Domino (also known as dominoes) is a tile-based game in which players place small rectangular pieces, called “dominoes,” on the ends of a line or other structure. Each domino has an identifying mark on one side and is blank or identically patterned on the other. The marks, which are arranged like the spots on a die, are often inlaid or painted to enhance the look of the piece. Most modern sets are made of polymer materials, but historically, dominoes were made of ivory, silver lip ocean pearl oyster shell (mother-of-pearl, or MOP), bone, a dark wood such as ebony, and other natural materials, with contrasting colors such as black or white on the pips.
The game has a number of variants, including double- and triple-eights, and can be played by teams or against each other. It is sometimes used to demonstrate mathematical concepts, such as probability and counting. There are also a number of domino shows, where players compete to build the most elaborate and imaginative lines of dominoes.
In the comics, the mutant Domino is able to create or affect random events, turning the probabilities of an event into her favor. This can be as simple as making a random telekinetic act in the presence of her opponent, as complicated as making all the lights in an enemy base flash in unison, or even as devastating as shutting down a nuclear reactor. Domino’s ability is largely subconscious and triggered by stress, but she can use it consciously when necessary.
For example, if she is about to be killed by a feral grizzly bear, she can cause a meteor to fall from the sky above it and knock the beast off its perch, saving herself. She has also been able to use her telekinetic powers to control the actions of other people, such as when she caused lightning to strike two sentinels in Civil War: X-Men #1.
Although she is a mercenary, Domino has joined the mutant team X-Force on several occasions. She was the de facto leader of the group after Cable was forced to leave on a mission in Uruguay. During this time, she helped to disable a combat droid codenamed Jericho that was being neurologically controlled by the rogue CIA agent Ekatarina Gryaznova.
In writing fiction, using the domino method helps writers stay on track when their plot develops in unexpected ways or if they get inspired to pursue new ideas for scenes that will help advance the story. Identifying the good dominoes, or tasks that will contribute to the overall story and make it stronger, is key. These are often difficult to complete and require a lot of energy, but by focusing on these activities, the writer can keep their novel on course without losing focus or momentum.