Dominoes are small oblong tiles with 0-6 pips on each face. They are used in a variety of games in which players try to form lines by laying down pieces that match in value with the ones on either end of the line already formed. The game’s name comes from the Latin word dominus, meaning “lord.” In an earlier sense of the word, it meant a long hooded cloak worn together with a mask at carnival season or during masquerades.
The game of domino can be played with two or more players, with the most common version of the rules requiring a double-six set. These 28 domino tiles are shuffled and placed into a stock, called the boneyard, which forms a “domino table.” Then, each player draws seven dominoes in turn from the boneyard and attempts to match them in value with a piece on either end of the existing line. The first player to do so wins the game.
If you’ve ever seen a domino show, then you know that a single domino can set off a chain reaction of hundreds of others, creating elaborate and imaginative designs before an audience. It’s quite a sight! This is known as the Domino Effect, and it is a powerful metaphor for how one simple event can have much larger consequences.
The same principle applies to storytelling. Plotting a story requires careful thought and attention to detail. A good writer can build a strong and engaging plot like a set of dominoes, with scenes that advance the hero’s goal and keep the reader engaged until the final climax.
Whether you’re writing off the cuff or following a strict outline, the key to a good plot is ensuring that each scene carries the same weight as the next. If a scene is too light or too heavy, it may not provide the necessary momentum for the story to build toward its climax. Likewise, if a scene seems unnecessary or doesn’t move the story forward at all, readers will lose interest quickly.
The best way to create a smooth sequence of scenes is to plan carefully ahead, just as a domino builder plans each step of the creation. A well-crafted narrative will be smooth and seamless, with no hiccups in logic or pace.