The domino effect is the idea that a single object or event can cause other items to fall in a predictable way. In writing, this could mean that one scene influences the next, or a single action prompts a chain reaction. You might also use the domino effect in a presentation or debate as a strategy for making your point.
Dominoes are a classic example of an item that has endured for many years because it offers a wide variety of possibilities and applications. Whether used in a game of chance, in a puzzle, or to create an artistic display, the domino can provide entertainment for hours on end.
Domino is a word that has become synonymous with a specific type of toy, but its roots are in the ancient world. Like playing cards, of which they are a variant, a domino is divided into two squares. The side that contains identifying marks, or “pips,” is recognizable by its arrangement of dots, similar to the pattern on a die (except that some of the squares are blank).
Most domino games involve blocking and scoring. A player must play a tile that matches an existing tile, or “end,” in order to add to the chain of dominoes on the table. If a player plays a domino that has the same number on both ends, it is said to be a “double” or “stitched up.”
A player accrues points during the course of a game by adding up the values of the dominoes in his or her hand. These values may be determined by the arrangement of pips on the domino, or the sum of all the dominoes played. Most modern domino sets feature pips, which allow for more precise identification of the value of each domino.
Many domino enthusiasts take their hobby to the next level, and are able to set up elaborate displays that include hundreds or even thousands of pieces. These are often shown in domino shows, where builders compete to build the most spectacular setups before a live audience.
In addition to being a great source of entertainment, dominoes are also a terrific tool for teaching math skills. For instance, students in the early grades can use a set of dominoes to practice creating addition equations. They can also use the numbers on each domino to make observations about how the dots on each end of a given domino relate to one another, and how a double can be added to a single in a specific way.
While Domino’s has faced challenges in the past, their current CEO, Dominic Brandon, was able to turn things around by sticking close to the company’s core values. For instance, he made listening to employees a priority by taking part in the company’s leadership training programs and interacting directly with workers. He also helped the company develop a line of communication with its customers, encouraging them to tell them about their experiences at Domino’s and what they would like to see changed.