Dominoes are small rectangular blocks that can be stacked on end in long lines to form complex shapes and then knocked over. When the first domino in a line is tipped over, it causes the next domino to tip and so on until the entire set has fallen over. Dominoes are a popular toy that children can use to build structures and also to play games. They are also the inspiration for the phrase, “the domino effect,” which refers to a chain reaction where one event leads to much greater–and sometimes catastrophic–consequences.

The word domino is also used to describe a strategy that improves the efficiency of an organization by increasing its ability to achieve business goals. It is usually focused on a single area such as marketing, human resources or accounting. However, a business that employs a domino strategy must also develop strategies at the corporate level that ensure that the functional areas co-operate with each other to make the system work well.

A domino is a small, flat, rectangular piece of rigid material, typically made of wood, bone or plastic. It has a square, or occasionally an oblong, shape and is normally twice as long as it is wide. It features a line in the center to divide it visually into two squares, called ends. Each end is marked with a value, which ranges from zero to six pips or dots. There are 28 such pieces in a full set of dominoes.

In addition to games that involve blocking and scoring, dominoes can be used for other types of leisure activities such as solitaire and trick-taking. In fact, some of these games were developed to circumvent religious proscriptions against playing cards. A domino’s value is determined by its sum of pips or spots, and a piece with more pips is considered “heavier” than a similar tile with less or no pips.

Dominoes are a cousin of dice and, like them, can be used for a number of different games. The most common are based on the principle that the value of a given end of a domino is determined by its match with the values of the other ends in the line. The name domino is probably derived from the Latin dominus, meaning master, and it has also been used to describe a loose cloak with a mask worn at masquerades.

The best way to understand domino is to see it in action. This is why many children enjoy constructing and knocking over lines of dominoes. A good example of the domino effect is this video, in which a University of British Columbia physicist uses 13 dominoes to create a spectacular chain reaction. While the effects are impressive, the most effective domino constructions require proper spacing and timing to make them work. A good business strategy is the same, in that it must be carefully planned and properly executed to be successful. The minute a company loses focus is the moment it starts to falter.