Dominoes are a fun toy for kids to stack on end and form long lines. When a domino is tipped, it causes the next domino in line to tip, and the process continues until all of the dominoes topple over! This is the principle behind the popular game of domino, which has many variants and a rich history. Dominoes are also a metaphor for the impact of one action on another, as in the expression, “it was just a domino effect.”

A domino is a small rectangular tile with a number of spots, or “pips,” on each of its ends. A complete set of dominoes has 28 tiles. The most common type of domino is called a double-six, and the pips on each end range from 0 (or blank) to 6.

Each player draws dominoes and places them on their side of the table or board. The first player, determined by the drawing of lots or by who holds the most tiles in their hand, begins by placing a domino on the table, usually a double-six. A subsequent player then lays a domino on the table that matches the value of the previous tile, if possible. The next player then takes a turn, and so on.

While most domino sets are made of plastic or a similar polymer, dominoes can be made from a variety of materials. Some sets are made of stone, such as marble or granite; others are carved from woods like ebony or ivory; and still others are made of metals, ceramic clay, or other types of glass. These more luxurious sets tend to be more expensive than their polymer counterparts.

In a game of domino, each tile must be played to a matching domino, meaning that the two matching sides must touch fully. This creates a chain of dominoes that can take on the shape of a snake or other pattern, depending on the rules of the game being played. In addition, some dominoes have a special ‘double’ end that can be placed on either one or both of the open ends of the chain, allowing for even more variation in the shape of the resulting domino chain.

The word “domino” is thought to have derived from the Latin for “fall.” This is a reference to the fact that when a single domino falls, it leads to the fall of all the other ones that are connected to it by its side, causing them to tumble over as well. The word also has a less-obvious meaning, as it was once used to denote a garment worn by priests over their surplices. The term was later extended to describe the entire outfit, including the cape and mask that adorned it. A domino can also be used as a metaphor for a business event or project that requires a great deal of effort to achieve, but when it is successful, the results can be extraordinary. In the case of a Domino’s project, it may be an innovative new product or a major expansion that propels the company to unprecedented growth and success.