The domino effect is the phenomenon whereby a small event can cause similar events to occur. For example, a drop of water may create waves in a glass, or a simple push from one piece of a wooden domino can lead to an entire arrangement falling over. Dominos are the simplest form of this kind of arrangement, often referred to as a “domino show.” Arrangements of millions of tiles have been made, and these may take minutes or even hours to fall. The way in which these chains develop is a large part of the fun for players.
There are many different types of games that can be played with dominoes, which differ largely by the number and arrangement of spots (or “pips”) on the pieces. The most popular games involve positional play in which a player positions the pieces edge to edge on the table so that one end of the domino touches another (either identical, or showing the same number). The result is a long chain of tiles which can be used to block other players from progressing or forming particular totals.
A typical set of dominoes contains 28 tiles: seven doubles (which have the same number on both ends, from double blank to double six) and 21 singles. These can be arranged in a variety of ways, and the game can be played with as few or as many players as desired. A game is usually won by the player who can complete a line of tiles without being blocked.
Although dominoes are primarily plastic, they have been made from other materials, including bone and ivory; dark hardwoods such as ebony or tiger maple; metals such as brass or pewter; ceramic clay; and more recently, polymer resins. Each type of material has its own characteristics, influencing the feel and sound of the dominoes. For example, a set made from natural materials is typically heavier and has a more substantial feel to it than a set of plastic dominoes.
While the plastic dominoes are inexpensive and easily available, there is a strong market for higher-end sets of wood or ceramic dominoes. These are usually more expensive than plastic, but they offer a much more luxurious and elegant look and feel to the set. In addition, the colors and textures of these sets can add to the enjoyment of playing a game.
In terms of leadership, Domino’s has taken a very hands-on approach with its employees. CEO David Brandon, who replaced Doyle, has emphasized the importance of listening to customers and implementing new strategies that will keep Domino’s a leader in its industry. He’s also pushed for a more relaxed dress code and other employee-oriented changes, which has helped to make the company a top workplace. These values have been extended to the company’s customer base as well. One example is a new Domino’s app that allows customers to order pizzas by simply texting an emoji or using devices like Amazon Echo.