Domino is a game played by two or more people. Each domino is a rectangular tile, normally twice as long as it is wide, with one end bearing a number of dots (known as pips) and the other blank or bare. The value of a domino is determined by its number of pips and the way it is positioned on the table in relation to another, called its placement or, more colloquially, its lead. The term “domino” also refers to a set of such tiles or, less often, to the whole game board or layout.

A player in turn places a domino, or series of dominoes, on the table so that its matching ends are adjacent and touching. The chain of dominoes thus formed, or a line of play, may develop snake-like. A domino is said to be played correctly when it is placed either square or cross-ways across a double touching at its middle.

The first domino in the game is referred to as the set, the down, or the lead, and it is traditionally placed on its side so that its open end faces up. Once this is done, the other players begin drawing tiles from the stock until they have seven each, or until they discover that they have drawn more than their hands are allowed to hold. In this case, the excess tiles must be reshuffled and returned to the stock before anyone else draws them.

As the line of play extends, a player may choose to place a domino with its open end facing any direction. This action, known as blocking the line of play, is a common strategy to force an opponent to draw his last domino or to declare “chipping out” and win the game.

In the same way, writers should think of scenes as dominoes that advance or block a story’s plot. Scenes must be spaced properly so that they move the hero farther from or closer to his goal – and in such a way that the momentum keeps readers engaged, not bogged down with overly detailed or repetitive action.

Domino artist Hevesh has created awe-inspiring displays using tens of thousands of dominoes, some of which take several nail-biting minutes to fall. She starts each project by considering the theme and brainstorming images or words she wants to use. Then she plans out how to arrange the dominoes – whether in straight lines, curved lines, grids that form pictures, walls, or 3-D structures such as towers or pyramids.

Hevesh’s domino art demonstrates an important point about the power of communication and collaboration. Even the largest organizations can make positive changes by listening to and responding to the voices of their employees, customers, and communities. Domino’s is an excellent example of this principle, and its leader, Dominick Doyle, has made it a key aspect of the company’s brand and culture. He and his leadership team regularly listen to Domino’s employees, addressing their concerns and working together to improve the business.