Domino is a game in which players take turns playing a domino against each other. The rules vary according to the specific game being played, but in general, each player tries to empty his hand by playing all of his available dominoes. The first player to do so wins the hand. In addition, each player tries to block the play of his opponents by leaving them no opportunity to make a play.
The most common domino games use a double-six set of 28 tiles. These are shuffled and form a “boneyard,” from which each player draws seven tiles. The remainder of the dominoes are not used and remain face down on the table. Each player draws the dominoes in his turn and may place one only if it is playable, that is, has a matching pair of numbered ends.
Each end of a domino is marked with an arrangement of dots or pips, identical to the ones on a die. The number of spots determines the value of the domino. Unlike playing cards, which are all different, each domino is unique.
In a domino game, each scene is like a domino: ineffective on its own, but when placed in the proper position it can trigger other scenes and influence their direction. This is important to keep in mind when writing, whether fiction or nonfiction. If a writer doesn’t create and stick to a clear outline, he is likely to wind up with scenes that don’t advance the plot in any logical way.
A domino effect can be positive or negative. A positive effect can lead to success, while a negative effect can derail a project or even ruin a career. The concept of a domino effect can be applied to many areas of life, from business to politics to personal relationships.
The word domino is derived from the Latin dominus, meaning “lord.” The term hints at a master who keeps an eye on advantageous opportunities and takes care to make wise choices.
In addition to being a fun pastime, domino can also be used to teach kids about numbers and sequencing. It can be a great tool for learning about cause and effect, as well as being an excellent way to develop motor skills and spatial awareness. It is also a good exercise for improving concentration and attention. In addition to the basic game, people can build elaborate lines of dominoes in a variety of shapes and sizes, including 3-D structures and grids that form pictures when they fall. In fact, there are entire shows in which domino builders construct incredibly complex and imaginative reactions before live audiences. These elaborate sets can involve hundreds or thousands of dominoes, all arranged in careful sequence to topple with the gentle nudge of just one.