Domino is a set of small, rectangular, clay or resin tiles with pips (markings) on their faces. They are normally twice as long as they are wide, and can be stacked side by side to form a line of tiles called the domino line. The pips can be counted to determine the value of a domino, which may be used for scoring in some games or it might be left blank or have other numbers on it that indicate its rank. A domino with more pips is generally considered to be “heavier” than one with less, as it will have greater force when struck or knocked over.
The physics behind the domino effect is simple: when you pick up a single domino and stand it upright, lifting it against gravity, it stores energy. Then, when you drop it, much of that potential energy is converted to kinetic energy, causing one domino after another to topple. The result is a chain reaction, with each domino pushing on the next until they all fall over.
While we usually think of a domino as a game, there are other ways to use this powerful tool for communication and organizational change. For example, a business leader can use the domino principle to initiate a cultural shift that leads to better customer service and employee morale. This can be especially helpful in times of crisis, when a company is facing a major challenge or even bankruptcy.
In Domino’s case, the Domino Effect was the catalyst for a new leadership structure that is designed to streamline the pizza chain’s operations and provide customers with a better experience. By focusing on the core business, Domino’s will be able to improve quality and focus on growth. This will lead to higher profitability and a stronger balance sheet, which is good news for investors.
The word domino is derived from the Latin dominum, meaning “heavy.” It was also once used to refer to a long hooded cloak worn together with a mask at a carnival celebration or at a masquerade ball. It is thought that the domino piece was inspired by this hooded garment, with its ebony blacks and white surplice-like faces.
When playing domino, the first player lays down a tile with matching ends perpendicular to a double. The player then draws a domino from the stock and places it to match an end with part of the double, with the other end touching the center of the domino. This creates a chain of dominoes that develops into a snake-like shape on the table.
Once the players have drawn their hands, they play according to the rules of the specific game being played. In some games, the player who draws the highest double goes first, while in others, it’s determined by the heaviest domino in the hand. If the players cannot make a play, they draw from the stock. If the hand is tied, the winner is determined by counting the pips on the ends of the dominoes in the losing player’s hands, with the exception that a double that is played as a “spinner” (meaning it has all four sides matched) counts as only two of its points.