Dominoes are a popular toy that many children enjoy playing with. They are also used in a variety of games that require patience and skill to set up and knock over. Some people even create art by lining them up in long rows. Today’s Wonder of the Day focuses on the domino effect.
Domino is a family of games that are played with rectangular blocks called tiles. Each tile has a number of spots, or pips, that represent the results of one or more dice rolls. A typical domino set consists of 28 tiles that are split into two sections: one with a pattern of dots and the other blank. The numbers on the pips are used to identify each piece. Some sets include a blank tile for use as a wildcard.
The word “domino” may come from the Latin term for a garment worn during carnival season or at a masquerade, like a long hooded cloak that was paired with a mask. It also may stem from an even earlier sense of the word, which denoted a cape worn by a priest over his or her surplice. It may be that the design of a domino, with its contrasting blacks and ivory faces, evoked a similar image in the minds of players.
Creating and playing dominoes can be a fun way to spend time with friends or family. They can also be a useful tool in developing math skills and hand-eye coordination. Children can play dominoes with their parents or teachers to learn about counting, adding and subtraction. They can also practice their motor skills by using a toy train to ride down a domino track.
The most common game of domino involves scoring points by laying a series of matching tiles end to end. Each tile must touch a previous one on the left or right. If the exposed ends total a multiple of five, the player is awarded that score. In some games, only the left or right ends must match; in others, all of the exposed sides must be matched.
In business, Domino’s Pizza demonstrates how to use dominoes to build a great company. The company has a line of communication open to its employees that allows them to share their concerns. This feedback has helped the company to be more flexible and make changes to improve its culture. The company also pays close attention to its customers and listens to their concerns. This has allowed the company to provide new and innovative ways for customers to order pizzas, such as through texting or voice-enabled devices.
Domino’s leadership is clear on its core values, including championing its employees and customers. This can be seen in its approach to employee development, which includes training opportunities, mentorship programs, and an onsite college hiring system. Additionally, the company has been recognized for its commitment to its workforce by earning a spot on Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For list.