Domino is a game in which players try to place their tiles so that when they are finished, the chains of other players’ tiles form a shape, like a pyramid or a tower. The first player to win the desired pattern or arrangement wins the game. Each domino has a side with numbers, called ends, and a blank or identically patterned side. The ends of a domino indicate its value, which may be based on the number of dots, or pips, on either end or by the presence of a double, which adds one to the total.
Traditionally, dominoes were arranged in sets of 21 to represent the results of throwing two six-sided dice (d6). Each domino has a line in the middle to divide it visually into two squares, which are then marked with arrangements of spots or pips, similar to those on a die, except that some of the spaces are blank (indicated by a zero). Modern domino sets, which are typically more colorful than their European counterparts, usually show different colors for the varying end values (e.g., black pips for one-spot dominoes, white pips for two-spot dominoes, and a blank for three-spot dominoes).
Many different games have been developed using domino, including the most familiar: a simple game of matching pairs in which each tile has a single number, and a more complex version that involves building structures with the tiles. The latter is also known as a chain game or a chinese checkers variant. The most popular domino game is twenty-one, which is played with a set of standard dominoes, and in which the winner is the first person to reach a target score, usually determined by the number of points scored on opposing player’s pieces, or by completing a specific type of structure (such as a tetrahedron or a cross).
In an attempt to improve its image among customers, Domino’s hired a new CEO, named David Brandon Doyle, in late 2008. He quickly put into action changes such as relaxed dress codes, a leadership training program, and college recruiting systems. He also emphasized Domino’s core value of “Championing Our Customers” and started listening to complaints, even from those who didn’t buy pizza.
A Domino Effect
As a result of these efforts, the company is now trying new initiatives such as a purpose-built pizza delivery vehicle and drone deliveries. Its new strategy appears to be working: The company has reported that its sales and profits are up. However, it will take time for these new initiatives to gain momentum and become a long-term success. Whether you’re a pantser who composes scenes as they come or use outlines or Scrivener to plot your novel, the idea is to make sure the next scene supports the one before it and builds tension by raising questions about what will happen next. Having a good grasp of the domino effect will help you do just that. —Sarah Lynne Hevey is a writer who has used Domino to plan her novels and screenplays. She has also written articles for a variety of business and consumer publications.