Domino is a flat, thumb-sized rectangular block, either blank or bearing from one to six pips (or dots): 28 such dominoes form a complete set. It is used for playing a variety of games in which the players move pieces around the board, building chains and lines of tiles to make points. In some domino games, the pieces match in their number of pips; when this happens, each player has a chance to play to that piece or to the ends of a chain of tiles. Other games are based on blocking or scoring, and still others duplicate card games. In these, the pips are used to mark certain combinations of cards.

The most common domino sets are made of polymers such as resin, vinyl and plastics, although a few of the more elaborate sets are made of metals such as brass or pewter; stone (usually marble, granite or soapstone); wood (often walnut, oak or mahogany); and ceramic clay. In the past, sets were also produced from a variety of natural materials such as bone, silver lip ocean pearl oyster shell (mother of pearl), ivory or dark hardwoods such as ebony. These were favored for their superior aesthetics and durability, and they often have a more sophisticated, traditional look than polymer sets.

In fiction, a domino effect occurs when an event or character’s actions lead to more events and characters acting in turn based on the first event. It is a powerful tool in advancing the action in a story and can be used to build suspense, for example, by showing the effect of one character’s actions on the next. It can also be used to demonstrate how a series of actions leads to a conclusion.

Another way that Domino can be used is in the field of computer science. A Domino server is a system that stores model inputs and outputs, allowing for centralized execution. Its centralization enables easy scaling and makes it easier to reuse models across multiple machines. It also enables rapid development, as developers can access the Domino server’s snapshot of model input and output for any run.

The name Domino has been associated with mastery and leadership, a nod to its roots in the ancient blocking game. It has been used as a surname by monarchs, popes and bishops. In business, a leader named Domino is someone who takes charge and keeps an eye on the big picture, always thinking two moves ahead. Domino’s Pizza CEO David Brandon exemplified this leadership style in an episode of the TV show Undercover Boss, where he went undercover at several Domino’s locations to see how employees performed. He quickly put into place new policies such as a relaxed dress code and revamped employee training programs, and he spoke directly to workers to hear their concerns. His efforts resulted in a dramatic turnaround for the company.