Dominoes are small rectangular wooden or plastic blocks with a matching number of dots in each half. They are used to play a variety of games and can be stacked end to end in long lines for decorative purposes. If one domino is tipped over, it can cause the next tile to tip and so on until the entire line topples. This has given rise to the term Domino Effect, which refers to a chain reaction where one event triggers another that results in even greater consequences. The Domino Effect is also a popular concept in business, where the actions of a single person can have a significant impact on other people.
In the game of domino, each player begins with a hand of tiles. The tiles are shuffled and then drawn by the players according to the rules of the particular game being played. If there is a tie, the player holding the heaviest tile, whether a double or a single, makes the first play. The game ends if all of the players are unable to make any more plays.
Most sets of dominoes contain 28 tiles, which is the minimum number for most games. Some sets are extended by introducing ends with different numbers of spots, increasing the total number of unique combinations of tiles. The most common extended sets are double-nine (55 tiles), double-12, and double-18. In theory, larger extended sets can exist.
There are many rules for the various games of domino, and they depend on the number of players, the type of tiles used, and the order in which the tiles are laid. Some games are more strategic than others, and some require more skill. While some domino games are very fast-paced, others are more methodical and may require more time to complete.
Many children enjoy stacking the dominoes on end and making designs with them. Some people use them to build structures like houses or castles out of them. Some people even use dominoes as art, creating elaborate designs with them and photographing them for display.
The word domino comes from the Latin domini, meaning “he who leads.” It was also a name for a type of hooded cloak worn together with a mask at a carnival or masquerade. The word appeared in English shortly after 1750 and later entered French, where it referred to the cape worn by a priest over his surplice.
The company Domino’s has made a name for itself as a pizza-delivery business, but the company has branched out into other products and services, including delivery trucks, restaurants, and online ordering. The company’s success has been attributed to its focus on customer service and willingness to listen to its customers. Domino’s CEO, Tom Doyle, has emphasized this value and has created a culture that supports it. This has paid off for the company, which was recently ranked as a Top Workplace by the Detroit Free Press and named a Fortune 500 company.