Domino is a small flat rectangular block used for gaming or as decorative art. They can be made from any rigid material and are also called bones, cards, men, or pieces. They have one or more squares engraved with a number of dots or spots, which vary in size and color from set to set. Some sets have an all-black appearance, while others feature colored pips or numbers in contrast with the background of the domino. Dominoes are normally twice as long as they are wide. This makes them easier to stack and re-stack after use.
Each player takes a turn playing a domino onto the table. The goal is to position the domino so that its adjacent ends have matching numbers. Normally, the domino must be played perpendicular to a double, although some games allow it to be placed in other orientations, for example diagonally across from a single end of a line of dominoes. When a domino is played correctly, it creates a chain that spreads out from the center of the table and extends toward the other players. The chain may be as short as one tile, or it can stretch out in any direction.
The game of domino can be very competitive. Some games have rules that determine how far the chain can spread, or how many tiles must be in play before a player can win. There are also rules that govern how the chain is formed, for instance, whether it must start on a double or whether it can begin with a single tile. The rules of the game can vary from country to country, so it is important for people who plan on playing with other people to know the rules of the game in advance.
While dominoes are usually a game for two to four players, some people prefer to build intricate and creative structures with them. This sort of domino art can take many forms, including straight lines, curved lines, grids that form pictures when they fall, and 3D towers and pyramids. Domino art can be made from all sorts of materials, from wood and paper to plastic and metal. Some artists even make domino sculptures out of clay or stone.
The ability to create a chain reaction with dominoes is not just fun; it can be educational as well. Stephen Morris, a physicist at the University of Toronto, explains that when a domino is stood upright, it stores potential energy in its position. When the domino falls, much of this energy is converted to kinetic energy, which causes all other nearby dominoes to topple.
Another way that Domino has shown great leadership is by listening to its customers. This is evident in the popular Undercover Boss series, in which CEO Don Meij visits various Domino’s locations and focuses on how the employees interact with their customers. He has implemented a variety of changes, including a more relaxed dress code and new leadership training programs. These changes have been very successful and have helped the company improve its customer service.
