The domino effect is when one event causes other events to happen in a particular way. This can happen in sports, work, and even your personal life. It’s a popular concept in business because it shows how one small action can have large consequences. For example, if you buy a car from a dealer, the dealer may offer you a loan or warranty. If you take the loan, the bank will check your credit and may approve or deny your application. If the application is approved, you’ll be able to buy the car. If the loan is denied, you might not be able to afford the car, and this could have larger consequences for your credit score and financial future.

Dominoes are flat tiles bearing from one to six pips (dots) or dots on both sides, and 28 such tiles form a complete set of dominoes. They come in a variety of materials and colors, and some are decorated with motifs or pictures. Some sets are made from marble, soapstone, or other natural materials; others have a modern look and feel. Dominoes are also available in woods such as ebony, mahogany, and oak; metals; and ceramic clay or glass. The most common commercially-available set has double-six dominoes. Larger sets, such as double-nine or double-12, are sometimes sold in addition to the standard set.

Most domino games fall into two categories: blocking and scoring. Blocking games, such as matador and Mexican train, involve preventing opponents from playing a tile by covering it with another. Scoring games, such as bergen and muggins, are played to determine points in a game. Dominoes can also be used to practice counting and number recognition skills.

A professional domino artist, known as a “domino designer,” creates elaborate designs using the pieces. The largest of her projects require hundreds of dominoes and can take several nail-biting minutes to fully collapse. The physical phenomenon that makes such arrangements possible is gravity. When a domino is knocked over, it stores potential energy based on its position on the table. As it falls, this energy is converted to kinetic energy that pushes the next domino toward Earth and sets off the chain reaction.

When you’re writing a story, consider how a domino effect works in your plot. For example, your hero might start off by committing a crime or starting a fight. The next character in your narrative might react to the action, and their reactions can trigger a series of events that ultimately leads to a tragic conclusion.

Whether you’re writing an action-packed thriller or a quiet coming-of-age tale, the domino effect can help you develop a compelling storyline. Try laying out all your scenes on the table and looking at them from different angles to see how they fit together and support each other. This will give you a clearer picture of how your plot unfolds and make it easier to write the next scene. Good luck!