Domino (also called dominoes, bones, cards, men, pieces or tiles) is a game of one-on-one or more players using flat rectangular blocks with from one to six spots on each end, arranged as on the faces of dice. The classic domino set contains 28 tiles, and each individual piece may belong to one of two suits—a number suit and a blank or 0 suit—as well as having an attribute like pips (also known as chits) that indicate its value.

In the game, each player takes turns placing dominoes on a grid or table. The goal is to create a line of dominoes that is either horizontal or vertical, depending on the type of game being played. The first player to complete a line wins the game. The most basic games involve only two players and a double-six set.

The game is also played with three, four, or even eight people. The more players, the more complex and exciting the games become, but they are all based on the same principle: a single domino can cause a chain reaction that leads to the rest of the dominoes falling in turn.

The chain reaction that occurs when a single domino falls can have a great impact on our lives, as well as the lives of those around us. It is the idea behind the “domino effect,” a term coined by Admiral William H. McRaven in a 2014 commencement speech at the University of Texas at Austin. He used the example of making his bed every morning to illustrate how the seemingly simple act can have a profound impact on one’s life.

For example, a person who makes their bed will likely pick up other tasks to clean the house or put away laundry. In turn, these other tasks will likely lead to additional habits that help the individual feel more productive and organized. These habits will ultimately have a positive impact on their mental and physical health.

The same principle applies to a business. When a company implements a new strategy or product, it can trigger a chain reaction that changes the way an organization operates. This is the idea behind the Domino Effect in marketing and sales.

A Domino Effect can be seen in the history of Domino’s Pizza. In the early 1960s, founder Tom Monaghan began opening franchised locations in Ypsilanti, Michigan, and other cities. He was careful to select locations near universities and other high-traffic areas. The strategy proved successful, and the Domino’s name became synonymous with fast, delicious pizza.

Dominoes are most often made from polymer, but they have also been crafted from natural materials such as bone, silver lip ocean pearl oyster shell (mother of pearl), ivory or dark hardwoods such as ebony. More recently, some sets have been manufactured from more novel materials such as ceramic clay or frosted glass. These sets tend to be more expensive, but they offer a unique look and have the added benefit of being able to feel substantial in one’s hand.