Domino is a game in which players compete to play all of their dominoes before the other player does. Each domino is a rectangular tile with one or more dots that determine its value. The value of a domino ranges from six pips, the most common, down to none or blank. They are normally twice as long as they are wide, which makes it easy to stack them on end in long lines. When the first domino in a line is tipped over, it triggers a chain reaction that causes all the other dominoes to topple over as well. This is how the name of this fascinating game originated – a domino effect, where one simple action leads to much larger (and oftentimes catastrophic) consequences.
The order of play in a domino game is determined by a number of factors, including the rules for the particular game being played. Some games have a fixed order of play while others allow players to purchase their turn by drawing new dominoes from the stock. A player may also choose his seat at the table, usually by lot, after the dominoes have been shuffled and drawn.
There are many different types of domino games, but most fit into four categories: bidding, blocking, scoring and round games. A domino game may be played with any number of players, although the more players there are, the more complex and interesting the game becomes.
Once the tiles have been shuffled, each player draws a domino from the stock and places it face down in front of him. This domino is referred to as the lead. The player who draws the domino with the most pips makes the first play. Depending on the rules of the game, he may be required to play a double or a single.
A player who plays a double for the opening of the game or at any time during the game is said to be making a “spinner.” A spinner is a domino that can be played on all sides.
In most domino games, the open ends of a double are counted for score purposes. This means that if the domino is 4-4, for example, the player will score only 4 points.
The domino effect can be used in fiction writing as a way to show the effects of a character’s actions on the people around him. It is important to provide the logic that a character needs to make his decisions, especially if they run counter to what most readers think is logical. Otherwise, your hero may be perceived as immoral and unlikable. Using the domino effect in your writing can help keep this from happening by giving readers the motivation and reason to support your hero’s choices even when they are outside of societal norms. The best way to do this is by focusing on the why behind your hero’s actions. This will give your story a stronger sense of continuity and narrative flow.