A domino is a small rectangular wood or plastic block, each face of which is either blank or marked by spots resembling those on dice. A set of 28 such dominoes constitutes a complete domino. Dominoes (plural dom*i*nos) are used to play various games by matching the ends of different dominoes and then laying them down in lines or angular patterns. A game of dominoes can involve just two players or many more. Dominos can also be arranged to form pictures, walls, and 3-D structures. The word domino is also used figuratively to refer to an effect that results from a chain reaction, such as a series of events that eventually bring about change.
When a domino is played out of turn, the player must recall it before the next player makes a play. This is called a misplay, and it disrupts the flow of the game. When it is discovered, a player must forfeit any score he or she has gained on the misplay.
To avoid a misplay, a player should draw only the number of tiles permitted for his or her hand according to the rules of the game. Taking more than this amount is called overdrawing. The excess tiles must be discarded before the next player draws, and the hand is reshuffled for the next round.
In addition to being a fun way for people to spend time, dominoes can be a useful tool for teachers when teaching children about counting and probability. Dominoes help to develop spatial awareness and motor skills, as well as encourage the development of concentration and coordination.
For artists, dominoes can be used to create intricate and beautiful displays. Domino artist Hevesh uses them to create grids that form images and words, as well as to construct 3-D structures. She has even helped to set a Guinness World Record for the most dominoes arranged in a circle—76,017.
While creating an artwork, Hevesh begins by thinking about its theme or purpose. Then she brainstorms what kind of images or words will be best represented by the dominoes. After that, she considers how the display will be constructed. The largest installations can take several nail-biting minutes to complete.
When it comes to plotting a novel, the domino effect is a key part of building a story that will keep readers turning pages. Whether you compose your manuscript off the cuff or take your time with a careful outline, using the domino effect will ensure that your plot stays on track and keeps readers engaged.