Domino is a small, rectangular block used for gaming. These blocks, also called bones, pieces, men, or cards, have a number of spots (or pips) on each side and are usually twice as long as they are wide. The more pips a domino has, the higher its rank and value. Dominoes can be stacked on end to form very long lines. When one of these dominoes is tipped over, it causes the next domino in the line to tip, and so on, in a chain reaction. This is what gives rise to the expression “the domino effect,” which refers to a chain reaction that starts with a single action and results in larger consequences than would have otherwise occurred.
A Domino Effect can occur in many different ways, such as when you start a new habit that leads to more success, or when you make a decision that has a bigger impact than you originally expected. It can also happen when you take on a large project that requires a lot of time and energy, but if you break it up into smaller parts, you can complete the project more easily. Think of each part of the project as a domino that needs to be laid in order to achieve your goal.
Lily Hevesh first started playing with dominoes as a child, when her grandparents gave her the classic 28-tile set. She enjoyed setting up a straight or curved line and flicking the first domino, then watching it fall, domino after domino. Now Hevesh is a professional domino artist, creating intricate setups for movies, TV shows, and events, including the album launch of Katy Perry. Hevesh works with an amazing team of engineers, designers, and photographers to create these spectacular creations. She tests each section of a domino arrangement to ensure that it works before putting them all together.
There are a variety of games played with domino, but the two most popular types are blocking and scoring games. These games usually use a standard double-six set of 28 tiles, although larger sets are often used for games with more players or for those who want to play more complex dominoes. Some sets have a more novel look and are made of natural materials such as bone, silver lip ocean pearl oyster shell (mother of pearl), ivory, or dark hardwoods like ebony with contrasting black or white pips.
There are also sets that are made of polymer, which can be more durable but lacks the aesthetic appeal of natural and hand-crafted dominoes. For a truly unique look, some sets of dominoes are made from marble, granite, soapstone, or other stone; metals like brass or pewter; or even ceramic clay. These sets offer a more novel look, but they tend to be more expensive than those made from wood or plastic. In addition to a more interesting appearance, these natural materials provide greater durability than polymer sets. They may be less prone to damage or warping than those made from polymer, and they also have a heavier weight, which some people find more satisfying in their hands.