A domino is a small rectangular wood or plastic block with a face bearing an arrangement of spots or dots similar to those on dice. A domino is usually twice as long as it is wide and has a line running through the center to divide it visually into two square ends, each of which may be marked with a number value (called pips). Dominoes are also sometimes called bones, cards, men, or tiles. When one domino is played, it normally causes all the others to fall or “knock” in a chain that gradually increases in length. Players normally compete to build the longest chain of dominos. The player with the most pips at the end of the chain wins the game.
The name of the game is taken from a Latin expression meaning “fall over” or “topple.” When the first domino is set up, it has inertia, which is a tendency to resist movement until another force nudges it past its tipping point. When that happens, the potential energy that was stored in it becomes available to push on the next domino and so on.
When a domino chain is carefully set up, the result can be breathtaking to watch. At domino shows, builders set up hundreds and even thousands of dominoes in a careful sequence. Then, they nudge the first domino just so that it passes its tipping point and begins to fall in a spectacular cascade. Seeing such a display reminds us of how narrative works: each scene is like a domino and the overall story is like a domino effect.
Dominoes have a long history, with the first known use dating back to the 12th or 13th century. They were developed in China, where they were used to teach children counting and addition. Today, dominoes are used in many games and can be bought in specialty stores. They are also widely used as table decorations.
While many domino games are designed to be played with the double-6 set, most can be modified for use with larger or smaller sets of dominoes. A typical domino set includes four dominoes, each of which is numbered in the center. The four most common sets are the double-six, double-nine, double-12, and double-15.
In business, the concept of the domino effect can apply to a chain reaction that starts at the top and then cascades down through an organization. For example, a company that is having trouble with its leadership may start by promoting a new supervisor or manager who has more experience. This promotion could trigger other changes that improve the company’s management style and lead to improved employee morale and productivity.
Alternatively, some organizations may take a more passive approach to leadership and allow people to rise up naturally through their work performance. Such a domino effect can also be beneficial to the company, as it is less likely to lead to employee dissatisfaction and turnover. One way to encourage this type of leadership is for a company to promote an open-door policy for employees to express concerns to company leaders.