Domino’s is a game of skill and strategy. The first domino is set down on the table and then, starting with that single tile, the player builds a chain of tiles which extends across the table. Eventually all of the dominoes are knocked down, forming patterns that can be simple lines or more elaborate grids that form pictures or 3D structures. Some players even go as far as making intricate domino art. This can be done with straight lines, curved lines, and 3D structures that fall like towers and pyramids.

Dominos are typically twice as long as they are wide. Each one features a square on both sides with numbers or symbols that are used to represent values, called “pips.” The value of a domino is determined by the number and color of its pips. A domino with a value of six pips belongs to the suit of sixes, while a domino with no pips belongs to the blank or 0 suit.

The domino game can be played by two or more players. The most common domino sets are double six and double nine, although larger sets exist for games involving several players or for players looking to create long domino chains. The most popular domino games are categorized as layout games, blocking games and scoring games.

A player may only play a domino when it is his turn to do so, and according to the rules of the particular game being played. The player who makes the first play of a domino is referred to as the setter, the downer or the lead. Once a player plays his domino, he must place it on the table so that both of its matching ends touch the open end of the adjacent tile. The result is a line of dominoes that is sometimes referred to as the line of play or a string of dominoes.

Depending on the rules of the game being played, the players must alternate playing dominoes so that each player has an equal chance to win the game. Some rules require that each player draws a certain amount of tiles from the stock to hold in his hand, and that any excess be passed to his partner or else left in the stock. When a player draws more than he is entitled to, the extra dominoes are often referred to as an overdraw.

If the players draw a double and then decide not to play it, the resulting line of dominoes is sometimes referred to as a block. If the block is a double, it may also be referred to as a snake-line.

Whether you’re a pantser who doesn’t make detailed outlines or a plotter who works with a program such as Scrivener, your story depends on the ability to think of what comes next, just like a domino effect. Thinking of the story in terms of the way the dominoes fall can help you build a compelling plot that will keep readers engaged.