Mexican Train Dominoes is a popular and engaging game enjoyed by players of all ages. It combines luck, strategy, and a bit of friendly competition, making it a perfect choice for family gatherings, game nights, or casual play. If you’re looking to learn how to play Mexican Train Dominoes, you’ve come to the right place. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the rules, setup, gameplay, scoring, and even some winning strategies to help you master this exciting game.
What You’ll Need to Play Mexican Train Dominoes
Before you start your first game, gather these essential items:
- A Double-12 Domino Set: This is standard for Mexican Train and provides enough dominoes for multiple players.
- Markers for Each Player: Small tokens like coins or buttons to mark individual trains and the Mexican Train.
Objective and Basics of Mexican Train Dominoes
The primary goal in Mexican Train Dominoes is to be the first player to use all of your dominoes. Players achieve this by building “trains” of dominoes that originate from a central hub, known as the “station” or “engine.” Each player has their own private train and can also contribute to a communal “Mexican Train,” adding a social and strategic element to the game.
Success in Mexican Train Dominoes requires a blend of chance and thoughtful planning. You’ll need to anticipate your opponents’ moves, strategize your train building, and sometimes, block others to gain an advantage.
Getting Started with Mexican Train Dominoes
Let’s get your game underway with these initial steps:
Dealing Dominoes
To begin, all dominoes are placed face down and shuffled thoroughly. Each player then draws a set number of dominoes to form their starting hand. The number of dominoes dealt depends on the number of players:
- 2-4 Players: Each player draws 15 dominoes.
- 5-6 Players: Each player draws 12 dominoes.
- 7-8 Players: Each player draws 11 dominoes.
Setting Up Your Hand
After dealing, players should stand their dominoes on edge, facing them, so that opponents cannot see their tiles. The remaining dominoes that were not dealt form the “boneyard,” which players will draw from during the game. Play typically proceeds in a clockwise direction. The ultimate aim across multiple rounds is to achieve the lowest score, accumulating points based on the pips on any dominoes left in your hand at the end of each round.
Gameplay: Playing the Game
Now, let’s delve into the exciting part – playing Mexican Train Dominoes!
Starting the Round: The Station Number
The first round begins with determining the “station” or “engine” number. Player 1 starts by attempting to place their highest double domino in the center of the playing area. This double sets the station number for the round. For example, if Player 1 plays a double-6, the station number is 6.
If Player 1 does not possess a double domino, the turn passes clockwise to the next player. This continues until a player is able to place a double to start the station. If no player initially has a double, players take turns drawing one domino from the boneyard until someone draws a double and can start the station.
Opening Private Trains
Once the station number is established with the initial double, each player begins to build their own “private train.” Starting with Player 1, each player must attempt to start their train by playing a domino that matches the station number. Using our example of a station starting with a double-6, players must play a domino with a 6 on one end.
If a player can start their train, they place the matching domino in a line extending outwards from their position around the central station. If a player cannot start their train from their initial hand, they must draw one domino from the boneyard. If they still cannot play a domino matching the station number after drawing, they place a marker (like a coin) at the starting point of their train to indicate it is “open.” Play then passes to the next player clockwise.
The Mexican Train
The “Mexican Train” is a unique feature of the game. It’s a public train, open to all players, and it also starts from the central station with a domino matching the station number. The Mexican Train can be started by any player on their turn, anytime after the initial station double has been played. It’s a separate train from individual player trains and is typically placed in a designated area accessible to all.
Subsequent Turns and Plays
On each subsequent turn, a player can play one domino, unless they play a double, which grants them another turn. On your turn, you have several options for where to play:
- Play on your own private train: You can extend your own train by playing a domino that matches the open end of your train. If your train has a marker on it (meaning you couldn’t play on it in a previous turn), you must play on your train to remove the marker before you can play elsewhere.
- Play on the public Mexican Train: Any player can play on the Mexican Train if they have a domino that matches its open end.
- Play on another player’s private train (if it’s marked): If another player has a marker on their train (indicating they were unable to play on it), you are allowed to play on their train, extending it with a matching domino.
If you are unable to make a valid play on your turn, you must draw one domino from the boneyard. If you still cannot play a domino after drawing, you must place a marker on your private train to indicate it is open for others to play on. If your train is already marked, you simply leave it marked.
Doubles and Closing Doubles
Double dominoes (tiles with the same number on both ends) introduce an interesting rule. When you play a double, you get to take another turn immediately. However, playing a double also creates a requirement: the double must be “closed” by playing another domino onto it before play can continue elsewhere.
Understanding domino matching in Mexican Train. Dominoes must be placed end-to-end, with the numbers of adjacent ends matching to extend a train. Doubles, like the double-9 shown, require an additional domino to be played onto them before the train can be extended further.
If you play a double and can immediately close it by playing another domino (either on your own train, the Mexican Train, or a marked opponent’s train if applicable), you must do so. If you cannot close the double immediately, you must draw a domino from the boneyard. If you draw a domino that can close the double, you must play it. If you still cannot close the double, your turn ends, and play passes to the next player, leaving the double “open.” The double must be closed by the next player who is able to play a matching domino on it before anyone else can play on any train again. This process continues, with players drawing from the boneyard if they cannot close the double, until the double is closed.
Exceptions to the Double Closing Rule:
- Last Domino of a Number: If the double is the very last domino with that number in the game (e.g., the last 12 in a double-12 set), it does not need to be closed.
- Last Domino of the Game: If playing a double is your last domino, and it wins you the round, it does not need to be closed.
- Removing a Marker: If you play a double on your own train to remove a marker, it does not necessarily have to be closed immediately if you cannot play another domino. However, it’s usually strategically advantageous to close it if possible to maintain control of your train.
Scoring in Mexican Train Dominoes
A round of Mexican Train Dominoes concludes when a player successfully plays all of their dominoes. This player is awarded a score of 0 for the round. All other players then count the pips (dots) on their remaining dominoes and add this total to their score.
The game is typically played over three rounds. After each round, scores are tallied. The player with the lowest total score after all three rounds is declared the winner.
Strategy and Tips for Mexican Train Dominoes
To enhance your Mexican Train Dominoes gameplay and increase your chances of winning, consider these strategies and tips:
- Observe Played Tiles: Pay close attention to the dominoes that have already been played. This can provide clues about what tiles your opponents might be holding and help you anticipate their possible moves.
- Diversify Your Train: Aim to create a train that incorporates a variety of numbers, rather than focusing too heavily on a single number. This will increase your flexibility and chances of having playable dominoes on future turns.
- Utilize the Mexican Train: Don’t hesitate to use the Mexican Train to your advantage. It can be a valuable outlet for quickly playing multiple dominoes, especially when you are trying to empty your hand. However, be mindful of not leaving yourself with limited options afterwards.
- Strategic Blocking: Consider blocking your opponents by playing dominoes that you know they may need, or by playing doubles that might be difficult for them to close.
- Adapt Your Strategy: Be prepared to adjust your strategy as the game progresses. The tiles that are played and the dominoes remaining in your hand will constantly change the dynamics of the game, requiring flexible thinking.
Frequently Asked Questions and Variations
Here are some common questions and variations you might encounter in Mexican Train Dominoes:
Common FAQs
- What if a player has only one tile left? They should announce “uno” or signal by double-tapping the table to alert other players.
- Can a player play on the Mexican Train with their last tile? Yes, but they should announce “only one tile” before doing so.
- What if a player can’t play and the boneyard is empty? They must pass their turn and place a marker on their private train.
- Can doubles be played on a player’s own train? Yes, players can play doubles on their own train, announcing “double” to inform others.
Variations
- Chicken Foot Dominoes: A popular variation that shares similarities with Mexican Train but has its own unique rules and gameplay.
| A sample score sheet for Mexican Train Dominoes. Keeping track of scores across rounds is crucial for determining the overall winner of the game. |
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By understanding these rules and strategies, you’re now well-equipped to start playing and enjoying Mexican Train Dominoes. Gather your friends and family, set up your dominoes, and get ready for hours of fun and strategic gameplay!
