Domino is a small rectangular block, about thumbsized, that has one side marked with an arrangement of dots or “pips,” like those on dice. It is blank or identically patterned on the other side, and each face is usually distinguished by its value, which ranges from zero to six. A set of dominoes typically contains 28 pieces.

Dominoes are used in a number of different games, including blocking and scoring. In these games, players attempt to build lines or angular structures with dominoes that eventually tumble down. Dominoes can be made from a variety of materials, including plastic and wood. In more elaborate designs, they can also be arranged to create 3D structures.

The term domino can also be applied to other things, including concepts and ideas. For example, the term domino effect is often used to refer to a chain reaction in which a single event triggers a sequence of events that results in a change in another related event. This change can be as simple as one person changing their sedentary leisure activity to get more exercise, leading them to make other changes in their lifestyle, such as eating less fat.

In business, the concept of domino is sometimes used to describe a strategy that can have a significant impact on a large group of people or organization. The idea behind this type of strategy is that a leader or other influential figure can cause an effect on the people around them, which may have a ripple-like effect that ultimately influences the entire group or organization.

When creating a domino installation, Hevesh follows a version of the engineering-design process to ensure that each section of the structure works properly. To test the design, she builds a prototype of each domino piece by hand and then uses slow-motion video to capture each movement. Hevesh then adjusts her design to account for any issues that arise in the prototype.

Some dominoes are carved from natural stone, such as marble, soapstone or granite. Others are manufactured from a variety of other materials, including polymer and ceramic clay, and some are even made from glass or crystal. Natural-material sets often have a more elegant, traditional look and can be more expensive than polymer or ceramic sets.

The most common dominoes available commercially are a set of 28 double-six tiles. Other, larger sets exist, such as the double-nine set. Dominoes can also be found in custom shapes and sizes for special projects, such as art installations or a line of dominoes that forms words or images. Dominoes can also be painted or decorated with a variety of colors and patterns. Many artists and designers create curved and linear domino tracks that can form pictures, stacked walls or other 3D structures. This kind of domino art can be both challenging and incredibly intricate. Achieving such a design requires planning and carefully laying out each domino so that it will fall in the desired pattern.