Domino is a game played with small, rectangular blocks of wood or plastic that are marked on one side by dots that resemble those on dice. Often, a domino is twice as long as it is wide. These blocks may be called bones, cards, men, or pieces. They are normally stacked in a line with one end touching another, creating a long, snake-like chain of dominoes. Whether the game is played in an organized fashion or by random chance, it is a fascinating pastime for people of all ages and abilities.
The game of domino consists of several rules that govern how the players make their moves and how they keep track of the score. Each player draws the number of tiles specified by the rules of the particular domino game in which he is playing. If the number of tiles drawn exceeds the number required for a game, the surplus can be used to “buy” tiles later in the same game.
To begin the game, a player determines who will make the first play. The first player to do so may be chosen by drawing lots, or he may start the game by placing his tile on the table in a way that matches the type of domino already positioned next to it. The player who plays the first domino is referred to as the setter, the downer, or the lead.
Once the first domino is placed, the other players follow suit in a pattern governed by the rules of the particular game. Generally, the domino played to a double is placed crosswise over that domino (unless the double is a spinner). Once a player has finished his turn, the game continues in a clockwise direction until one of the players “chips out”—has no more dominoes to play and must stop.
While most games of domino fall into the categories of blocking or scoring, there are other types of domino game as well. Some are adapted from card games and were once popular as an alternative to card playing to circumvent religious prohibitions against such activity. Other domino games are unique, and require a higher level of skill or concentration.
The domino principle of prioritization teaches us that not all tasks are equal in importance and that we can achieve more by focusing on the most important task first. When we prioritize, we give our attention and focus to the most important task at hand until it is completed. We can then move onto the next highest priority task. If we apply this principle to our everyday lives, it can help us achieve more in our daily routines than we might think possible. By giving our full attention to the most important tasks at hand, we can build momentum that will carry us through many a domino effect.