Dominoes are flat, thumbsized rectangular blocks with one face bearing from one to six pips or dots, and the other blank or identically patterned. 28 such pieces form a complete set.
Dominos are used to play a variety of games. In some, players lay dominoes in a line or a shape and then knock them over. Others score points by matching the pips on two adjoining dominoes, and still others use the pips as a way of tracking scores in games that involve multiple players.
Whether you’re a casual player or a serious hobbyist, chances are you have a set of dominoes in your home. Dominoes can be found in many different types of game sets and are often used to decorate tables and other furniture pieces. They can also be used to create artistic sculptures and are often featured in movies, television shows, and music videos.
The domino effect is a powerful force that can help people develop good habits. It capitalizes on one of the core principles of human behavior as explained in a classic book called Influence by Robert Cialdini. Cialdini explains that when people make a small commitment, even if it’s just a tiny step toward an idea or goal, they are more likely to honor it. This is because the small commitment reinforces a person’s self-image. The person then becomes more likely to commit to the idea or goal at higher levels, resulting in a chain reaction of behaviors.
This is what makes the Domino Effect so interesting. The first domino tipping over itself isn’t much of a big deal, but when you have a million of them lined up and ready to fall, the results are spectacular! The same principle is at work when it comes to creating a good story.
When a writer considers each scene domino as a way to advance the plot of a novel, they’ll find that it’s easy to write a fascinating story. Whether they compose their manuscript off the cuff or follow an intricate outline, each scene domino should lead naturally to the next one.
The basic domino games consist of blocking and scoring, with the winner being the player who is able to place their pieces in a pattern that leads to the most points. Traditionally, the dominoes are made of silver lip ocean pearl oyster shell (mother-of-pearl), bone, ivory, or dark hardwood such as ebony with black or white pips inlaid or painted on them. However, sets have been made of marble, granite, soapstone, and other natural materials. These tend to be more expensive, but they have a unique look that some people prefer. They are also a little heavier than the modern polymer dominoes. Some sets are even made of crystal or frosted glass for an elegant look and feel.