Domino is a small rectangular block used for gaming. It is made of rigid material such as wood or bone and may be covered with dots resembling those on dice or blank. It is also known as bones, pieces, men, or stones. Domino is a popular game in which players try to score points by completing a line of dominoes with touching ends. Each completed line earns a player a certain number of points, depending on the total number of dots on exposed ends. Players then draw the remaining number of required dominoes from the stock (or boneyard). The game is won by the first person to complete the entire line.
Dominoes can be made of wood, stone or other materials. Some of the more common dominoes are made from polymer materials such as plastic or resin, while others are crafted from metal, ceramic clay or glass. Many sets are designed to be visually appealing, and a variety of styles are available. Some sets of dominoes are made from natural materials such as silver lip ocean pearl oyster shell (mother-of-pearl, MOP), ivory or a dark hardwood like ebony; these tend to be heavier and more expensive.
The earliest use of the word “domino” is unclear, but it seems to have been in common usage by about 1750. It was probably derived from the French word for hooded robe, as in a domino costume worn with a mask at a carnival or masquerade. In English, it had earlier denoted the hooded cloak that priests wear over their surplices.
A domino theory, based on the metaphor of a falling series of events, suggests that a rise or fall in a country will have similar impacts in neighboring countries and ultimately spread globally. This concept was prominently used in the post-World War II period by the United States during its containment of communist influence.
While the theory did not prove to be true in all cases, it is still a useful tool for evaluating regional security issues.
When a learning challenge strikes a student, the effect can be likened to the falling of a domino. Students compensate for their learning differences, but the compensatory skills build up over time and can impact their ability to learn the basic skill that needs to be learned. This can become a “domino effect” that over time can lead to cognitive overload.