Domino is the name of a series of games played by putting one domino on top of another. The game has been around for centuries, and its rules are simple: just put down a domino on any spot of the board, and then place another domino onto that spot before it falls. There are many variants of the game, though, and the most common ones feature a double-six layout. Dominoes are often set up in straight or curved lines, grids that form pictures, stacked walls, and even 3D structures like pyramids and towers. The game can be played alone, against friends, or in teams.
Dominoes are often made from a variety of materials, including bone (also known as ivory), silver lip ocean pearl oyster shell (mother of pearl), and dark hardwoods such as ebony. They usually have contrasting black or white pips inlaid into the surface. Other sets are made from a wide variety of natural materials, such as marble or granite; metals like brass or pewter; ceramic clay; or even frosted glass or crystal. Domino sets in these materials tend to be more expensive, and their weight and appearance feel more substantial than those made from polymer.
Throughout the world, there are many people who are skilled at building and displaying their domino creations. Some of these builders create a single domino display for fun, while others compete in domino shows and challenge themselves to build the most elaborate arrangements possible. Domino is also a popular pastime in schools, where it can help students develop visual and motor skills.
The origins of the word “domino” are obscure, but the game certainly does have a long history. Some scholars believe that it dates back to the 16th century, when it was first documented in a Spanish textbook. Other experts believe that it originated from the Latin dominus, meaning “lord” or “master.”
In the modern world, Domino’s has become a household name thanks to its delicious pizza and other baked goods. The company has expanded from its roots in Detroit, Michigan to a global presence that includes more than 4,000 stores. Domino’s CEO and co-founder Tom Doyle is credited with implementing a number of key changes to the company that helped it succeed in the competitive fast-food industry.
If you’re a writer who uses the pantsing approach to plotting (that is, you don’t use an outline or Scrivener to plan your work), it can be easy to end up with scenes that, like a domino, are at the wrong angle or lack sufficient impact on the scene ahead of them. To avoid these issues, consider using scene cards to help you plan out your work in advance. Just write down one sentence describing the main action of each scene, and lay them out in order. You’ll soon see how the pieces fit together, and weed out any that don’t move your story forward. For example, if your heroine finds a clue that should raise tension, but the next scene doesn’t do anything to build toward that moment, you know something needs to change.