A domino is a small rectangular game piece that has anywhere from 0 to 6 dots. It is tipped over to create long lines of dominoes, and then knocked down to trigger hundreds and sometimes thousands of other dominoes to fall, creating elaborate patterns that can look pretty cool when they’re completed. This chain reaction inspired the phrase “domino effect,” which refers to events that have far-reaching effects based on one simple action.
Dominoes can be played in many different ways, but they are most often used to build lines of dominoes in straight or curved rows, and then tipped over so that the first one causes the rest to tumble. The resulting chain reaction can be spectacular and inspiring, and it is the source of much fun for many children and adults.
Some people also use dominoes to play a number of games, which can include matching the ends of a domino, or building structures out of dominoes. Some of the most popular domino games are:
There are many different types of domino, but the most common is a set with 28 unique pieces that have all possible combinations of ends (also known as pips). Each end has either a number or a blank square, and the value of a piece can be determined by its color or the sum of the numbers on each of its ends.
Traditionally, dominoes are made from bone, silver lip ocean pearl oyster shell (mother of pearl), ivory, or a dark hardwood such as ebony, with contrasting black or white pips. However, they can also be made from a variety of other natural materials and even frosted glass or crystal. Sets of dominoes made from other materials may be more expensive, but can also be more interesting to look at and hold.
Dominoes are usually twice as long as they are wide, and this helps to ensure that all of the pips are visible when the domino is in its upright position. Some larger domino sets have a line down the middle that divides them visually into two squares, and each of these squares can have a number on it. The value of a piece is the sum of all of the pips on all sides, and it is the value of a domino that determines its rank and weight.
In addition to being a great way to spend time with family, friends, and coworkers, domino can also teach us a lot about how we operate as individuals and organizations. For example, when Jennifer Dukes Lee began making her bed each day, she was committing to a new habit that helped to reinforce the idea that she is someone who keeps a clean house. Over time, this domino effect influenced her behaviors in other areas of her life as well.
When companies use dominoes as a training tool, they can help employees understand the importance of listening to each other and working together. This is an important skill for anyone, but it is especially critical in a customer-facing role like the one that Tom Monaghan took on when he joined the Domino’s pizza chain in 1965. As Domino’s CEO, he promoted the core value of “Champion Our Customers” and encouraged employees to share their feedback with him directly.
