Domino is a small rectangular game piece that is normally twice as long as it is wide and features a line in the middle to divide it visually into two squares, called ends. Each end of a domino is marked with a value, usually a number that ranges from six pips down to none or blank (depending on the particular variant of the game). A player places a tile onto the table positioning it so that the matching sides are adjacent. The result of this is that a chain develops in which each tile adds to the length of the previous one.
The word domino may also refer to:
A domino set is a collection of these small, rectangular game pieces. They are often made of a material that can be wiped clean and are often molded for better gripping. Over the centuries, many different materials have been used to make dominoes, including bone, silver lip ocean pearl oyster shell (mother of pearl), ivory, wood, and other natural stones. Plastic dominoes are most commonly used today, but sets have also been made of ceramic clay; gold and silver, carved or painted stone; marble, granite or soapstone; and various other metals. Some of these natural materials are more expensive and feel heavier in hand than a polymer domino, but their unique appearance is desirable.
Dominoes have been used for centuries to play games and can be very entertaining. The game can be played by one or more players with any number of tiles and a suitable playing surface. The aim of the game is to arrange the tiles in a “chain” that runs from one edge of the board to the opposite edge. The first player to place a tile so that its matching side touches an edge of the board starts the chain. The player continues to place tiles in this way until the chain is completed or a player makes a mistake.
In some cases, a domino is placed with its matching side touching a double so that the chain develops a snake-line shape. This is sometimes called a “stitch up” and is penalized by the opponent.
Dominoes are also sometimes used to make art. Straight lines, curved lines, grids that form pictures when they fall, stacked walls, and 3D structures like towers and pyramids can be designed with dominoes. Dominos can be used to create patterns that are simple or complex and may have a theme such as trains, stars, flowers, or animals.
A great example of the Domino effect can be seen in an episode of the popular TV show, Undercover Boss. The CEO of Domino’s Pizza, Don Meij, is sent undercover to work at a few of their restaurants. He observes how employees interact with each other and their customers, and finds that the company needs to improve its leadership structure if it wants to survive. He then puts new changes into action that are aimed at improving communication and leadership skills.