A domino is a flat thumbsized rectangular block whose face is divided into parts, each bearing from one to six pips or dots arranged as on dice faces. A set of 28 such pieces forms a domino set, or deck. A number of games are played with dominoes by matching the ends of pieces and laying them down in lines and angular patterns, usually to form pictures or structures that will collapse as soon as they are laid down. Alternatively, the pieces may be used to make domino art that is displayed for entertainment.
A popular domino game is the scoring version of fives and threes, where players try to build a line of adjacent dominoes so that their sum is divisible by either five or three. The winner scores points for each time a domino is added to the chain before it falls over, and the last piece added counts as the scorer’s own point. This game is often seen in British pubs and social clubs, but it is also played at home with family and friends.
Dominoes are a common toy for young children. They are a popular way to learn about basic math and number relationships. Many children enjoy the challenge of creating a long line of dominoes, and they can compete to see who can create the longest or most complex domino chain. This can also be a good way for older children to practice their motor skills and spatial awareness.
The word domino is believed to come from the Latin for “to command” or “control.” The most familiar use of the word has to do with a type of game, but it has also been applied to political theories and strategies. In the 1977 Frost/Nixon interviews, Richard Nixon defended his policy of destabilizing the Salvador Allende regime in Chile on domino theory grounds, arguing that a Communist Chile and Cuba would form a red sandwich encircling Latin America. In the same vein, John F. Kennedy committed additional U.S. resources in support of Ngo Dinh Diem’s government in South Vietnam on the basis that the domino effect could prevent a communist takeover of Southeast Asia.
As a company, Domino’s has been known to be innovative. For example, its founder, Tom Monaghan, emphasized the importance of placing Domino’s stores near college campuses because students are the key demographic for fast pizza delivery. Monaghan also worked with automotive designers to develop the Domino DXP, a customized Chevrolet Spark that was described as a “cheese lover’s Batmobile.”
The company’s CEO, James Doyle, is also a strong believer in listening to customers. He has promoted this value, and Domino’s was a top workplace for several years in the Detroit Free Press Top Workplaces survey. This commitment to customer feedback has been crucial for the success of Domino’s. It is important for Domino’s to keep up with technology that can help it deliver pizza to more people in more ways than ever before, including new ways to order pizza.