Domino is a game that uses black and white rectangular tiles to create a line of falling dominoes. The tiles can be arranged in straight lines, curved rows, grids that form pictures, stacked walls, or 3D structures such as towers and pyramids.
There are many rules that must be followed in a game of Domino. Most of these rules are designed to protect the integrity and fairness of the game, while others are designed to prevent cheating. In the case of a rule violation, a player must follow the correct procedure to rectify the problem.
A game of Domino can be played by two or more players. Each player draws a number of tiles for his hand, according to the rules of the particular game being played. If a player draws more than he is allowed to, the extra tiles are taken by the player to his right, without looking at them, and returned to the stock. The deck is then reshuffled before the next player draws his hand.
When a player plays a domino, it must match the pips on its open end with those on the adjacent tiles in the line of play, which is sometimes referred to as the line of play, layout, string, or chain. Depending on the rules of the game, the first player to make a match is known as the setter, the downer, or the lead.
Once a line of matching tiles is formed, the next step in most domino games is to add the next tile. The next tile may be added to the end of the line of play (lengthwise) or to the other side of the line of play, depending on the rules of the game being played. Often, the next tile added to the line of play is a spinner, which can be played on all four sides.
Some domino games allow players to buy tiles from the stock. These are taken by the player who has drawn the heaviest double or single, as specified in the rules of the particular game being played. The heaviest tile must also be played if the next play is a spinner. If no player holds a double, or if there is a tie for the highest tile, the winner of the last game begins play.
Aside from the rules that must be followed in a game, Domino is a great way for children to learn how to think about sequencing and cause and effect. The beauty of a well-designed Domino construction is that, by tipping the first domino ever-so-slightly, it unleashes a cascade of rhythmic motion and reaction that is breathtaking to behold. The same principles can be applied to writing fiction, whether you write your manuscript off the cuff or take time and care to craft an outline and carefully plot each scene. Ultimately, a story is not about what happens, but rather how everything leads to the next scene.