Domino is more than just a game; it is a symbol of tradition, camaraderie, and creativity. Its enduring appeal and cultural significance continue to attract people of all ages and backgrounds.

The first dominoes were made of wood or bone, but modern sets are typically made of glazed ceramic tile, plastic, or resinous composite material with an inlaid or painted image. Unlike playing cards, which are all uniform in shape and size, each domino is unique. The identity-bearing side of each piece is marked with an arrangement of pips, like those on a die. Dominoes are numbered from one to twelve, and the numbers on each end of a double are used to identify the position of that domino within a line of play.

When a player plays a domino, it is said to be “set,” or more specifically, “down.” The next player then takes his turn. A domino that is played out of order is a “misplay.”

Most domino games involve emptying one’s hand and blocking opponents’ play. Some are scoring games, such as bergen and muggins. Other games duplicate card games, teaching number recognition and counting skills. Some are based on simple logic, such as Mexican train and chicken foot. Still others are elaborate displays of skill and imagination, such as the mind-blowing setups built by Hevesh in her domino shows.

A domino has the same potential energy as any other object, but when it is struck, that energy converts to kinetic energy and the rest of the dominoes follow suit. This continues until all the dominoes have fallen. This process is called an “event.” Dominoes are similar to nerve impulses in the brain: they travel at a constant speed regardless of the size of the triggering event, and they can only travel one way.

In addition to being fun and educational, dominoes are also beautiful objects. They are often arranged to create patterns and designs, and can be displayed on their own as works of art. There are even rules and competitions for domino artists, who set up intricate and elaborate layouts.

Whether you plot your novel off the cuff or take your time with a careful outline, the process of writing a story ultimately comes down to one question: What happens next? Using the domino effect in your fiction can help you answer that question in a compelling way.