A domino is a small, thumb-sized rectangular block that features a line down the middle to separate it visually into two squares, each of which is either blank or marked with one to six spots. These dots, called pips, identify the domino’s value and are used in games that are similar to those played with dice or playing cards. Traditional domino sets include 28 pieces. More complex and larger sets are available as well.
The word “domino” is also used to refer to any game that involves laying down a row or series of dominoes and then knocking them over one at a time. Whether you enjoy building long chains of dominoes or playing the games that involve them, these little black and white rectangles are an entertaining addition to any collection of toys.
Lily Hevesh began collecting dominoes when she was 9. Her grandparents had a classic 28-piece set, and she loved setting them up in straight or curved lines before flicking the first one. She soon started making her own videos on YouTube and has become a professional domino artist who has done impressive setups for movies, TV shows, and events.
Hevesh’s work requires precise planning. She creates a detailed map of the layout on paper and uses arrows to show how she wants the dominoes to fall. Then she tests each section of the arrangement in slow motion to make sure it will work. She may even build 3-D structures like towers or pyramids.
When she is satisfied that each section works, Hevesh sets them up in a grid and adds flat arrangements before putting on the final touches. She’s been known to spend up to 20 hours on a single installation, requiring more than 40 dominoes. But she knows the hard work will pay off in the end.
She’s inspired by the Domino Effect, which states that success is often achieved as a result of a chain reaction. That’s why she believes that if you want to be successful, you need to start by setting goals and then doing the work to achieve them.
Hevesh is also aware of how important it is to stay motivated. She says that sometimes she feels discouraged and wants to give up, but she knows she has to keep going because it’s worth it in the end.
Another way that she keeps herself motivated is by focusing on the process rather than the results. She says that if she focuses on the end results, it can easily feel overwhelming. She prefers to think about the steps she’s taking and how they will eventually lead to achieving her goals.
The word “domino” is an interesting word, with its roots in both Italian and French. The latter word may have been derived from the Latin verb dominus, meaning “lord.” In its most common sense, however, it probably comes from the French noun domino, which meant a short hooded cloak worn over a priest’s surplice. Earlier still, the word may have been a reference to a hooded garment used in carnival season or at a masquerade.