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Domino is a small rectangular block, typically double-sided with a line down the middle to visually separate it into two squares. Each side is either blank or marked with numbers or dots that resemble those on dice. A domino is used to play a variety of games, and many of the same rules apply to all. The term domino can also be used as a metaphor, to mean a cascade of events that follow one another like dominoes falling in a row.
Lily Hevesh first started playing with dominoes as a young child, and her love of the game grew into a passion for creating stunning domino setups. She began posting videos of her creations online and has amassed more than 2 million YouTube subscribers. She has created some of the most complex domino sets for movies, TV shows, and even events for pop star Katy Perry. Hevesh explains that she has always been fascinated by how a single domino can set off a chain reaction that makes other pieces fall in perfect harmony.
To create a domino effect, you must start with a single tile and then build upon it in a specific way. It’s important that you understand how each piece will interact with other dominoes before you begin building. A domino is often described as a “heavy” or “light” depending on the number of pips it has. A domino with six pips is much heavier than a domino with only four pips.
When you set a domino up, it stands upright and resists the pull of gravity. This gives the domino potential energy, and when you knock it over, that potential energy is converted to kinetic energy and causes other dominoes to fall as well. This is the same principle that governs Rube Goldberg machines and the way that dominoes fall on a table.
The word domino derives from the Latin dominus, meaning “lord” or “master.” A person with this name is likely to be cautious and thoughtful about how each action could have consequences down the line.
A domino effect is an observed series of actual collisions or a metaphor for causal linkages within systems such as global finance or politics. For example, a politician’s decision to leave office may lead to a series of resignations that could have wide-ranging consequences for the economy. This kind of domino effect is sometimes referred to as a “domino theory.”
In addition to the traditional wood-based sets, dominoes can be made from other natural materials such as stone (e.g., marble, granite, or soapstone), other types of wood (e.g., ash or oak), metals such as brass or pewter, or ceramic clay. In general, a stone or other natural material set will feel sturdier and more substantial than an artificial domino set. Likewise, a domino made of mother-of-pearl or ivory will have a more luxurious feel than one made from plastic. These natural materials are usually more expensive than polymer dominoes.
