A domino is a small rectangular block with one side blank or marked by dots resembling those on dice. It is traditionally twice as long as wide, so it can be stacked on top of one another. A set of dominoes is used to play games such as the popular Mexican Train or the more challenging Battleships. Dominoes are also used to create artistic displays, such as curved lines, grids that form pictures when they fall or 3D structures like towers and pyramids. The word domino itself comes from the Latin dominus, meaning “lord” or “master.” As such, it imparts a sense of authority and expertise. That is why the name has been adopted by various businesses, organizations, and products that wish to convey a similar image.
Dominoes are most often thought of as a game played between two people, but they can also be used to create art and make statements. Artists use dominoes to create impressive, eye-catching displays that are not only fun to watch but can also be educational and help children learn about the laws of physics.
For example, an artist named Hevesh uses dominoes to create incredible setups for movies, television shows, and events. Her YouTube channel, Hevesh5, has more than 2 million subscribers and features videos of her creating spectacular domino setups. She is also a bestselling author and hosts a podcast.
In fiction, the domino effect refers to a chain reaction that causes one event to trigger the next. This is a key aspect of plotting and can make or break a story. Plotting a novel doesn’t have to be an intricate process of carefully planning out every detail, but it’s important to consider how each scene will impact the plot and what will happen next.
Whether you’re writing off the cuff or following a careful outline, a well-crafted domino sequence can add a great deal of depth to your story. But if you’re not careful, the results can be disastrous. The trick is to strike the right balance between timing and space. The dominoes must be close enough together to cause a cascade but far apart enough so that the reader can easily follow the action.
Although many different types of domino sets exist, they all share a few common characteristics: each piece is numbered and has a contrasting face. Most sets are made of bone, silver lip ocean pearl oyster shell (mother of pearl), ivory, or a dark wood such as ebony, with black or white pips inlaid or painted on them. Some of the more exotic sets are made of stone (e.g., marble or granite); other woods; metals; ceramic clay; and even frosted glass.
The earliest known sets of dominoes are from the mid-18th century, in Italy and France. They may have been brought to England by French prisoners toward the end of that period. A single domino was found with the wreckage of the Mary Rose in the early 16th century, but this is not considered to be evidence that the game originated in Europe.