Dominoes are small, rectangular blocks that can be used to build structures or play games. Known also as bones, cards, men, or pieces, they come in different colors and shapes and are usually marked with spots that resemble those on dice. These marks, called pips, determine the value of each domino. A domino that has more pips is “heavier” than one with fewer or no pips. Depending on the game, dominoes may be stacked in straight lines or curved, arranged in grids that form pictures when they fall, or built into 3D structures such as towers and pyramids.
In the simplest domino game, players take turns placing a domino edge to edge against an existing domino in such a way that the adjacent sides match. This is normally done by counting the number of pips on each end (one or more) and accrediting a number to them; for example, a domino with three pips on one side and a blank on the other could be matched with another tile with two pips on the opposite end. In most cases, the total value of the domino is determined by adding the pips on all the open ends.
Unlike the simple domino game, there are many more complex games that involve strategy and skill in addition to just matching a series of numbers. These games generally have a set number of points that are used to determine whether a player wins, and the first person to reach these points is declared the winner. In the popular game of 42, for example, a domino with any number that is divisible by five scores four points.
When it comes to writing a novel, plotting the story requires thinking about what will happen next in a similar way to how a person builds a domino cascade. The idea is to create a sequence of events that will naturally lead your protagonist in the right direction, even if their actions might be outside societal norms or appear to be irrational to other characters.
A 20-year-old woman named Hevesh is a professional domino artist who has earned millions of followers for her YouTube videos featuring her elaborate creations. She has worked on projects for movies, TV shows, and celebrity events, including the album launch of pop singer Katy Perry. Hevesh’s largest setups can involve up to 300,000 dominoes and take several nail-biting minutes for all of them to fall according to the laws of physics. This idea of the domino effect is an excellent metaphor for plotting a novel because it allows authors to focus on how each scene should influence the next. Whether you compose your manuscript off the cuff or with a detailed outline, considering how each scene should influence the next can help you to create a well-rounded narrative that will keep readers engaged.