Dominoes are small rectangular blocks with a face that features a number of dots resembling those on dice. Each domino is twice as long as it is wide, making them easier to re-stack after use. A domino is normally played by placing it end to end with an open end facing up. This configuration is called the layout, string, or line of play. As the players place and play tiles, the line of play will become more complex. A domino may be moved by placing another tile on its open end, or it may be knocked off the table. The latter action is referred to as the domino effect.
Dominoes have a long history and are popular worldwide. They are primarily used for games, but can also be sculpted to create unique structures. Some people are even known to make dominoes out of clay, stone, and metal.
The word domino derives from the Latin dominium, meaning “flip.” During a game of dominoes, when the first piece is tipped ever so slightly and begins to fall, the remainder of the set will follow in an orderly fashion. This is what gives the term its figurative sense, which applies to any situation where events have a predictable impact on those around it.
There are many different kinds of dominoes, and the number of spots on each end varies. The most common type of domino is the double-six, which has six pips on each end. Other types of dominoes include double-twelve, double-nine, and double-15. Each of these has a different number of possible combinations of ends, which means each domino has a unique value.
When playing a game of dominoes, the count is determined by counting the total number of points on all open ends that are with the line of play. The most common way to do this is by placing a single tile across the line of play. When this tile is joined to the matching halves of the previous tile, its point value is added to the count.
A player who has a full hand of dominoes is said to be ahead. This is a favorable position to be in, because it means the player has more chances of winning. The hand may be increased by drawing additional tiles from the stock, or by re-drawing one of the previously drawn dominoes that was not playable.
There are many ways to use the term domino, and it can be applied to all aspects of life. In writing, a domino effect is any scene that affects the rest of a story in a predictable way. This is the kind of thing that writers often try to mimic in their work, although it can be difficult because of the many ways a scene could go wrong. Fortunately, there are many resources online that can help with this process. In addition, there are many books on the subject. For example, the book How to Write Like a Pro: The Art of Creating Scenes that Rock by Lily Hevesh is an excellent resource for anyone looking for inspiration and techniques in this area.