Domino is a small rectangular block of wood or other material, the face of which is divided into two halves, with each half marked by an arrangement of dots resembling those on dice. The word domino can also refer to a game played with these blocks, and to the sets of them that are available for purchase or as a gift. A set is usually 28 in number, but larger ones exist.
Dominoes are a great way to develop children’s core maths skills, particularly in numeric patterns. The game also helps children develop problem-solving and strategic thinking abilities. The more artistic side of the game is also important for developing colour recognition and pattern-making. The construction of the sets also encourages dexterity and patience.
The word domino has roots in both Italian and French, and in both cases it meant “a hooded cloak worn with a mask during carnival season or at a masquerade.” It is believed to have come into use as a name for the playing piece shortly after 1750. A similar sense of the word appeared in English around the same time, and it later referred to a black ebony domino that was often used to contrast with a priest’s white surplice.
A Domino’s Pizza franchisee in Florida pleaded guilty to racketeering charges in January 2019. The franchisee had operated over 100 stores throughout the state, and was convicted of racketeering, money laundering, conspiracy, and mail fraud. He was sentenced to serve a prison term of 20 years and ordered to pay more than $1.5 million in restitution.
There are a wide variety of games that can be played with a domino set, from simple blocking and scoring to intricate strategy games. The most popular is 42, a game that involves four players paired into teams. Each player draws seven dominoes, and each trick counts as one point. The winner is the player who reaches 35 points or more.
A domino is much more powerful than most people realize. A University of British Columbia physicist demonstrated this in 1983, using a single domino to knock over something about one-and-a-half times its size. The video has gone viral many times over, and is still a must-see.
The Domino Effect is an idea that can be applied to novel writing in many ways. When creating a plot, it’s helpful to think of each scene as a domino. It is ineffective on its own, but when positioned properly it can naturally influence the next scene. Whether you compose your manuscript off the cuff or take time out to create an outline, understanding how to use domino effect will help your story to become more captivating and engaging for readers.