The Domino Effect in Fiction and Business
A domino is a small rectangular wood or plastic block, the face of which is either blank or marked by dots resembling those on dice. Its edges are usually rounded and the top surface may be inlaid or painted with a number of dots (called pips) equal to its value, which can range from zero to six. Each domino is also a member of one or more suits, with each suit having the same color (usually white or black) and value (often indicated by a numeral on each side). Dominoes are used in a variety of games to match identical ends of tiles and to lay them down in lines and angular patterns. A complete set of dominoes contains 28 pieces. The word domino is also used as a verb, meaning to control or influence someone or something.
Domino is a popular game, but it’s also used to teach basic math skills. Counting the pips on each domino helps children learn numbers and colors, while learning how to arrange them in a row or a square is a great way for young people to develop their spatial reasoning skills. Domino also has many practical applications, such as helping doctors keep track of patients’ medication and providing an easy method for calculating dosages.
The most important thing to remember about the domino effect is that it takes time for a chain reaction to occur, and that it only requires a single domino to start it off. The other key is to use a domino that’s not too large and that will have enough traction to get the process rolling.
In the world of business, a company’s initial success often depends on how well it can predict its customers’ needs and then respond to those needs. Domino’s, for instance, made an early splash by placing its pizzerias in areas close to college campuses, a strategy that boosted traffic and profits.
For fiction writers, the domino effect is a useful concept for thinking about plot. The best stories feature characters who react to each other in a sequence that builds to a climax. Whether you write off the cuff or meticulously outline your manuscript, understanding how to use the domino effect in fiction will help you create a story that’s engaging and compelling.
The most common types of domino games involve blocking and scoring. Each tile in a standard double-six set contains the same number of pips on both sides, but each has a different value (ranging from six to none). Some sets are printed with contrasting colors to make it easier for players to identify their values. Historically, some sets were made from natural materials like bone, silver lip ocean pearl oyster shell (mother of pearl), ivory, and dark hardwoods such as ebony. Such sets have a more traditional look and feel and are often much heavier than polymer-based sets. Some sets are also available with Arabic numerals to allow for clearer identifying marks.