Dominoes are small rectangular blocks with one or more faces bearing a number of dots. When they are stacked on end in long lines, the first domino can be tipped over to trigger a chain reaction that causes all of the other dominoes to fall over as well. Depending on how the chains are set up, very complex and elaborate designs can be achieved. The word “domino” has also come to refer to any sequence of events that has dramatic or catastrophic consequences. The term is most often used in the context of a business, but it can apply to any event or situation.
Hevesh, an artist who specializes in creating mind-blowing domino designs, has a process that she follows when designing her pieces. She explains that when she starts to work on a new installation, she considers the overall theme or purpose of the piece and brainstorms images or words she might want to use in the design.
She then draws sketches to help her visualize how the finished product will look. Next, she creates a prototype to test the concept and make sure that the design will function as intended. Once she’s satisfied that the prototype works properly, she then begins the process of building the actual piece.
Dominoes can be made from many materials, including polymer clay and wood. However, traditional domino sets are generally made from a material such as bone, silver lip ocean pearl oyster shell (MOP), ivory, or a dark hardwood such as ebony with contrasting black or white pips inlaid or painted on the ends of the tiles. These sets tend to have a more substantial feel and are often slightly heavier than their polymer counterparts.
The most common type of domino is the double six set, with 28 tiles. Larger sets exist that increase the maximum number of possible combinations of ends, and these are often preferred for games that involve several players or require long domino runs. Most commercially available dominoes have a suit of alternating colors, and each domino features two equal sides—the left side being marked with one to six pips or dots, and the right side blank.
While the majority of the pips are the same color, each domino is unique and can be recognized by its identifying marks. The most common suits are the suits of 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8, but other pips-based suits are also in use, and some dominoes feature a suit of 0s.
When played with correctly, dominoes can be a fascinating and engaging game. Whether they are being tipped over in a line or in a circle, the action can be smooth and exciting until the big climax. In an effective story, all of the plot beats should be connected like dominoes and must fall smoothly one after another. Otherwise, readers may become confused or lose interest. As an editor, I work with authors to ensure that all of the scenes and plot points are connected in a coherent manner—like dominoes falling one after another—and that everything leads to a big climax.