Domino, also dominoes, are small, thumbsized rectangular blocks of rigid material, usually wood, bone, or plastic, that are used to play many different games. The terms “bones,” “men,” or “pieces” are sometimes also used for these pieces. A domino is normally twice as long as it is wide and each end features a value that ranges from six pips or dots to blank or none. A set of 28 such pieces constitutes a complete domino set. A domino can be used to play a game by matching its ends and laying them down in lines or angular patterns.
When played correctly, the sequence of dominoes creates a chain reaction that advances the story by influencing what happens next. Whether writing fiction or nonfiction, using domino effects in your novel will help you drive the plot forward in a compelling way.
The domino effect occurs when a sequence of events has a cumulative impact that increases the tension and suspense in a scene. It’s often employed in thrillers and mysteries to build suspense by raising the stakes with each subsequent action. You can employ this technique in your own novels by arranging scene dominoes to build up the climax of a scene.
Domino, the popular pizza delivery company, has been experimenting with new ways to deliver its goods. One such innovation is a custom-built vehicle designed to navigate city streets and other obstacles. This kind of purpose-built transportation system isn’t just about speed—it’s a form of branding that helps the company stand out from competitors.
While the term domino is mainly associated with games of chance, some people use it to refer to any type of order or pattern that guides decision making. This is especially common when describing systems that use a combination of rules and etiquette to achieve their intended results. For example, the company’s policy of providing a certain amount of food for every order is often referred to as a domino rule.
In most domino games, players place their tiles in a line called the line of play. When a player makes his first play of a tile, it is referred to as the set or the down. The player who plays this tile may be seated or given the lead according to the rules of the particular game being played.
Some sets of dominoes are made from natural materials, such as silver lip ocean pearl oyster shell (mother of pearl), ivory or a dark hardwood like ebony with contrasting black or white pips inlaid or painted. These types of sets can be more expensive than those made from polymer materials, but they tend to feel more substantial and offer a greater visual appeal.
Once the tiles have been shuffled and arranged, each player draws the number of hands permitted by the rules of the particular game being played and places them in front of him. Any tiles that a player is unable to play are passed or byed (see Passing and Byeing) to other players who can use them in the game. Depending on the game being played, some players may also draw additional tiles from the stock to increase their hand size.