Domino is a small rectangular tile with a line down its center separating its ends into two squares each containing a number of spots or “pips.” These pips distinguish the domino from other similar tiles, such as playing cards or dice. Each domino has a unique set of spots, making it possible to play many different games with it.

The earliest dominoes were made of wood, but modern sets are typically made from polymer materials such as plastic or resin. Some are colored to resemble stone or other natural materials, and others have a more novel look with the addition of metals or ceramic clay. Most dominoes are white, although some sets are molded in dark colors such as black or ebony to provide an interesting contrast with their contrasting pips.

Each domino has one or more suit symbols, indicating its value. Typical domino suits include the suit of threes, suit of sevens, and the suit of blanks or 0s. Most games require a player to place a domino with the same suit as the previous one or its suit symbol is removed from the table. This removes the possibility of a double, or “spilt,” play, which is when a domino has more than one of the same suit on its edges.

Domino games can be played in two main categories, blocking and scoring games. Blocking games are those in which players attempt to monopolize the game board by emptying their hands of dominoes before opponents can do so. Scoring games involve counting the number of pips on a defeated player’s dominoes to determine a winner.

Hevesh’s mind-boggling domino setups begin with a concept or theme, which she brainstorms with friends. Next, she considers the shape and positioning of the dominoes, noting their possible movements as they fall. She then creates a diagram of the layout on paper, with arrows showing the way each domino should fall. This diagram allows her to see how the pieces fit together and helps her avoid mistakes.

As soon as she places the first domino, its potential energy is converted to kinetic energy, or the energy of motion. The momentum of that first domino then pushes on the next, and so on, until the entire sequence is complete.

While the domino effect may seem obvious in fiction, it can also be used in nonfiction to advance a point or an argument. For example, an author might use the domino effect to illustrate how a policy or law could affect one community but have a larger impact on another. This type of domino effect can be particularly effective in an essay or book. In the case of Domino’s Pizza, the domino effect is the key to the company’s success in its early years. By placing dominoes near college campuses, the company ensured that it would be able to quickly deliver its product to students who were hungry and pressed for time. This strategy fueled further growth, and by 1978, the company had more than 200 locations.