A domino is a small rectangular wood or plastic block with either one side blank or marked by dots resembling those on dice. When the domino is placed down, it causes a chain reaction in which other pieces fall on top of it. Dominoes are normally twice as long as they are wide and are used in a variety of games. The word domino is derived from the Latin for “fateful” or “determinate,” meaning that whatever happens to one piece will eventually affect another. A popular game, dominoes can be played with two to eight people.
Dominoes are normally arranged on a table, with each player drawing their tiles into their hand. They then place them on edge in front of themselves, so that the players can see the value of the tiles but other people cannot. Each domino has a set value, determined by the number of dots (or pips) on each end. If a domino has the same value on both ends, it is a double. A double that has no pips on any of its sides is called a double-blank. A double-blank may be counted as one, two, or six depending on the game rules.
When you do something good, it can cause a domino effect. This is because as each tiny domino falls, it creates a new habit that can cascade into other positive actions. For example, if you make your bed each day, this small act can lead to a larger habit of maintaining a clean and organized home. Likewise, if you have a good attitude, this can lead to positive behavior in other areas of your life.
Dominoes come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the most common are double-six and double-nine sets that contain 28 tiles each. Larger sets exist, but they are not as common since it is difficult to read the pips on the ends when the tiles are further apart.
Most games played with dominoes involve blocking and scoring. There are also layout games where you build a pattern with the tiles, such as a row of columns or a cross. There are also many solitaire domino games that use the same basic layout as card games.
There are also domino theories that have been used in political situations. One such theory involves forming domino alliances in order to control other countries. This strategy is used when a country does not have the resources to fight a war, or if a conflict would result in a disaster for the nation. For instance, the United States forged a series of domino alliances with Asian countries in order to maintain influence in Asia and to prevent other nations from challenging American sovereignty. This strategy, however, may have led to an increase in Chinese aggression and tensions between the United States and China. Also, the alliances did not stop communism in Asia. It is possible that the domino theory has contributed to increased tension between the United States and Russia as well.