Domino is the name of a type of game played with small oblong pieces marked on both sides. The pieces are stacked on end in long lines, and each time one is tipped, it causes the others to fall. The process can create very elaborate structures, including straight lines, curved lines, grids that form pictures when they fall, stacked walls and even 3D structures. The game of domino is the inspiration for a term used in computing, the “domino effect,” which refers to a single action that triggers a sequence of subsequent actions with greater-than-expected consequences.

Like the playing cards of which they are a variant, the pieces of a domino set are visually divided into two squares, called ends, with an arrangement of dots or pips on each side that is distinct from the other side. The value of a piece is the total number of pips on its ends—the values may range from six to none or blank (as in double-six).

While many people use dominoes simply as toys, they can also be used for various games and educational purposes. These include block and scoring games, and more complex variants of solitaire or trick-taking. Some of these games were once popular in areas with religious proscriptions against the use of playing cards, as they allow players to play without them.

In the business world, the domino effect can be positive or negative depending on how it is triggered and what impact it has on an organization. It can be a great way to boost profits and increase efficiency, but it can also be a negative force that leads to failure.

A case in point is the Domino’s Pizza chain, which had a domino effect when CEO Jim Morris was removed from his position. This led to a loss of customer loyalty and a decrease in sales, which ultimately contributed to the company’s bankruptcy in 2004.

To make things better, the company hired new leadership and implemented a few key changes that have since led to a revival of the brand. In fact, Domino’s is now the third-largest pizza company in the world. The company is known for its fast delivery and a focus on customer satisfaction. The company has also innovated with a line of products that goes beyond pizza.