Domino is a tile game played with tiles arranged edge to edge in a horizontal line, each edge marked with numbers, with each face featuring either blank or identically patterned tiles. Each domino also features an edge divided visually into two squares called ends; depending on its value and number of spots on these ends (known as “pips”) on either end, its weight (known as “heaviness” of value). A domino with more spots or “pips”) than others will be considered “heavier.”
The word domino may refer to either the game itself, its mathematical theory behind it, or any of a variety of games played using dominoes as their basis. Originating in Italy and France around 1750, dominoes have since spread all across Europe with similar games often using this system. They originated during the mid 18th century with its first recordings likely being made during that century’s French and Italian Revolutions; their name comes from Latin dominum meaning “heavy” or “majestic,” suggesting early pieces were composed of blacks and ivory whites to contrast against clergymen’s white surplices worn when playing by clergymen wearing white surplices while playing their domino system games against one another.
Most domino games involve positioning: placing each tile edge-to-edge against another in such a manner that its markings match or total up. The player with the highest total is declared victorious; traditionally, tiles are drawn out from a bag at random before an initial player (either determined through random drawing of lots or holding out their hand first) starts the game.
After placing the initial domino, additional tiles may only be placed at open ends of the layout. A double is a special tile with two matching ends positioned crosswise across a domino’s end; usually additional tiles must be played against only its long sides, however some games allow exceptions and enable short sides as well.
As well as traditional positional games, domino-art techniques have emerged over time. Some involve simple straight lines while others utilize more intricate curves or stackings of lines or grids that form pictures or even three dimensional structures such as towers and pyramids for decorative displays or for playing fun games.
Hevesh makes use of slow motion filming when she begins creating new works of domino art, then uses the footage for precise corrections. Her aim is to get every section working according to plan; therefore she creates test versions of large three dimensional sections prior to joining them together into complete tracks. Once one section is perfect she begins adding flat arrangements before linking all sections with lines of dominoes.
Hevesh says this method of planning and working can be an invaluable asset to writers. She points out how it is often hard to predict what impact a scene will have until it is written and put in context, after which point one can see if its effects are too subtle and do not add tension in the preceding scene; otherwise a writer can adjust its direction, making small tweaks as needed until everything falls into place successfully. If necessary, writing could nudge dominoes in another direction to try again if necessary.