A domino is a small, flat, rectangular block used as a gaming object. Dominoes, also known as bones, pieces, men, or cards, are typically made of rigid material such as wood, although they can also be made of bone or plastic. Each domino has a number on one side and is blank or identically patterned on the other. These identifying markings, called pips, are organized into sets that each have a particular suit (six-sided dominoes represent the results of rolling two dice). Each tile may also be marked with an arrangement of dots, which can be counted to determine the value of the tile in a given game.
Dominoes are versatile, providing endless opportunities for games of skill and chance. Their simple construction makes them easy for even young children to pick up and play. They are also an excellent way to occupy adults while allowing them to relax and forget about the stresses of everyday life.
Many people enjoy creating impressive and mind-blowing domino structures, which can take on the form of straight lines, curved lines, grids that make pictures when they fall, or 3-D structures like towers and pyramids. The more complex designs require careful planning and calculation, and some even include a story or theme for the structure. Hevesh explains that when she creates one of her mind-blowing domino installations, she follows a version of the engineering-design process. She plans out each individual section of the design, then tests it on a smaller scale to ensure that it works properly.
When she’s satisfied that the design will function as intended, she begins placing the dominoes on the floor, starting with larger 3-D sections. She then moves on to flat arrangements, and finally, the smaller dominoes that connect these larger sections together. Hevesh uses a variety of techniques to create these designs, including adding weight and moving the dominoes to test their balance and stability.
As a writer, you can use the principle of the domino effect in your fiction. Whether you plot out your novel in a detailed outline or write off the cuff, every scene in your story should lead to a natural progression of events. In order to achieve this, it is important to consider the domino effect of your action sequences.
The more a character reacts to an event, the bigger the reaction, and the more dominoes that are set in motion. This can help you craft a more engaging and compelling story. By incorporating the domino effect in your narrative, you can keep your readers on the edge of their seat and make your plot come to life.
