Domino is a game in which players try to form a line of dominoes across the table. The dominoes are marked with one or more dots, called pips, which indicate the value of the tile. Normally, dominoes are twice as long as they are wide and can be stacked in layers. The number of pips on each side of the domino is its rank or weight, and a higher-ranking domino has more pips than a lower-ranking one.
The earliest known dominoes were functionally identical to playing cards and developed in China during the 12th or 13th century. They were probably produced using wooden moulds and are distinguished from modern ceramic tiles, which feature printed numbers, by their larger size. Dominoes are typically played by two or more people, although a single person can also play. Generally, the first player to make a move will decide who goes next. This is usually decided by drawing lots or by establishing a seating arrangement. A common rule is that the winner of a previous round of play makes the first move in the current game.
When a domino is played, it sets off a chain reaction in which each adjacent tile must have its matching end touching a neighboring tile. This produces a long snake-like line of dominoes that can be played from many directions, depending on the rules of the game and the limitations of the playing surface. Doubles, which have a matching pair of ends, are always played crosswise across the line of play; singles, on the other hand, can be played lengthwise.
In some games, the total value of a domino is used to determine its ranking. If, for example, a domino has four pips on each side, it is considered “heavy” and is more valuable than a smaller domino with no pips. The number of pips on a domino can also be used to identify its rank within a set, although some players prefer to use the color of the tiles for this purpose.
One of the most common uses for a domino is to show an example of an event or situation that can have a domino effect. For example, a single setback can have a domino effect on a person’s life. This effect can be positive or negative.
Dominoes are also sometimes used to teach the principles of leadership. For example, a company’s CEO might go undercover to work at a Domino’s pizza shop and study how the employees manage their operations. This is done to promote a more participatory form of management. For instance, this type of management allows for the possibility of a Domino’s employee to create an innovative solution that increases efficiency at their workplace. The resulting solution may have a domino effect in other parts of the organization. For example, this strategy might lead to the opening of Domino’s restaurants in new markets. It could also inspire other companies to adopt similar strategies that can have a positive impact on their bottom lines.
