Playing Dominoes in Fiction

Whenever we think of domino, the image of a long row of hundreds or thousands of carefully set dominoes is probably what comes to mind. The nudge of just one can initiate the chain reaction that brings down the entire line. Dominoes are also used in art to create beautiful patterns and even to build 3-D structures like towers and pyramids.

Dominoes are a very popular game with many variants of rules and scoring systems. Most games played with dominoes fall into one of four categories: bidding games, blocking games, scoring games and round games. However, there are also a few solitaire games that can be played with dominoes which have very different character from the traditional blocking and scoring ones.

When playing a domino game, each player places his or her bone (tile) on the table by positioning it so that one of its open ends matches one of the pips of an existing tile. This is referred to as making a play and the basic instructions for doing so are shown here under Line of Play. If a player makes a play that is illegal, he must recall his tile or forfeit the score.

A player may only place a bone that shows the number that he has already determined to be his or her turn. This is referred to as “byeing” a tile. A player who does not bye a tile that is his or her turn, must draw from the stock and add it to the tiles in his or her hand. Then he or she is ready to make another play.

The word domino has several meanings, and its etymology is somewhat obscure. The earliest use is in English as a term for a long hooded cloak worn with a mask during carnival season or at a masquerade, while in French, it may have been derived from the black domino pieces contrasted with a priest’s white surplice. Domino is also an adverb and means to dominate or control.

Writers who use domino in their fiction must be aware of its logical implications. A domino effect can only work if the actions of each scene logically lead to the next, and all scenes must progress according to emotional beats that occur during the course of the story. For example, if a hero does something that is against societal norms, the reader will need to see motivation and reason for why he or she does it so that he or she can continue to like and support the hero. Otherwise, the scene fails to resonate with readers. This is why it is important to read the whole story backwards before publishing. This can help ensure that the last few scenes are logically connected and that the plot arc is intact.

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