Domino is a game of skill and chance played with small rectangular blocks, usually marked with dots resembling those on dice. It is commonly played by two or more players, with each player taking a turn to place a domino. The resulting line of tiles is called a layout, string, or line of play. Depending on the game, the number of tiles used may vary. A domino has two ends, and each is scored based on its position in the line of play.
While the rules of domino differ from one game to another, most have extremely similar, and in many cases identical, basic rules. For example, most games are played with a double-twelve or double-nine set of dominoes. Typically, a player will draw seven tiles for his hand from the stock of the other players and begin placing them on the table as they make their plays.
As each tile is placed in a domino chain, the open end of that domino must match the number of dots on any other dominoes. The number of matching dots is called a count. This process continues as each player takes his turn to place a domino in the chain.
There are many variants of the game of domino, most of which fall into four categories: bidding games, blocking games, scoring games, and round games. Each type of game requires different strategies. For instance, a bidding game usually requires a domino that can be used to block the opponent’s path. In a blocking game, players can also use their tiles to create sets and chains that can be used as a base for scoring.
In a scoring game, players can either score based on the numbers of all the open ends of the dominoes in their opponents’ hands or simply add the total number of dots remaining in the stock. If the number of open ends is a multiple of 5, the winner scores an additional point for each such domino in their opponents’ hands.
The word “domino” is derived from the Latin word dominum, which means ruler. It was probably used originally to describe a long, hooded robe worn together with a mask at a carnival or masquerade ball. In English, the word is sometimes used to describe a powerful leader or a force that has a significant impact on others. It has also acquired a figurative meaning in which it refers to a sequence of events that leads to something greater, like a series of dominoes falling. In business, the term is often used to refer to a company’s leaders and their ability to influence the work of other employees. The leadership style that is most effective in this context is often described as “domino” leadership, which emphasizes the importance of standing out and making an impression. However, it is important to recognize that not all leadership styles are suited for domino companies. For example, some leaders prefer a more bureaucratic structure and would not be well suited for a domino organization.