A domino is a flat thumbsized rectangular block, divided into two parts. Each end is either blank or bears from one to six spots called pips. Traditionally, 28 such pieces form a complete set. Dominoes are like dice or playing cards, allowing many different games to be played.
The most basic domino variant is the blocking game for two players. A domino set is shuffled and each player draws seven tiles. The first player then places a bone on the table, which extends the line of play and must match the end of its own bone with the open end of his or her opponent’s bone. Players alternate play. When a player cannot play, he or she passes. The winner is determined by the number of remaining pips in his or her losing hand.
Physicists have studied the power of dominoes, and they’ve found that even small dominoes can knock over objects about twice their size. This domino effect is much stronger than we often realize. It’s what allows us to set up a line of dominoes and then knock them down in straight lines or in angular patterns, or even into 3D structures such as towers or pyramids.
Dominoes also are a popular way to decorate homes. Whether they’re used to spell out a family name or as an interesting centerpiece, they can add an artistic touch. Many people have even created domino art — using the traditional squares to make grids that form pictures or even stacked walls.
There are many different types of domino games, but most involve matching the ends of pieces and laying them down in lines or angular patterns. Some are scored by counting the pips in the lost hand, while others involve emptying one’s hand and blocking opponents’ play.
When a domino falls, it releases the potential energy stored in it. That energy can then push on other dominoes and cause them to fall. Similarly, an effective story relies on the domino effect to keep the action flowing smoothly and lead up to a satisfying climax.
Whether you’re a plotter who takes a careful approach to your writing, or a pantser who writes without any formal outline, the domino effect can be your friend. If your scene logically leads to the next, readers will continue reading until they reach the exciting climax of your story. However, if your scenes are out of order, or the ones in between don’t impact the next scene enough to create tension and suspense, readers will lose interest. That’s why it’s so important to get your story dominoes in a row! To do so, it’s necessary to consider how each scene will impact the next. By keeping this in mind, your story will flow smoothly from one scene to the next.