The Domino Theory
Domino is a game of chance and skill. It can be played on the floor or on a table. There are many different types of domino games and each has its own rules. Some are designed to be quick and exciting, while others are slow and strategic. In any case, the game is a fun way to spend time with family and friends.
In a domino game, each player begins by drawing a number of tiles from the box and placing them on-edge before them. The value of each tile is not visible to other players and it’s up to each player to keep track of their own. Once all of the players have their tiles, one player is chosen by drawing lots or the person with the heaviest hand takes the first turn. The first player plays a domino onto the table and then positions the rest of the tiles so that they touch one another. The domino chain is then built up from this point.
There are two main types of domino games: blocking and scoring. Blocking games are those in which a player tries to prevent opponents from getting to specific points on the board by placing tiles strategically. In scoring games, a player earns points by knocking over other players’ tiles and the player who earns the most points after a certain number of rounds wins the game.
As a book editor, I’ve often used the analogy of a domino to describe how one plot beat in a novel can impact the next. It’s important for each domino to be a strong story arc in its own right but also to have enough of an effect on the following ones so that it feels like a chain reaction, not just a bunch of single dominoes tipped over one by one.
The term domino is believed to have originated in the late 17th century and both the game and the word were likely brought to England from France shortly after that. The term domino itself may have referred to the long hooded cloak worn with a mask at a masquerade or carnival. It’s also possible that the word was inspired by the shape of the playing piece, which resembles the shape of a priest’s cape over his surplice.
While the Domino Theory has its roots in politics, it is commonly used to explain other types of events. One of the most common applications is how the spread of Communism in Southeast Asia could be likened to a series of falling dominoes. This was a fear shared by the President of the United States at the time, Dwight Eisenhower.
The founder of Domino’s, Tom Monaghan, knew that the key to success was in establishing the right locations for his pizza shops. He emphasized putting his pizza restaurants near college campuses, and this strategy paid off. He also encouraged managers to listen to customers and take action when they heard complaints. These strategies were carried on by Doyle when he became CEO and helped Domino’s to win the Detroit Free Press Top Workplace award in 2011.