Domino is a game of skill and strategy in which players build a line of dominoes, one by one, with matching ends touching each other. The value of the end, marked with a number of dots or pips, determines how far the domino falls. Each domino adds to the force of the next domino, so that even a single domino can cause an entire chain reaction. The game has many variations, but one simple rule is that each player must play all of his or her dominoes before the other person can.
Dominoes are also used for making art, forming lines that resemble paintings or other objects, and 3D structures such as towers and pyramids. Some artists use the pieces to create a whole scene, while others choose to focus on specific shapes or forms. To create a piece of domino art, the artist first plans out the entire structure on paper. The artist then constructs the pieces in sections, assembling each part and arranging them to work together, using glue as needed. Whether the artist is creating straight lines, curved lines, a grid that forms a picture when the dominoes fall, or an entire structure, she or he tests each section to make sure it works before putting it all together.
In the past, domino sets were made from various materials, including bone (e.g., white or colored) and ivory; a dark hardwood such as ebony; metals such as brass and pewter; and ceramic clay. More recently, a variety of synthetic materials have been used to produce the pieces. Most dominoes feature a smooth surface and contrasting pips that are either inlaid or painted. The size of a domino is typically twice as long as it is wide. Each side features a square, with the values ranging from six pips up to none or blank.
Some people use the term domino to describe a situation that leads to a series of events, such as an accident or a series of political events. In the world of business, a company’s actions can have a domino effect on other companies, customers, and the economy as a whole.
A domino effect can be positive or negative, depending on how the situation plays out. For example, a company’s decision to drop a particular brand of product can lead to other businesses following suit, leading to a downward spiral in sales and revenue. It is important to carefully consider the impact of a company’s actions before implementing a domino effect, especially if it involves customer or employee relations.