Domino is a small flat rectangular block used in a variety of games to knock over other pieces. Each domino has a line in the middle to divide it visually into two squares with values that are read as numbers, called pips. The most common type of domino has a total of 28 pips, though there are other variants with as few as six or as many as 18 pips. Generally, the more pips on one end of the domino, the higher its value.
Dominoes can be arranged in a variety of ways, including straight or curved lines, grids that form pictures when they fall, and 3D structures like towers and pyramids. They can also be combined with other objects, such as spinners, to create more elaborate shapes. Games involving dominoes range from simple blocking and scoring to complex strategy. They can be played individually or in teams. Some people even use them to train their hand-eye coordination, as well as their attention and focus.
When the first domino is tipped over, it triggers a chain reaction that causes all other pieces to fall. Some of the most popular games involve racing to set up a long row and then knocking them down, either by placing them on top of each other or lining them up side-by-side. The most complex domino sets can take hours to complete, and the joy of watching the whole domino cascade is mesmerizing.
As writers, we often use the domino analogy to describe how a series of scenes must logically connect and build upon each other in order for the reader to understand the story. For example, if you write a scene where your protagonist does something immoral, such as shooting someone, then the scene before this must explain why that character is doing what she is doing so that readers will understand why the next scene is logically justified.
Likewise, if your character makes an emotional shift from a state of anger to a state of depression, then the scene after that must follow logically, explaining why your protagonist is feeling the way she does. Then, when your character is in a state of depression, the scene after this must show how she gets out of that depression and back into a positive mood again.
Some learning challenges impact students much like falling dominoes, and the frustration of trying to compensate for that challenge can quickly derail progress in a given subject. If students try to build their skills without proper instruction, they risk overwhelming themselves with too many tasks. This can cause them to feel frustrated and discouraged, resulting in a negative feedback loop that can prevent them from ever overcoming the obstacle they are facing. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent this.