Mexican Train is a popular domino game known for its fast-paced gameplay and strategic elements. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the Mexican Train Game Rules, equipping you with the knowledge to play and enjoy this engaging game.
Understanding the Basics
Mexican Train, like other domino games, involves matching dominoes end-to-end to create a train. Each domino has two halves, each with a number of pips (dots) representing a value. A “double” is a domino with the same value on both halves.
Equipment Needed
- Double-Twelve Domino Set: This set includes 91 dominoes, ranging from double blank to double twelve. Colored spots are recommended for easier matching.
- Mexican Train Hub: This circular hub has a center slot for the starting double and slots around the edge for each player’s train. A homemade cardboard version works just as well as a purchased hub.
- Markers: These are used to indicate open trains. Coins (e.g., pennies for personal trains, a nickel for the Mexican Train) or specialized train markers can be used.
Setting Up the Game
- Shuffle: Place all dominoes face down and mix them thoroughly.
- Deal: The number of dominoes dealt depends on the number of players:
- Up to 4 players: 15 dominoes each
- 5-6 players: 12 dominoes each
- 7-8 players: 10 dominoes each
- The Boneyard: The remaining dominoes form the boneyard, also known as the “sleeping” tiles.
- The Hub: Place the hub in the center of the table. Each player chooses a slot on the outer edge for their personal train. One slot is designated for the Mexican Train and marked accordingly.
- Starting Double: The player with the highest double places it in the center of the hub. If no one has a double, players draw from the boneyard until one is found.
Gameplay: The First Turn
The player to the left of the person who played the starting double goes first. This first turn is unique:
- Starting Your Train: The player must play a domino from their hand that matches the center double, placing it in their designated slot on the hub.
- Extending the Train: The player continues to play matching dominoes from their hand until they cannot play further.
Gameplay: Subsequent Turns
After the first turn, each player can play only one domino per turn.
- Playing a Domino: A player attempts to play a domino on their own train, the Mexican Train, or another player’s marked train (see “Available Trains” below).
- Drawing from the Boneyard: If a player cannot play a domino, they draw one from the boneyard. If the drawn domino can be played, they play it.
- Marking Your Train: If a player still cannot play after drawing, they place a marker on the end of their train, making it open for other players to use. This signifies the end of their turn.
- Removing the Marker: If a player plays a domino on their own marked train, they remove the marker.
- Doubles: Playing a double allows the player to take another immediate turn.
Available Trains
A player can play on:
- Their own train: Always available.
- The Mexican Train: Available to all players once started (with a domino matching the center double).
- Another player’s marked train: Available only if marked.
Winning the Game
The first player to play all dominoes from their hand wins the round, even if their last domino is a double. The winner scores zero points. Other players count the pips on their remaining dominoes; these are their scores for the round. Multiple rounds are typically played, with the lowest cumulative score winning the game.
Special Situations and Variations
- Empty Boneyard: If a player cannot play and the boneyard is empty, they pass their turn and mark their train.
- First Turn Completion: If a player plays all their dominoes in the first turn, all other players still complete their first turns before the round ends.
- Satisfying Doubles: A common variation requires players to immediately play on an open double, even if it’s on another player’s unmarked train.
This comprehensive guide to Mexican Train game rules provides a solid foundation for playing and enjoying this classic domino game. Gather your friends, set up the game, and enjoy the fun!
