Dominoes are small, rectangular blocks of varying shapes with black or white dots. They are arranged in long lines to create complex patterns. When a domino is tipped, its potential energy becomes kinetic energy, which causes the next one to tip, and so on, in a sequence known as the domino effect. The term “domino” can also refer to any series of events that cascade in a similar manner.
Dominoes have many uses, including playing games and constructing artistic works such as paintings or sculptures. They are often used as a learning tool to teach students counting and basic math. They are also popular as toys for children, who enjoy stacking them on end in long lines and knocking them over. Some people use dominoes to make art by arranging them in geometric forms such as straight lines or curved lines, grids that form pictures when they fall, or 3D structures like towers and pyramids.
Most domino games involve blocking and scoring. Blocking games, such as matador or Mexican train, require players to empty their hands of tiles while blocking opponents’ play. Scoring games, such as bergen or muggins, determine points by counting the number of pips on a losing player’s tile(s).
The game of domino has many variations and is popular with families, friends, and groups of all ages. A traditional set contains 28 dominoes, though there are many other versions. The most common are made of polymer with black or white pips inlaid or painted onto the surface. Other types are made of stone (such as marble, granite or soapstone); other woods such as hickory, cherry or maple; metals (such as brass or pewter); ceramic clay; and even frosted glass or crystal.
A common rule is that a tile must be placed so that it touches only one other domino, unless the domino has upon it a double, in which case the tile may touch two other dominoes at once. This allows players to build up chains of dominoes that can become quite lengthy. A seasoned domino player can sometimes achieve amazing feats of skill and speed in creating these chains.
In business, the domino effect refers to an action that has a larger impact than expected. For example, a small change in the way a company handles its customers can have far-reaching consequences. The Domino’s Pizza chain has been a pioneer in recognizing this concept of the domino effect, and has used it as a key strategy for growth. One of their guiding principles is “Champion Our Customers.” This means that the company listens to its customers, and makes changes accordingly. This has led to the company becoming one of the best places to work in the Detroit area. The company has a wide variety of policies that promote this value, such as flexible work schedules and an open line of communication with employees. This has helped them to keep customer satisfaction high, which has in turn fueled growth for the company.