When children line up dominoes on end in long lines, they can create some pretty interesting shapes. These toys are also popular with adults who like to play games with them. But the real fun of a domino is the way they can be tipped over, creating a chain reaction that leads to much bigger—and sometimes catastrophic—consequences. This idea has led to the common phrase, “the domino effect.” Today’s Wonder of the Day takes a closer look at this process and how it can be used in fiction.
The individual pieces of a domino set are called dominoes, although they have many other nicknames: bones, tiles, cards, stones, spinners, and tickets. The most basic domino set has 28 dominoes, and is referred to as the double-six set. It is used for most domino games. Some games require larger sets. The most common are the double-9, double-12, and double-15 sets.
Dominoes have one face that is marked with an arrangement of spots or “pips,” similar to those on a die, and the other side is blank or identically patterned. The pips are inlaid or painted on the dominoes.
Unlike dice, which have a single number on each side, dominoes have multiple numbers, which makes them more versatile for use in different types of games. The first player to score all of their dominoes wins the game. Some players use a special set of rules to determine scoring.
In the domino game Muggins, for example, a player scores by counting all of the open ends of the dominoes he or she has placed. Each multiple of five counts for one point. The score is kept on a cribbage board or counter. The game is a great way to practice math skills while having some fun.
When Tom and James Monaghan started Domino’s in 1960, they probably didn’t imagine that it would revolutionize pizza delivery. Their small company in Ypsilanti, Michigan, was able to grow because they followed their core values—one of which was listening to customers. By doing so, they were able to meet the needs of their market and build brand loyalty.
The original Domino’s model was based on a one-size-fits-all delivery service, but the company soon expanded to offer customized orders. This helped them increase sales and market share, especially among college students. By the 1980s, Domino’s had more than 200 stores worldwide.
When composing your story, think about how every plot beat is like a domino. The goal of a scene is to move your hero farther from or closer to his or her goal, and you need to ensure that your scenes are spaced properly for the domino effect to work. Overly long scenes can feel tedious and boring, while too short scenes may not give readers a sense of momentum or urgency. The key is to balance pace with the amount of detail and action needed to convey your story.