Dominoes are the cousins of playing cards and dice. They allow for a huge variety of games, some that are simple and some that require skill and patience. In addition, dominoes can be used as building blocks for other toys, such as towers and bridges. Dominoes are also known as bones, pieces, men, or stones, and they are often referred to in the plural as dominoes or dominoe.
In the modern sense, a domino is a small, rectangular block with a marked surface, either blank or bearing an arrangement of dots, called pips, on one face. A complete set of dominoes consists of 28 such tiles, and they are typically arranged in a row or in a rectangular shape with adjacent empty corners. A player in a domino game begins by placing one domino edge-to-edge with another domino, either identically patterned or bearing pips that match the value of a piece already laid down. The first player to play all of their dominoes wins.
While some people may play dominoes simply to set them up and knock them over, the domino effect is also a great tool for storytellers. This is because dominoes are a perfect example of how a small event can cause a chain reaction that results in something much bigger than expected.
For example, in a book, if a character encounters trouble, he or she might have to call for help. This could prompt a series of events that eventually leads to the big problem at the end of the novel. In this way, a writer can use the domino effect to build suspense and keep readers interested in what happens next.
The word domino itself comes from a Latin word meaning “lord, master.” It is believed to have been brought into France in the late 17th century, and it likely refers to a hooded cloak worn together with a mask at masquerades. Its earlier sense, however, is obscure, and it probably denoted a black cloth used to contrast with a white surplice worn by priests.
In the early 1960s, Domino’s Pizza founder Tom Monaghan opened his first store in Ypsilanti, Michigan. The company quickly became a national franchise, and it continues to grow today. The company’s success is based on a few key principles, including a commitment to listen to customers and employees. When David Brandon was CEO before Doyle, he implemented new policies, such as a relaxed dress code and leadership training programs, that helped address employee discontent. He also emphasized opening locations near colleges, since college students are the ideal customer for Domino’s pizza. These strategies helped the company improve its business and achieve a number of awards, including the Detroit Free Press’ Top Workplaces Leadership Award. Doyle has remained committed to these values, and the company now has a strategy of “think global, act local.” This means that Domino’s is always looking for innovative ways to deliver its product to consumers in an efficient and effective manner. This includes developing a custom-built pizza-delivery vehicle and even experimenting with delivery by drones!
