A domino is a mathematical polygon of order two (see Domino). Its faces are congruent, and the angles between them are equal. The vertices of the polygon are called apexes, and the points between them are called tangents.

The domino effect describes a chain reaction in which one event sets off a series of subsequent events. It can occur in both business and personal life, but is often used in reference to political or social situations. It is important to understand how the domino effect works so that you can take steps to avoid it.

Domino is a popular game that uses small rectangular blocks, called tiles, to form a line of play on the table. Each tile bears a number of spots, or pips, on one side and is blank or identically patterned on the other. The tiles are typically made of hardwood, although plastic and ivory versions have also been used.

The rules of the different domino games govern how the tiles are arranged on the table and how they are played. Normally, each player draws the number of tiles permitted by the rules of the game from the stock, adding these to the tiles he already has in his hand. He then begins play. In some games, the rules specify that the first play must be made by the player holding the heaviest double; in others, the rules specify that the first play must make use of the highest tile held in any hand, whether it is a double or a single.

Each time a domino is played, its matching end touches another tile and causes the formation of a chain that gradually increases in length. Each new tile played must be placed so that its two matching ends touch fully and in the correct direction. Doubles are always placed crosswise of the line of play, while singles may be played either across or with the line of play, depending on the rules of the game.

Domino’s success owes in large part to its strategic positioning. It chose to open its pizza restaurants in areas close to colleges, a strategy that allowed it to tap into a young and energetic market. As a result, its reputation as a fast and efficient pizza restaurant grew, resulting in significant growth for the company.

Several companies have attempted to replicate Domino’s model, but none has managed to match its success. Some have focused on improving delivery times, while others have tried to expand their menus. The most successful, however, have concentrated on leveraging their core strengths, and on building strong relationships with their customers. They have also invested heavily in technology and in research and development, allowing them to offer an innovative range of products and services that are more tailored to the needs of their target markets. These strategies have helped them to increase sales and profits, while reducing their costs per delivery. This has enabled them to compete with larger competitors and to provide their customers with a more personalized service.