Domino is a game of matching up dominoes edge to edge so that the adjacent ends match (one’s touching one’s, for example). When they do, the chain develops into a snake-line shape. Usually, play stops when someone “chips out” (plays their last domino) and the winner is determined by which player has the least number of total spots on their remaining tiles.
There are many kinds of domino games, but the most popular involve scoring points by laying tiles end to end in order to form a chain that can be run out to either side. Each tile has a pattern of identifying marks, or pips, on one side and is blank or identically patterned on the other. The pips are generally arranged in an arrangement similar to the ones on a die, although there are also some dominoes with different arrangements of pips.
Each player takes turns putting down a domino. Normally, a domino must be played to another domino in such a way that the adjacent edges of the two match: the matched tiles must touch fully. If a tile cannot be placed because of the way it overlaps with other dominoes, the player must “knock” or rap the table and pass play to the opponent.
The game has its origins in the mid-18th century in Italy and France and probably came to England by French prisoners toward the end of that period. The name is thought to be derived from the earlier sense of the word domino, which denoted a long hooded cloak worn together with a mask during carnival season or at a masquerade.
Whether they are tossed from a hand or lined up in a row, dominoes create an intricate chain reaction that is both beautiful and mesmerizing. Dominoes are also an intriguing metaphor for life and business. When we are willing to take risks, try new things, and make mistakes, we can see a positive domino effect unfold.
The infamous Domino’s Pizza Turnaround, in which the company faced up to its problems and changed course, is a classic example of this phenomenon. Under the leadership of David Brandon and then J. Patrick Doyle, Domino’s emphasized its value of listening to customers. They even encouraged employees to write scathing critiques of the company’s food and service in the hope that it would spur them to change. It worked. The pizza got better and the company started to thrive.