Dominoes are small rectangular blocks with one or more faces, either blank or marked with dots resembling those on dice. A complete set consists of 28 such pieces. The word domino is also used to refer to a game played with such blocks, or to a set of rules governing games that involve matching the ends of pieces and laying them down in lines and angular patterns.
In the world of fiction writing, the concept of the Domino Effect suggests that every event in a story has its own momentum and is linked to other events in a way that makes them unstoppable. Plotting a novel often comes down to one question: What happens next? Whether you compose your manuscript off the cuff or take your time with a careful outline, considering how to use the Domino Effect in your narrative can help you craft a satisfying conclusion.
The most common material for domino sets is wood, with most of them made from oak, pine, redwood, cedar, or hickory. Many sets are painted or stained with a color to give them a more decorative look. Sets can also be made from natural materials such as bone, silver lip ocean pearl oyster shell (mother of pearl), ivory, or a dark hardwood such as ebony; stone (e.g., marble or granite); metals; ceramic clay; and even glass or crystal.
While plastic dominoes are available, many people prefer to play with wooden or marble versions of the game. These types of sets are usually heavier than plastic ones and have a more appealing visual quality. They may also be easier to keep clean than other types of sets.
When a person plays a domino, it is placed on the table in such a position that its open end faces upward. As other dominoes are played on top of it, a line of tiles is formed, called the line of play. This line is then used to build up a winning score, depending on the rules of the particular game being played.
Some rules specify that only the ends of a domino count, and that a double can only be played on one end. Other rules specify that a double must be played on both ends. The latter type of rule is known as a spinner and can be helpful when determining a winner.
A popular scoring method in a game of domino is to count the number of pips on the tiles in the losing player’s hands at the end of the hand or the game and then add this to the winner’s score. This is an alternative to the more traditional method of counting the total number of pips on the tiles in both the winning and losing players’ hands.
The Domino Effect is a theory in behavioral psychology that states that when one behavior changes, other related behaviors will change as well. For example, if you reduce the amount of sedentary leisure time you spend each day, you may find that your nutrition habits improve as a side effect.