A domino is a flat thumb-sized rectangular block, either blank or bearing from one to six pips or dots: 28 such tiles form a complete set. A domino is a key ingredient in games that involve laying down tiles in lines and angular patterns. Several different games may be played with dominoes, and the game rules differ in each. A player must use the dominoes in order and in correct sequence, or the game will fail.
Dominoes, which come in a variety of colors and styles, can be used to create beautiful art or dramatic displays, as well as for educational purposes. Domino artists, who call themselves dominoeers, specialize in building elaborate structures with the small bricks, and some even compete in domino shows for the highest-quality setup or most impressive chain reaction.
When it comes to personal and professional success, many experts point to the principle of the domino effect. This theory states that if you make one small change, it will trigger a chain reaction and influence the rest of your life. Changing your diet, for example, might lead you to spend less time on the couch watching television and mindlessly eating, which will eventually help you lose weight.
Although the Domino Effect has a negative connotation, it can actually be a positive force for change. Identifying the “good dominoes” in your life — tasks that contribute to a bigger goal and will have a large impact if completed – can help you stay motivated and achieve your goals. The process of creating a financial plan, for instance, could be broken down into a series of good dominoes: outlining your finances, establishing a budget and implementing that plan.
In business, Domino’s Pizza founder Tom Monaghan once told a story about how he turned around the company’s low customer satisfaction levels by focusing on its core values and listening to customers. After hearing complaints about long delivery times, Monaghan’s successor, David Brandon, implemented changes, including a relaxed dress code and leadership training programs for employees, while also speaking directly to them about the problem.
When playing a domino game, each tile must be laid so that its matching end faces an open end in the layout. Typically, only the right and left sides of a double are considered to be open. Exceptions to this rule can occur, however, as the layout is developed based on the whims of the players and limitations of the playing surface.
The first player to play all their tiles wins the game, although the winner is also determined by how far they can advance in the sequence before reaching a point where no player can continue. Generally, play stops when one player chips out (plays his last domino), but some variants of the game allow play to stop when one or both partners are unable to place any more tiles in their turn. This type of game is often known as a “draw-and-play” variant.