When we think of domino, we tend to picture a line-up of hundreds or thousands of dominoes carefully set up in sequence. Each one then gets the nudge it needs to knock over the next, and so on. It’s a remarkable sight to see, and it’s also a great example of how a simple chain reaction can have a profound effect on its surroundings.
In the real world, people use dominoes for everything from playing games to building elaborate art installations. One example is the artist Hevesh, who creates mind-blowing domino setups for movies, TV shows, and events (including a Katy Perry album launch). Her YouTube channel has over 2 million subscribers. Hevesh has even built a spectacular domino tower on the White House lawn.
Domino, as a word and as a game, dates back to the early 18th century. The term is sometimes used to describe a particular type of toy that features flat, ebony black pieces contrasted with ivory faces, but it was originally a name for a long cape worn by a priest over his surplice. It was later associated with the game as it became more popular in France.
The game itself grew in popularity as well, with Europeans importing it into the United States and Britain. At first, the pieces were all the same size, but a 1983 study showed that dominoes can actually knock over objects that are about one-and-a-half times their original size. As a result, dominoes are more powerful than we might expect and can even crush cars.
Another way that the domino principle can be applied to writing is through a concept called the “wet firecracker.” The idea here is that the stakes, difficulties, and drama should increase with each new scene. If a scene isn’t raising the tension, it might be a sign that something is off.
X-Force member Domino has the ability to subliminally and psionically affect probability in her favor by making improbable actions happen. The power is unconsciously controlled, and Domino must be in a stressful situation for it to take effect. This luck-enhancing talent is similar to the “snake oil” powers of the mercenary Captain Blood, though it’s not as controllable. When Domino activates it, it can affect anything from an enemy’s equipment failure to hitting just the right switch with a stray bullet.