A domino is a small rectangular block, either wood or plastic, marked with two groups of dots that resemble those on dice. Its purpose is to be used in a variety of games that involve the knocking down of other dominoes. The individual pieces are often referred to as pips, tiles, bones, spinners, or tickets. They are part of a set called dominoes, which usually contains 28 pieces. Some people line them up in long rows and then knock them over, while others use them to play games that require strategic thinking or skill.

Dominoes are the best-known example of a logical system called a finite state machine (FSM). FSMs provide a model of how a computer can process information. They can also be used to describe the behavior of physical systems such as a pendulum or a train track. In fact, the first computer program was written to simulate an FSM.

In addition to their entertainment value, dominoes are useful tools for teaching kids about number recognition and basic math. The most common domino game involves scoring by counting the pips on opponent’s tiles, although many different types of games can be played. Some of these involve emptying a player’s hand while blocking opponents from playing, while others mimic card games and are designed to develop social skills.

When it comes to achieving personal and professional goals, the concept of domino is a helpful one to remember. A good domino is a task that contributes to a bigger goal and takes a chunk of time to complete. If you’re able to work on these tasks, they can have a significant impact on your future.

For example, creating a financial plan to meet your goals can be broken down into several good dominoes. Outlining your finances, creating a budget, and implementing that budget are all examples of good dominoes. These tasks will help you create a more financially secure future for yourself and your family.

The term domino can also refer to a person or organization that sets the tone for a group. For example, a domino effect occurs when an individual or company establishes a policy that influences the attitudes and behaviors of others. This can be beneficial, such as when a celebrity endorses a product, or when a company pays close attention to employee satisfaction and provides exemplary customer service.

Hevesh is an engineer by training, but she has a knack for creating mind-blowing domino setups. She follows a version of the engineering design process when designing her domino installations, and she tests each piece of the set before finalizing the arrangement. When she is done, Hevesh is rewarded with a sense of accomplishment, as well as the satisfaction that her creation will delight other people. This can be a powerful motivation to continue her work.