Domino is a small rectangular block used in a game to form a chain reaction that knocks over other blocks, or tiles. Each domino has one or more dots, called pips, that mark the number of points it can have. The most common type of domino has two square ends that are joined together with a line in the middle to divide it visually into two equal parts, each having a value represented by its pips. The value of each side can vary from 0 to 12 or more, depending on the size and type of domino.
While some games involve simply emptying a player’s hand, blocking other players’ play, and scoring points, many domino games are designed to help players learn math and number recognition skills. A popular game, for example, is bergen and muggins, which allows the winning players to earn points each time that the sum of their ends can be divided by five or three. This is done by attaching a domino to one end of the tiles already played so that the total of the pips in each hand matches.
When a domino is set up, it must be placed so that the two matching sides touch each other fully, and it must be played to an edge of another domino if possible. In addition, the dominos must be positioned so that the pips are all visible to other players. This helps ensure that the players are playing on an even surface, and it also makes it easier to identify a tile that needs to be replaced in the chain.
Creating mind-blowing domino setups requires skill, patience, and a firm understanding of the laws of physics. A domino artist, for instance, must carefully consider the theme of her work, the purpose of each piece, and how she will use a particular domino to complete the rest of her layout. Then, she must lay out the entire sequence, taking care to avoid gaps or uneven lines. Then, she must wait for the dominos to fall in accordance with the law of gravity.
As a result of this process, domino artists often develop their own versions of the engineering-design process. Hevesh, for example, explains that when a domino is knocked over, some of its potential energy is converted to kinetic energy, which is then transmitted to the next domino in the chain. This energy travels along the chain, pushing each domino until it reaches the ground and setting off a spectacular display.
Whether a writer creates a novel off the cuff or plots it with meticulous detail, the story ultimately comes down to the same question: What happens next? Using the domino effect in fiction can help writers answer that question in a compelling way. By establishing the setting and character relationships, a writer can begin to build momentum in the story. And by focusing on the reactions of these characters, a writer can build excitement for what will come next.