Domino is a small, thumb-sized rectangular block with a divided face, each half bearing from one to six pips or dots: 28 such dominoes form a complete set. In a game, a player places the tiles edge to edge, with the open end of each domino matching the ends of adjacent pieces, in order to create a line of play or a pattern. The resulting configuration is called the layout, string, or line of play. A player may also place a domino on its side or atop another, in which case it is known as a stack. Games of skill and strategy are played with dominoes, and some are adaptations of card games to circumvent religious proscriptions against them.

A double is a domino that can be played on all four sides; a spinner, as the term implies, is capable of being played from any direction. Some games include rules requiring that a player match his or her own tiles, while others require that he or she only be able to play a tile if it is not blocked by another. Depending on the game, it may be possible to win by playing every domino in a line or by scoring the highest total of pips as the lines of play develop.

When a player begins a line of play by placing a domino, this is referred to as “setting” or “putting down the lead.” The other players then begin playing their tiles in turn. Generally, each player plays in turn until the final domino is placed. When a player cannot lay any more tiles, he or she “chips out,” and play passes to the next player. When play comes to a stop and there are no more possible moves, the winners are determined by whoever has the most pips on their remaining tiles.

The word domino has a long history, dating back to the mid-18th century in Italy and France. The name is a combination of two Latin roots. Originally, domino meant a hooded cloak worn with a mask at a masquerade or carnival season. The figurative sense came later, as it referred to the effect of one domino falling on another.

In the business world, Domino’s has stayed true to its core values and has encouraged employees to voice their opinions. This allows the company to address complaints quickly and effectively. Using this strategy, the company has seen positive results in terms of improved morale and productivity. This value of listening to employee concerns has also benefited the customer as Domino’s is always looking for new ways to improve its product and service. For example, the company is now offering an online pizza ordering system and experimenting with other methods of communication such as texting. This type of innovation is a great way to keep the customer satisfied and loyal to the brand. In addition, the company has invested in technology to allow customers to place their orders from mobile devices and Amazon Echo.