Domino – A Game of Chance, Skill, and Strategy

domino

A small, flat rectangular block used as a gaming object. Also known as bones, cards, men, or pieces, dominoes are usually doubled in width and height, which makes them easy to re-stack after use. Each face of a domino has either a blank (zero) or a number of dots (usually from one to six). A complete set of dominoes has 28 such tiles.

Dominos are used for games of chance, skill, and strategy. In many of these games, the object is to score points by laying a series of dominoes end to end, such that the exposed ends match: i.e., one’s touch one’s or two’s touch three’s and so on. Many domino games are adaptations of card or board games that were once popular in some regions to circumvent religious proscriptions against playing cards.

The first player to reach a predetermined point wins the game. A number of other scoring strategies are also possible. For example, in some games the players draw a domino and place it on the table so that its exposed ends form a multi-spot pattern. If the players’ exposed ends total a multiple of five, they are awarded that number of points. Other games award the winner with a specified number of points based on a combination of factors, such as the shortest or most complete chain, the most dominoes laid in a row, or the most chains completed in a given turn.

In addition to the traditional blocking and scoring games, some dominoes have been used for non-competitive puzzle-like activities, such as solitaire or trick-taking, which were commonly played to circumvent religious prohibitions against playing cards. Some of these were adapted from the game of bridge, and others originated from a variety of other card games that were once popular in some areas.

Domino art is the creative application of dominoes to produce works of art, such as curved lines, grids that form pictures when they fall, or 3D structures like towers and pyramids. It has become a popular pastime for both children and adults, with countless videos on YouTube showing domino artists in action.

A dominant is someone who takes charge of a situation or activity and directs its course. The word comes from the Latin dominus, meaning “lord” or “master.” The term is also used to describe a person or group that is in control.

Domino Effect

In fiction, the domino effect occurs when a character’s actions set in motion a series of events that naturally lead to a desired conclusion. Whether you write off the cuff or carefully plot out your story, considering the domino effect will help you create a compelling plot.

When writing a novel, you can apply the concept of the domino effect to your characters and their relationships with each other, as well as to external events and situations. Think of your storyline as a series of scene dominoes, each with its own impact on the next.