A domino is a small flat rectangular block used in games to form a sequence of events or actions. In its most basic form, a domino has one side with an arrangement of spots and the other blank or identically patterned. A domino can also have more detailed markings such as a number of pips or a suit of cards. Each domino is capable of being stacked on top of others to form long lines, which can then be knocked over. The ability of dominoes to be stacked in this way has led to the development of many different types of domino games, and it has also inspired a lot of creativity when it comes to creating domino layouts.

Dominoes are often used to create a chain reaction in which one event causes several other events to take place. A common example of this is a domino effect where one individual, like a terrorist or an act of war, triggers a series of reactions that eventually leads to a massive loss of life or property.

In a business context, the term domino can be used to refer to a person or company that gains control of multiple operations and assets through a series of acquisitions or mergers. This strategy is typically a result of financial constraints, the need to consolidate a market position or the desire to gain a larger share of a growing sector of an industry.

When used in a literary sense, the word domino can also be applied to a storyline in which one event triggers a series of actions that ultimately leads to an outcome that is both dramatic and cathartic. The goal of this type of storytelling is to provide readers with the motivation and reasoning for why a character is doing what she’s doing, so they can either understand or accept her decision as morally right.

Whether you write your novels off the cuff or create detailed outlines using software such as Scrivener, plotting a novel can be a daunting task. Without some sort of plan, you’re likely to end up with scenes that, just like the pieces in a domino set, are at the wrong angle or don’t have enough logical impact on the scene ahead of them.

When Hevesh designs her mind-blowing domino setups, she uses a variation of the engineering-design process. First, she considers the theme or purpose of her design. Then, she brainstorms ideas or images that can be used to represent that theme. Once she has a general idea of what she wants to do, she starts laying out the dominoes in long rows. Whenever she starts a row, she puts the most important domino in the center, which will serve as the starting point for the rest of the rows. From there, she moves outward from the center to fill in the empty spaces. Then, she checks her work to ensure that the whole design works. If it does, she moves on to the next step.

Online poker dances to the rhythm of convenience, giving players a chance to play whenever and wherever they want. With real money on the line and no need for a physical table, players can take their game to work or school on their laptops or smartphones. However, it is important to remember that playing poker is a skill-based activity and regular practice can improve a player’s abilities. It also requires a certain amount of emotional discipline to overcome frustration during losses or bad beats.

Online play allows players to avoid distractions and concentrate more on their game. It is possible to set a timer for how long you’re allowed to play, so you can avoid getting distracted and falling into an online poker trap. This is especially important for people with family or work obligations who might be tempted to play a few hands while checking social media or answering emails.

Another advantage of online poker is that it offers a less intimidating environment for newcomers to the game. Online sites provide a variety of tutorials and helpful advice to help beginners gain experience and confidence before making the transition to live games. Additionally, many online poker sites offer a free play option where you can learn the game without risking your hard-earned cash.

When choosing an online poker site, be sure to choose one that is regulated and licensed in your jurisdiction. This ensures that your money is safe and your games are fair. It is also a good idea to sign up for an account with a secure payment method. You can use a credit card, e-wallet service, or even cryptocurrency to fund your account.

Poker can teach you a number of valuable life skills, including critical thinking and pattern recognition. It can also help you develop a better understanding of probability and odds. In addition, it can improve your memory retention and allow you to analyze your own games for improvement. Research has also shown that playing poker can reduce the chances of Alzheimer’s and dementia. This is due to the fact that it helps to rewire your brain and create new neural pathways and nerve fibers. By focusing on learning the rules of each variation and practicing regularly, you can become a better poker player. This will lead to better decision-making and improved overall quality of life. It’s also a great way to meet new people and build your social circle.