Mexican Train Dominoes Game

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Play Mexican train with your friends and loved ones online! Play our dominos-based Mexican Train game online for free with no ads! MexicanTrain.online is an online, multi-player version of the classic game enjoyed by so many that you can play in real-time. Simply sign in and start a game. Enjoy hours of free, leisurely fun! The game ends when a player runs out of dominoes. On your next turn, whether you have a marker or not, you can:. Play on your own train (if there is a marker on your train, remove it once you play on it). Start or play on the Mexican train. Play on another player's marked train If you can't make a move, draw from the boneyard.

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Mexican Train Dominoes is our most adaptable game, allowing you to play with your friends in a group by passing the device around and also to move the tiles around as the tactics come to you. This customisability and adaptability stemmed from the original games which are stilled played out on tables and desks.

Brands

Mexican Train Rules

MexicanTrainFun.com's rules are based on the most popular and challenging version of the game. These are the rules used at our train events & tournaments

Game Objective
The goal of Mexican Train is to be the first player to lay down all of your dominoes. Whatever tiles are left in your hand count against you, so play strategically and try to get rid of the high-numbered tiles. Play moves clockwise from one player to the next.

The Start Player and the First Tile
Shuffle the dominoes; face down, on the table. We recommend that before the round starts, all players look for the starting tile. The player who finds the tile starts the game. They place the double-12 in the center of the hub. This domino serves as the 'engine' for the round.
The remaining dominoes are turned face down. This supply is known as the boneyard. Then, each player takes the appropriate number of dominoes (see below) and stands them on edge, so that they can see the faces (the side with the pips) but their opponents cannot. We strongly recommend using domino tile racks to make this easier for you and so your dominoes don't fall down.

Recommended Tiles:

• For 2-3 players, use a double-9 set - each player takes 8.
• For 4-6 players, use a double-12 set - each player takes 12.
• For 7-8 players, use a double-12 set - each player takes 10.
• For 9-12 players, use a double-15 set - each player takes 11.
• For 13-14 players, use a double-18 set - each player takes 11.

The First Turn
The start player now starts to build a train (a single row of dominoes) starting from the center domino and moving toward the player. The end of the domino placed near the engine must match the engine's double number. (Example: If the engine is a double-12, the end of the domino placed near the engine must be a 12. The other end can be anything at all.)Taking turns in a clockwise direction, the other players do the same.

Building Trains
If a player cannot start a train on the first turn, they can draw from the boneyard pile. If they pick the needed domino (in this case the double 12- they can immediately play it. We call this the 'Golden Domino' – when you are lucky enough to draw the domino that is needed. If they don't draw the tile they need, they place a marker (train) where a domino would have been placed to indicate that they could not start a train.) On the second turn and all subsequent turns, any player can play dominoes in marked areas.

MEXICAN TRAIN DOMINOES RULES
MexicanTrainFun.com Version
After Player 1 plays a domino on their train, it is Player 2's turn to play on their train. If any player doesn't have a 12 in their hand then they must keep all their dominoes and draw one from the boneyard. If a player cannot play, then they must put a train marker on the hub at their location to indicate that anyone can play on their train. At this stage most, if not all, the players will build their own trains, a personal playing area. The trains will lead out from the engine towards the player that laid them. This formation is known as the roundhouse. Eventually it will be player 1's turn again. Each player, in turn, places a tile to make the trains longer and to try and empty their hand. When you cannot go you must draw one domino from the boneyard unless the boneyard is empty. If you can play, you must place a tile.

Options for Play: 1) Play on the end of your own train. If you cannot play from your hand you can draw from the boneyard and can play that tile if it matches. If it doesn't match you place your train marker on the end of your own train. This opens it to other players. When you play on your own train again, take the train marker off your train and no one else can play on it. 2) If you cannot play on your own train but somebody else has their personal train marker in play then you can play on the end of that train. 3) You can also start or play on the Mexican Train. It must start with a twelve (EX: for round 1) You play one domino to start it. From then on it is open season on the Mexican train, anyone can play on it at any time. Only one Mexican train is allowed per game, but it can be started at any time.

Playing A Double Domino

If a player plays a double at the end of a train then they announce 'Double.' They also must ANSWER the double. That means if it's a double 6, they place the double 6 and MUST PLACE ANOTHER TILE with a 6 with the double at the same time. If they can't they draw from the boneyard. If they draw and pick the tile they need, in this example '6', they can immediately play the tile on their train to match the double. If they can't answer their own double after picking in the boneyard, they must place their train marker on their train. The next domino by the next player must be played at the end of the train showing the double. If you cannot play against the double you must draw from the boneyard. If you still can't play, you must pass. If you pass you don't have to put your marker on your train.

Variation- Answering A Double to Form a Chickenfoot

Instead of answering a double with only one tile, we STRONGLY RECOMMEND you answer with 3 dominoes. Play continues until the double is answered with three dominoes, forming a chickenfoot. Many people place a chicken on the double so players can see where the doubles are on the table.

VARIATIONS: We recommend that you only answer one domino on the Mexican Train (community train) vs. three dominos for a chickenfoot, this adds an element of intrigue and makes you think about the best play for your doubles.

The End of Play The last domino in your hand must be announced. You can announce by tapping your tile loudly on the table or by saying 'uno' loudly. If another player notices that you have one tile left and have not announced it then he can make you draw two tiles from the boneyard, unless it is empty. The player must announce this before the next player has drawn a tile. NOTE: Very people ever enforce this rule, it's a friendly game, and it's a tough call.
The round finishes when one player has no more tiles to play or when the game is blocked. Note: You are not allowed to go out on a double. If you play a double, you have to answer it to be officially out.

Scoring A player that empties their hand scores zero points. At this point all the other players score the total number of pips/ dots on the dominoes left in their hand. Usually, a series of games are played and whoever has the least points at the end of the series, wins the match. You don't have to play all 13 rounds, you can end whenever you like.
After all rounds have been completed, the player with the fewest points wins. If there is a tie, the player who scored the most zero-point rounds wins. If there is still a tie at this point, the player with the lowest total in a round, other than zero, wins.

Rule Variance: Many people count a double blank as 25 or 50 points vs the recommended 0 points. This is up to your train gang, you just need to decide this at the start of the game
If a player is unable to play and the boneyard is empty, the player must simply pass and ensure that a marker is placed upon their train. Play continues until all of the available moves are played.

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT FOR PLAYING DOMINOES

Domino Sets
We recommend a set of double 12 dominoes for 2-8 players.

Choose either dots or numbers. We recommend numbers for maturing or younger players since it's easiest to count and see. It's best to get a set with an interactive hub & all the pieces.

Hub-Centerpiece
A standard flat hub is the most popular, we have MADE in the USA top quality hubs in red, white & black

Interactive HubPlays sounds –'Choo' to announce your train and/ or 'Chicken Sound' to announce a double

Domino Tile Holders
Choose wood or plastic, the plastic trays hold more dominoes (44) vs the wood racks which hold up to 30 dominoes.

Trains and Chickens
Trains mark when your train is up, we also recommend the train starter piece for the Mexican train.

Chickens are used when playing chickenfoot and marking a double. Train Starters and/ or Train Key chains mark the Mexican train.

Scorepad
Our USA made four color scorepads make it easy to keep score. They are available in double 12 or double 15 size.

Save

New Products

• Test$0.01
• Double 6 Jumbo Size Dominoes -- Silver$39.95
• Double 6 Jumbo Size Dominoes -- Gold$34.95
• Double 6 Jumbo Size Dominoes -- Red$34.95
• Double 6 Jumbo Size Dominoes -- Green$34.95

Mexican Train is a game played with dominoes. The object of the game is for a player to play all the tiles from his or her hand onto one or more chains, or trains, emanating from a central hub or 'station'. The game's most popular name comes from a special optional train that belongs to all players. However, the game can be played without the Mexican train; such variants are generally called 'private trains' or 'domino trains'. It is related to the game Chicken Foot.

Equipment[edit]

A double-twelve set of dominoes is marketed as the standard for Mexican Train, and accommodates up to eight players. Other sets are commonly used as well. The following alternate sets are common, depending on the number of people playing:

• Double-six (2 players)
• Double-fifteen (9–12 players)
• Double-eighteen (13 players)

In addition to dominoes, the game also requires:

• One token or marker for each player
• A special spacer, known as the 'station' or 'hub', used to evenly space the trains around the central domino (optional).
• Pencil and paper to keep score

Many sets of dominoes include a station and special train-shaped tokens for markers, and packaged games with a central 'station' and custom tokens are available. However, the station piece is not strictly needed, and anything from coins to poker chips to even pieces of candy or slips of paper can be used as markers.

Objective[edit]

The object of all trains games is to be the first player to place all of their dominoes. Dominoes may be placed onto the player's train, onto the Mexican train if available, or on the trains of other players under special circumstances. The middle tile counts as the start of a player's multiple tile train.

Setup[edit]

At the start of each round, the dominoes are placed face side down, shuffled, and drawn by players to form their hands. Using the double-nine set,players draw dominoes as follows:

• 2–4 players: 10 dominoes each
• 5–6 players: 9 dominoes each
• 7–8 players: 7 dominoes each

Using the double-twelve set, players draw dominoes as follows:

• 2–4 players: 15 dominoes each
• 5–6 players: 12 dominoes each
• 7–8 players: 10 dominoes each

Any remaining dominoes are placed to one side, forming the 'boneyard'.

Gameplay[edit]

With a standard double-twelve set the double twelve is placed in the station. In each successive round the next lower double is used until all doubles are used. The double-blank is the final round.

Play continues to the left.^[1][2] Each person lays one legally placed domino per turn, or two if the player's first domino is a double. If they are unable to, they must draw a domino from the boneyard. If they are able to lay that domino, they must do so immediately.^[1] Otherwise, their turn is over and play continues to the left, each player trying to place all their dominoes by playing matching dominoes one at a time, end to end.^[1][2]

Mexican Train Dominoes Game Set

A train can be as long as the players can make it; it only ends when all dominoes that could match its endpoint have already been played. As a result, trains can become quite long, especially with an extended domino set. It is acceptable to 'bend' the train 90° or 180° to keep the train on the playing surface, as long as it does not interfere with the endpoints of other trains.

Public trains[edit]

All trains begin the game as 'public', and all players may play on them. When a player plays a domino on their train it then becomes 'private.' When a player draws a domino and is unable to play it, they must mark their train as 'public' by placing a marker on their train.^[1] If a player is deemed to have made a strategic error the highest score of that round is added to theirs.

Players have the option, whether they can play on their own train or not, of playing a domino on any train currently marked 'public.' When a player with a 'public' train adds a domino to it, it becomes 'private' again and may not be played on except by the train's owner.^[2]

The Mexican train[edit]

The Mexican train is an additional train that anyone may play on during their turn. They can start the train by playing a domino matching the engine (i.e. the double played at the beginning of the round) or add to the train.

Playing doubles[edit]

When a double is played, it is placed perpendicular to the train. Subsequently, adding a domino to the double is called 'finishing', 'satisfying the double' or 'covering the double.'

The player that plays the double has to cover the double or their train becomes public and someone else has to cover the double before normal play can resume.^[2]

If a double remains unfinished after it has been played, the train becomes a 'public' train. No other train can be added to by any player until someone 'finishes the double'. Play passes to the next player who can legally play on this train (if the train is theirs, or if they can legally play on 'public' trains). If they cannot 'finish the double', they must draw a domino, and if they cannot play it on the double, their own train becomes 'public'. Play continues like this until someone 'finishes the double'. Single and double blanks are considered wilds. Mexican train dominoes can end on a double.^[3]

Branching on doubles as in Chicken Foot is allowed as an option (see Variations below).^[2]

Scoring[edit]

At the end of each round, the player going out receives 0 points, while all other players receive the sum of all pips (dots) on their dominoes. The person with the fewest points after all thirteen rounds have been played is the winner. In the case of a tie, the person with the most 0-point rounds is the winner. (If this is still a tie, the person with the lowest round total other than 0 is the winner).

Partnerships[edit]

With four, six or eight players, the game can be played in teams of two, with partners sitting opposite each other. Rules are identical except that a player's train and their partner's train are considered one and the same (they will usually extend from opposite sides of the station), and thus a player can play on their own end or their partner's, and neither end becomes public until neither partner can play a tile. Scoring is also handled in pairs, with the player who went out scoring zero for their team (even though their partner will have dominoes remaining) and other teams summing their scores for a team score.

Elements of strategy[edit]

• It is generally in a player's best interest to keep their train private. By making a train public, the player allows other players to break an impasse in extending the train, but the player loses all other options except to attempt to play on the endpoint of their own train.
• While public trains offer additional options, the player's own private train should be considered first. Trains are usually public because their owners cannot play on them; if that train's endpoint does not change, its owner has no options until they draw a domino they can play on it.
• A player may choose to dump unmatched tiles on public trains first, before starting their own train, to trick the other players into believing that the player cannot start a train.
• If one or more players played on a public train and the endpoint value has changed, play another tile that will change the endpoint value back to its original value or to a value the player is thought not to have.
• Players must always play if they have an eligible tile. They cannot at any time hold back and pass and/or draw for some strategic reason.^[3]
• Because a player playing an unfinished double on someone else's train does not have to mark their own train as public, it is recommended that players play doubles on public trains whenever possible. Not only does this remove a major disadvantage to playing an unfinished double, it does not change the endpoint value of the train meaning its owner probably will not be able to play, and other players do have to mark their trains if they cannot finish the double. However double on another player's train gives that player and everyone else (if public) more options.

Variations[edit]

Mexican Train Dominoes Game Score Sheets Printable Double 15

There are a number of other versions of the rules for Mexican Train, varying the number of dominoes drawn by each player, the rules for playing doubles, or the number of tiles that can be played during one turn. For example:

Mexican Train Dominoes Game To Play Free

Fast game variation[edit]

After the starting double has been placed, turns are ignored, and each player focuses on making their own train as long as possible. Once everyone has made as long of a train as they can, play reverts to turns, using the rules listed above. This speeds up the game, but eliminates some of the strategies of playing doubles.

Delayed first turn variation[edit]

Similar to the fast game variation listed above, instead of simultaneously, each person takes turns playing as many dominoes on their train as possible. Any player that is unable to play on their first turn draws a domino, and may then begin their first turn or pass. When a player who has passed finally starts their train, they may play as many dominoes as they can string together. After starting their train, players are only permitted to play one domino at a time as usual, unless playing a double. This version allows a player to save their 'first turn' string of dominoes for when they have a chance, instead of being stuck with all dominoes from the beginning.

Branching doubles variation[edit]

Once a double has been satisfied, players may continue to branch off of the double in two more directions, meaning the double will have a matching endpoint on all four sides. Often, players like to angle these branches at a 45-degree angle to accommodate for more room. This variant gives players more choice and speeds up the game.

Swan drive variation[edit]

A player who can play on their own train may also play one tile on each subsequent public train in clockwise order. Each public train must be played on in order to continue in this manner, and only one tile per train may be played (unless a double must be finished). Once a player cannot play on the next public train, or has looped around to their own train, their turn ends. While playing on each public train, the player may choose to play on the Mexican train or skip it when he comes to it, making the placement of the train somewhat strategical. This version makes for a much faster game.

See also[edit]

References[edit]

1. ^ ^abcdKelly, Jennifer A., Great Book of Domino Games. Sterling 1999. ISBN978-0806942599.
2. ^ ^abcdeMexican Train at pagat.com. Retrieved 30 January 2021.
3. ^ ^abMexican Train at dominorules.com. Retrieved 30 January 2021.

External links[edit]

Mexican Train Dominoes Game Without Flash Player

Mexican Train Dominoes is our most adaptable game, allowing you to play with your friends in a group by passing the device around and also to move the tiles around as the tactics come to you. This customisability and adaptability stemmed from the original games which are stilled played out on tables and desks.

Brands

Mexican Train Rules

MexicanTrainFun.com's rules are based on the most popular and challenging version of the game. These are the rules used at our train events & tournaments

Game Objective
The goal of Mexican Train is to be the first player to lay down all of your dominoes. Whatever tiles are left in your hand count against you, so play strategically and try to get rid of the high-numbered tiles. Play moves clockwise from one player to the next.

The Start Player and the First Tile
Shuffle the dominoes; face down, on the table. We recommend that before the round starts, all players look for the starting tile. The player who finds the tile starts the game. They place the double-12 in the center of the hub. This domino serves as the 'engine' for the round.
The remaining dominoes are turned face down. This supply is known as the boneyard. Then, each player takes the appropriate number of dominoes (see below) and stands them on edge, so that they can see the faces (the side with the pips) but their opponents cannot. We strongly recommend using domino tile racks to make this easier for you and so your dominoes don't fall down.

Recommended Tiles:

• For 2-3 players, use a double-9 set - each player takes 8.
• For 4-6 players, use a double-12 set - each player takes 12.
• For 7-8 players, use a double-12 set - each player takes 10.
• For 9-12 players, use a double-15 set - each player takes 11.
• For 13-14 players, use a double-18 set - each player takes 11.

The First Turn
The start player now starts to build a train (a single row of dominoes) starting from the center domino and moving toward the player. The end of the domino placed near the engine must match the engine's double number. (Example: If the engine is a double-12, the end of the domino placed near the engine must be a 12. The other end can be anything at all.)Taking turns in a clockwise direction, the other players do the same.

Building Trains
If a player cannot start a train on the first turn, they can draw from the boneyard pile. If they pick the needed domino (in this case the double 12- they can immediately play it. We call this the 'Golden Domino' – when you are lucky enough to draw the domino that is needed. If they don't draw the tile they need, they place a marker (train) where a domino would have been placed to indicate that they could not start a train.) On the second turn and all subsequent turns, any player can play dominoes in marked areas.

MEXICAN TRAIN DOMINOES RULES
MexicanTrainFun.com Version
After Player 1 plays a domino on their train, it is Player 2's turn to play on their train. If any player doesn't have a 12 in their hand then they must keep all their dominoes and draw one from the boneyard. If a player cannot play, then they must put a train marker on the hub at their location to indicate that anyone can play on their train. At this stage most, if not all, the players will build their own trains, a personal playing area. The trains will lead out from the engine towards the player that laid them. This formation is known as the roundhouse. Eventually it will be player 1's turn again. Each player, in turn, places a tile to make the trains longer and to try and empty their hand. When you cannot go you must draw one domino from the boneyard unless the boneyard is empty. If you can play, you must place a tile.

Options for Play: 1) Play on the end of your own train. If you cannot play from your hand you can draw from the boneyard and can play that tile if it matches. If it doesn't match you place your train marker on the end of your own train. This opens it to other players. When you play on your own train again, take the train marker off your train and no one else can play on it. 2) If you cannot play on your own train but somebody else has their personal train marker in play then you can play on the end of that train. 3) You can also start or play on the Mexican Train. It must start with a twelve (EX: for round 1) You play one domino to start it. From then on it is open season on the Mexican train, anyone can play on it at any time. Only one Mexican train is allowed per game, but it can be started at any time.

Playing A Double Domino

If a player plays a double at the end of a train then they announce 'Double.' They also must ANSWER the double. That means if it's a double 6, they place the double 6 and MUST PLACE ANOTHER TILE with a 6 with the double at the same time. If they can't they draw from the boneyard. If they draw and pick the tile they need, in this example '6', they can immediately play the tile on their train to match the double. If they can't answer their own double after picking in the boneyard, they must place their train marker on their train. The next domino by the next player must be played at the end of the train showing the double. If you cannot play against the double you must draw from the boneyard. If you still can't play, you must pass. If you pass you don't have to put your marker on your train.

Variation- Answering A Double to Form a Chickenfoot

Instead of answering a double with only one tile, we STRONGLY RECOMMEND you answer with 3 dominoes. Play continues until the double is answered with three dominoes, forming a chickenfoot. Many people place a chicken on the double so players can see where the doubles are on the table.

VARIATIONS: We recommend that you only answer one domino on the Mexican Train (community train) vs. three dominos for a chickenfoot, this adds an element of intrigue and makes you think about the best play for your doubles.

The End of Play The last domino in your hand must be announced. You can announce by tapping your tile loudly on the table or by saying 'uno' loudly. If another player notices that you have one tile left and have not announced it then he can make you draw two tiles from the boneyard, unless it is empty. The player must announce this before the next player has drawn a tile. NOTE: Very people ever enforce this rule, it's a friendly game, and it's a tough call.
The round finishes when one player has no more tiles to play or when the game is blocked. Note: You are not allowed to go out on a double. If you play a double, you have to answer it to be officially out.

Scoring A player that empties their hand scores zero points. At this point all the other players score the total number of pips/ dots on the dominoes left in their hand. Usually, a series of games are played and whoever has the least points at the end of the series, wins the match. You don't have to play all 13 rounds, you can end whenever you like.
After all rounds have been completed, the player with the fewest points wins. If there is a tie, the player who scored the most zero-point rounds wins. If there is still a tie at this point, the player with the lowest total in a round, other than zero, wins.

Rule Variance: Many people count a double blank as 25 or 50 points vs the recommended 0 points. This is up to your train gang, you just need to decide this at the start of the game
If a player is unable to play and the boneyard is empty, the player must simply pass and ensure that a marker is placed upon their train. Play continues until all of the available moves are played.

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT FOR PLAYING DOMINOES

Domino Sets
We recommend a set of double 12 dominoes for 2-8 players.

Choose either dots or numbers. We recommend numbers for maturing or younger players since it's easiest to count and see. It's best to get a set with an interactive hub & all the pieces.

Hub-Centerpiece
A standard flat hub is the most popular, we have MADE in the USA top quality hubs in red, white & black

Interactive HubPlays sounds –'Choo' to announce your train and/ or 'Chicken Sound' to announce a double

Domino Tile Holders
Choose wood or plastic, the plastic trays hold more dominoes (44) vs the wood racks which hold up to 30 dominoes.

Trains and Chickens
Trains mark when your train is up, we also recommend the train starter piece for the Mexican train.

Chickens are used when playing chickenfoot and marking a double. Train Starters and/ or Train Key chains mark the Mexican train.

Scorepad
Our USA made four color scorepads make it easy to keep score. They are available in double 12 or double 15 size.

Save

New Products

• Test$0.01
• Double 6 Jumbo Size Dominoes -- Silver$39.95
• Double 6 Jumbo Size Dominoes -- Gold$34.95
• Double 6 Jumbo Size Dominoes -- Red$34.95
• Double 6 Jumbo Size Dominoes -- Green$34.95

Mexican Train is a game played with dominoes. The object of the game is for a player to play all the tiles from his or her hand onto one or more chains, or trains, emanating from a central hub or 'station'. The game's most popular name comes from a special optional train that belongs to all players. However, the game can be played without the Mexican train; such variants are generally called 'private trains' or 'domino trains'. It is related to the game Chicken Foot.

Equipment[edit]

A double-twelve set of dominoes is marketed as the standard for Mexican Train, and accommodates up to eight players. Other sets are commonly used as well. The following alternate sets are common, depending on the number of people playing:

• Double-six (2 players)
• Double-fifteen (9–12 players)
• Double-eighteen (13 players)

In addition to dominoes, the game also requires:

• One token or marker for each player
• A special spacer, known as the 'station' or 'hub', used to evenly space the trains around the central domino (optional).
• Pencil and paper to keep score

Many sets of dominoes include a station and special train-shaped tokens for markers, and packaged games with a central 'station' and custom tokens are available. However, the station piece is not strictly needed, and anything from coins to poker chips to even pieces of candy or slips of paper can be used as markers.

Objective[edit]

The object of all trains games is to be the first player to place all of their dominoes. Dominoes may be placed onto the player's train, onto the Mexican train if available, or on the trains of other players under special circumstances. The middle tile counts as the start of a player's multiple tile train.

Setup[edit]

At the start of each round, the dominoes are placed face side down, shuffled, and drawn by players to form their hands. Using the double-nine set,players draw dominoes as follows:

• 2–4 players: 10 dominoes each
• 5–6 players: 9 dominoes each
• 7–8 players: 7 dominoes each

Using the double-twelve set, players draw dominoes as follows:

• 2–4 players: 15 dominoes each
• 5–6 players: 12 dominoes each
• 7–8 players: 10 dominoes each

Any remaining dominoes are placed to one side, forming the 'boneyard'.

Gameplay[edit]

With a standard double-twelve set the double twelve is placed in the station. In each successive round the next lower double is used until all doubles are used. The double-blank is the final round.

Play continues to the left.^[1][2] Each person lays one legally placed domino per turn, or two if the player's first domino is a double. If they are unable to, they must draw a domino from the boneyard. If they are able to lay that domino, they must do so immediately.^[1] Otherwise, their turn is over and play continues to the left, each player trying to place all their dominoes by playing matching dominoes one at a time, end to end.^[1][2]

Mexican Train Dominoes Game Set

A train can be as long as the players can make it; it only ends when all dominoes that could match its endpoint have already been played. As a result, trains can become quite long, especially with an extended domino set. It is acceptable to 'bend' the train 90° or 180° to keep the train on the playing surface, as long as it does not interfere with the endpoints of other trains.

Public trains[edit]

All trains begin the game as 'public', and all players may play on them. When a player plays a domino on their train it then becomes 'private.' When a player draws a domino and is unable to play it, they must mark their train as 'public' by placing a marker on their train.^[1] If a player is deemed to have made a strategic error the highest score of that round is added to theirs.

Players have the option, whether they can play on their own train or not, of playing a domino on any train currently marked 'public.' When a player with a 'public' train adds a domino to it, it becomes 'private' again and may not be played on except by the train's owner.^[2]

The Mexican train[edit]

The Mexican train is an additional train that anyone may play on during their turn. They can start the train by playing a domino matching the engine (i.e. the double played at the beginning of the round) or add to the train.

Playing doubles[edit]

When a double is played, it is placed perpendicular to the train. Subsequently, adding a domino to the double is called 'finishing', 'satisfying the double' or 'covering the double.'

The player that plays the double has to cover the double or their train becomes public and someone else has to cover the double before normal play can resume.^[2]

If a double remains unfinished after it has been played, the train becomes a 'public' train. No other train can be added to by any player until someone 'finishes the double'. Play passes to the next player who can legally play on this train (if the train is theirs, or if they can legally play on 'public' trains). If they cannot 'finish the double', they must draw a domino, and if they cannot play it on the double, their own train becomes 'public'. Play continues like this until someone 'finishes the double'. Single and double blanks are considered wilds. Mexican train dominoes can end on a double.^[3]

Branching on doubles as in Chicken Foot is allowed as an option (see Variations below).^[2]

Scoring[edit]

At the end of each round, the player going out receives 0 points, while all other players receive the sum of all pips (dots) on their dominoes. The person with the fewest points after all thirteen rounds have been played is the winner. In the case of a tie, the person with the most 0-point rounds is the winner. (If this is still a tie, the person with the lowest round total other than 0 is the winner).

Partnerships[edit]

With four, six or eight players, the game can be played in teams of two, with partners sitting opposite each other. Rules are identical except that a player's train and their partner's train are considered one and the same (they will usually extend from opposite sides of the station), and thus a player can play on their own end or their partner's, and neither end becomes public until neither partner can play a tile. Scoring is also handled in pairs, with the player who went out scoring zero for their team (even though their partner will have dominoes remaining) and other teams summing their scores for a team score.

Elements of strategy[edit]

• It is generally in a player's best interest to keep their train private. By making a train public, the player allows other players to break an impasse in extending the train, but the player loses all other options except to attempt to play on the endpoint of their own train.
• While public trains offer additional options, the player's own private train should be considered first. Trains are usually public because their owners cannot play on them; if that train's endpoint does not change, its owner has no options until they draw a domino they can play on it.
• A player may choose to dump unmatched tiles on public trains first, before starting their own train, to trick the other players into believing that the player cannot start a train.
• If one or more players played on a public train and the endpoint value has changed, play another tile that will change the endpoint value back to its original value or to a value the player is thought not to have.
• Players must always play if they have an eligible tile. They cannot at any time hold back and pass and/or draw for some strategic reason.^[3]
• Because a player playing an unfinished double on someone else's train does not have to mark their own train as public, it is recommended that players play doubles on public trains whenever possible. Not only does this remove a major disadvantage to playing an unfinished double, it does not change the endpoint value of the train meaning its owner probably will not be able to play, and other players do have to mark their trains if they cannot finish the double. However double on another player's train gives that player and everyone else (if public) more options.

Variations[edit]

Mexican Train Dominoes Game Score Sheets Printable Double 15

There are a number of other versions of the rules for Mexican Train, varying the number of dominoes drawn by each player, the rules for playing doubles, or the number of tiles that can be played during one turn. For example:

Mexican Train Dominoes Game To Play Free

Fast game variation[edit]

After the starting double has been placed, turns are ignored, and each player focuses on making their own train as long as possible. Once everyone has made as long of a train as they can, play reverts to turns, using the rules listed above. This speeds up the game, but eliminates some of the strategies of playing doubles.

Delayed first turn variation[edit]

Similar to the fast game variation listed above, instead of simultaneously, each person takes turns playing as many dominoes on their train as possible. Any player that is unable to play on their first turn draws a domino, and may then begin their first turn or pass. When a player who has passed finally starts their train, they may play as many dominoes as they can string together. After starting their train, players are only permitted to play one domino at a time as usual, unless playing a double. This version allows a player to save their 'first turn' string of dominoes for when they have a chance, instead of being stuck with all dominoes from the beginning.

Branching doubles variation[edit]

Once a double has been satisfied, players may continue to branch off of the double in two more directions, meaning the double will have a matching endpoint on all four sides. Often, players like to angle these branches at a 45-degree angle to accommodate for more room. This variant gives players more choice and speeds up the game.

Swan drive variation[edit]

A player who can play on their own train may also play one tile on each subsequent public train in clockwise order. Each public train must be played on in order to continue in this manner, and only one tile per train may be played (unless a double must be finished). Once a player cannot play on the next public train, or has looped around to their own train, their turn ends. While playing on each public train, the player may choose to play on the Mexican train or skip it when he comes to it, making the placement of the train somewhat strategical. This version makes for a much faster game.

See also[edit]

References[edit]

1. ^ ^abcdKelly, Jennifer A., Great Book of Domino Games. Sterling 1999. ISBN978-0806942599.
2. ^ ^abcdeMexican Train at pagat.com. Retrieved 30 January 2021.
3. ^ ^abMexican Train at dominorules.com. Retrieved 30 January 2021.

External links[edit]

Mexican Train Dominoes Game Without Flash Player

• Mexican Train on BoardGameGeek