A domino is a small rectangular block of wood or plastic, with one face blank and the other bearing a set of dots resembling those on dice. Dominoes are used in a number of games and as building blocks to create impressive displays. They can also be used as a tool for learning and testing motor skills.
You’ve probably seen videos on YouTube of long chains of dominoes toppling in slow motion. It’s a satisfying sight to watch. But these chains of dominoes are often a result of months or even years of planning. In order to create such a chain, builders have to carefully arrange the dominoes and plan how each one will fall in advance.
The domino game originated in China as early as the 1300s and is cousin to playing cards. But the modern European version of dominoes first appeared in Italy and France, and was brought to England toward the end of the 18th century by French prisoners. The markings on dominoes, known as pips, originally represented the results of throwing two six-sided dice.
There are a number of different types of dominoes, each with its own rules and scoring system. Some are as simple as blocking or scoring a point, while others require calculation and strategy. The most common game involves a double-six set of dominoes. Each player draws seven tiles from the stock (also called the boneyard) and then places them edge to edge so that adjacent faces match or form a total. In some cases, the total must be equal to a specific number (e.g., 12).
In a more dramatic variation of the game, players compete in shows where they build large and imaginative domino displays or reactions to a challenge. They may use a variety of materials, including marble, metals, and glass, to construct their setups. These events have become a popular television genre, and the most complex and creative domino arrangements are sometimes awarded prize money.
As a rule, the more complex a domino display is, the longer it will take to fall. This is because there are more connections between the individual dominoes, and each one has to fall in the exact right spot at exactly the right time in order for the whole chain to fall. Hevesh, a domino artist who has built displays for movies and even an album launch for Katy Perry, takes several nail-biting minutes to complete her largest displays.
Leadership and management aren’t the same thing, though they do share some of the same qualities. Those qualities include being decisive and having the courage to make difficult decisions. But while leadership requires standing out, it’s more about making progress than reaching the final destination.
For example, when you start a project, it’s important to set realistic goals and work steadily towards them. This will ensure that you don’t get overwhelmed and discouraged along the way. It will also keep you motivated to continue working, even if the process seems slow and tedious.