
In business, Domino’s has incorporated the domino principle into its leadership philosophy by encouraging managers to champion their employees. This includes offering a relaxed dress code and implementing new leadership training programs. Former Domino’s CEO David Brandon implemented these changes and then passed the baton to Tom Doyle, who continued to emphasize the importance of listening to customers.
Using the concept of the domino in writing can help writers craft more effective stories. For example, in a fiction story, each scene domino might represent an event or action that leads to the next. By putting these scenes in order, the author can create a story that flows naturally. This technique can also be used in nonfiction to develop a point of view or make an argument. A scene domino could also be used to illustrate a specific topic or theme. For instance, a scene domino might explain the history of Domino’s delivery service or how the company innovated pizza delivery.
