The Basics of Domino
Domino is a popular game played with a set of numbered tiles. The object of the game is to score points by laying the dominoes end to end. If the dots on an exposed end total any multiple of five, the player is awarded that number of points.
The basic domino set contains 27 pieces, each of which represents one of the 21 possible results of throwing two six-sided dice. The pips on each side of the tile are marked in different colors, depending on the face. The pips are usually a combination of red, white, and black.
Many sets of dominoes are “extended,” meaning they contain ends with greater numbers of pips. These increases the variety of unique combinations that can be formed by playing the dominoes, which is important to players.
To start the game, each player must play a domino onto the table, placing it so that it touches a corner of the table and is not blocked from being moved by the next domino. Once all the tiles have been played, each player must then make mental notes of the numbers currently available to them on the table and try to ensure that they are all still available in future too.
If a player has a number showing at both ends of the domino chain, they are said to have “stitched up” the ends. This makes it more difficult for the opponents to play against them and can therefore give a better advantage to the player.
Another advantage of “stitching up” the ends is that the number shown at both ends is easier to read and thus can be more easily used in play. This is also true if the dominoes have been painted in different colors.
In some versions of the game, each player may choose to play a number that shows only at one end. This is a strategy known as “double tucking.”
It is also common to use a “wild” or unmarked number on each domino. This allows players to ascribe different values to the tiles, and to make them more likely to match with other pieces.
Some players also add blank faces to the tiles, giving them no value. In such a case, the dominoes can only be matched with other tiles that also have a blank side.
Whether you’re trying to decide which article to publish, or which idea to pursue, the domino effect can be a useful tool. By focusing on the larger picture and prioritizing streams of ideas, you can improve your ability to choose what will move forward the most quickly and effectively.
As a book editor, I often provide advice to writers about how to approach writing their manuscripts. A key lesson I try to impart is to think of every plot beat as a domino.
When it comes to writing a novel, every domino is an opportunity to create a compelling narrative. The more you think about how to utilize the domino effect in your storytelling, the more interesting your story will be.