Domino is a game of skill and strategy. It has many variations and can be played with one person or multiple players. It is popular in schools because it is easy to learn and provides an excellent opportunity for teamwork. The word domino comes from the Latin word for “falling.” Whenever a domino is placed, it triggers a chain reaction that continues until all the pieces have fallen. Dominos can be used to build lines that form pictures, stacked walls, or even 3D structures such as pyramids. Whether playing on the floor or using paper to plan a track for a domino train, this addictive and engaging game is a great way to spend time with friends or family.
Each domino has a number of pips that determine its value in the game. The pips were originally a representation of the results of throwing two six-sided dice. Today, the pips on dominoes are generally used to represent numbers but some sets are designed with other markings such as letters or symbols. European-style dominoes are usually made of bone, silver lip ocean pearl oyster shell (mother of pearl or MOP), ivory, or dark hardwood such as ebony with contrasting black or white pips inlaid or painted on. Some sets are also made of other natural materials such as marble, granite, or soapstone; metals such as brass or pewter; and ceramic clay.
The rules of the various games vary slightly from one to another. However, there are some basic principles that are common to all. The most important is that a domino must be placed so that its matching ends are adjacent. A domino must also be played to a double in order to continue the line of play. The resulting chain of tiles may be a snake-line or any other pattern that fits the space on the table or the needs of the players.
When a domino is stood upright, it stores potential energy, or stored energy based on its position. When the domino falls, this energy is converted to kinetic energy, or the energy of motion. When a domino topples, it initiates a series of events that can be unpredictable and exciting.
The Domino Effect in Writing
A writer can use the domino effect in her work to help readers understand the logic of a scene. For example, if she has her protagonist do something immoral, she must provide the logic that allows readers to forgive and/or accept this action. Without the underlying logic, the domino effect fails.
The process of creating a domino track for a domino train is called domino art. This type of art is often displayed at public spaces such as museums and galleries or in private homes. It can be as simple or elaborate as the artist chooses and can include straight lines, curved lines, grids that form pictures when they fall, stacked walls, or 3D structures such as towers and pyramids. To create this type of art, the artist begins by drawing a layout on a piece of paper and then uses arrows to show the direction in which the dominoes will travel.