Domino is a tabletop game that involves matching and playing tiles. Depending on the rules of a particular game, domino may be played with one or more players. Games may be simple or complex. Some are designed for children, while others appeal to older players. A game of domino can foster socialization and camaraderie, transcending language, nationality, or ethnicity.
The most popular domino games fall into two categories: blocking and scoring. In some games, a player is allowed to draw from the stock (see Passing and Byeing below) if he cannot play any of the tiles in his hand. He must then pass or bye the tile to another player, according to the rules of the game.
Each domino has a value that is represented by the number of dots on its either side. These values are called suits. The value of a domino in its suit is referred to as its rank. A domino with more pips is ranked higher than a domino with fewer pips or no pips.
A typical domino set consists of twenty-six double-sided tiles, each with a different number of pips on the two ends. These pips are often colored differently, giving the sets their characteristic look. In addition to the traditional polymer dominoes sold commercially, sets are also made from natural materials such as bone, silver lip ocean pearl oyster shell (mother of pearl), ivory, and dark hardwoods such as ebony. Using such materials can add to the cost of a set, but these sets are more beautiful than polymer dominoes.
A domino is normally twice as long as it is wide. Each end is marked with a number, usually between six and twelve pips. The pips on the ends are known as spots. Each tile features a line in the center that divides it visually into two squares. The number of spots on each square, or end, determines the value of a domino.
Unlike physical dominoes that can be pushed over, inertia causes the pieces of a story to stay put until an outside force is applied to it. When the first domino falls, it nudges the rest of the set to move, resulting in a chain reaction that continues until all the elements have been moved or dropped. The same principle applies to scenes in a novel.
A scene in a story must be compelling on its own, but it can become even more effective when you consider how it will influence the next scene. Whether you compose your manuscript off the cuff or carefully plot out your narrative, thinking of scenes as dominoes can help you craft a more convincing and compelling story. Using this idea of scene dominos can also help you understand the logic of your scenes, especially those that deviate from societal norms. For example, if your hero does something immoral, you must provide readers with enough logic and motivation to let them give him a pass or at least keep liking him as a hero.