A domino is a small rectangular wood or plastic block that is used as a gaming object. They are normally twice as long as they are wide and are identified by a line or ridge in the middle to visually divide them into two squares, one of which is marked with an arrangement of dots (also called pips) similar to those on a die. The other side is blank or has fewer pips than the first. The value of a domino may also be indicated by its color or other markings. They are stacked on end in lines, and if the first domino is tipped over, it causes the rest of the dominoes to tip over as well. Dominoes are used for many games, including ad-hoc and random play, scoring games, blocking games, and games with multiple rounds.

A popular domino game involves a single player setting up dominoes on edge, and then taking turns placing more dominoes in the same shape. The goal is to fill a row with a domino pattern before the opponent runs out of tiles or makes a mistake. This is often a great way to improve a person’s spatial awareness.

Dominoes are often played with friends, as a competitive activity or to help develop math skills. Some people like to use them for art projects, where they create shapes and patterns by stacking the pieces into intricate designs. Dominoes can also be arranged to create different types of structures such as castles and houses.

For the longest time, domino was considered a game for children. It has since grown into a sophisticated and challenging game for adults as well, with several variations of rules. It has also been used as a tool for teaching history, science, and language. It is a great way for kids to learn how to read and count, as well as social skills such as turn-taking and collaboration.

In 1962, entrepreneur Dominick Monaghan opened the first Domino’s in Ypsilanti, Michigan. The company became a hit and quickly expanded, with over 200 locations by 1978. Monaghan’s strategy was based on putting Domino’s near universities, where college students were known to crave fast food.

It was a smart strategy for building the Domino’s brand as well as expanding their market share. While pizza is still the most popular Domino’s dish, their menu now includes chicken wings, sandwiches, and salads as well.

The success of Domino’s also demonstrates the power of the Domino Effect. The phenomenon is a term coined by writer Tom Alsop to describe a chain reaction that begins with a single action and then triggers a series of additional actions. The resulting sequence is sometimes compared to a waterfall or the ripples that occur in a glass of water.

As a physicist, I am fascinated by the way that gravity and the energy of standing dominoes can cause one toppling after another. A simple change, such as a small victory in the morning, can trigger a shift in other behaviors. I refer to these as domino actions, and I believe that they are the key to making changes stick.