When a domino is flipped over, it sets off a chain reaction, just as the firing of a neuron causes nerve impulses to travel down an axon. This is called the domino effect, and it describes any sequence of events that follow one another in a rhythmic pattern. Dominoes are a popular pastime that can be enjoyed in almost any setting, from bustling cities to quiet village homes. They foster camaraderie and serve as a unifying force that transcends cultural boundaries.
Like playing cards, of which they are a variant, dominoes have identifying marks on one side and are blank or identically patterned on the other. These marks are sometimes referred to as pips, and the number of pips on each end may be used to determine the value of the domino. The highest value is typically a double, which can be played on either side, and the lower value is often a single.
Most modern dominoes are made of plastic or polymer, although they are also available in wood and in a variety of other materials. Some people prefer to play with sets of dominoes that are made from natural materials such as bone, silver lip ocean pearl oyster shell (mother of pearl), ivory or ebony, which have a more sophisticated appearance and feel heavier in the hand than polymer tiles. These sets are usually more expensive than polymer sets.
The initial set up of the game is known as the “stock” or “boneyard.” The 28 dominoes are shuffled and placed, face down, in front of each player, to form this stock. The player who holds the heaviest double begins play. Depending on the game, he may draw new hands before or after placing his first tile.
Traditionally, players play positional games in which the partners in turn place a domino edge-to-edge against another to form a line of plays whose ends are all identical or all add up to some specified total. Typically, the player who chips out (plays his last domino) wins the game. If the line of play reaches a point at which no player can proceed, then the winners are the partners whose combined sum of all spots on their remaining dominoes is the lowest.
Dominoes have a wide range of applications in business, including risk management and training. For example, companies use domino simulations to train employees on disaster response and fire evacuation procedures. They can also be used to analyze and predict potential risks in a project, such as fire heat radiation, explosion shock waves or hazardous waste disposal.
In addition, dominoes can be used to illustrate the importance of establishing clear rules and communication among members of an organization. A company with a good safety culture will have fewer accidents and injuries, and it will be easier to maintain a high level of employee morale and customer satisfaction. In some cases, the use of dominoes can help managers and supervisors improve their communication skills by teaching them how to effectively speak in public, resolve conflicts and deal with difficult situations.