Mexican Dominoes, often known as Mexican Train Dominoes, is a popular and engaging game enjoyed by families and friends around the world. Its blend of strategy and luck makes it accessible to beginners while offering enough depth to keep seasoned players entertained. Whether you’re new to dominoes or looking to learn a fun variation, Mexican Dominoes is a fantastic choice. This guide will walk you through the rules of Mexican Dominoes, providing you with everything you need to start playing and enjoying this exciting game.
Understanding the Basics of Mexican Dominoes
The objective in Mexican Dominoes is simple: be the first player to empty your hand of dominoes. Players build trains of dominoes starting from a central hub, and the player with the lowest score at the end of multiple rounds wins the game. Scoring is based on the pips (dots) on the dominoes left in your hand at the end of each round.
Key Components of Mexican Dominoes:
- Dominoes: A standard double-twelve domino set is typically used, containing 91 dominoes.
- Trains: Each player has a “personal train” of dominoes, and there is also a communal “Mexican Train” available to all players.
- Hub or Starting Double: Each round begins with a specific double domino (like 12|12 in the first round, 11|11 in the second, and so on down to 0|0).
- Boneyard: The pile of face-down dominoes from which players draw if they cannot make a play.
Mexican Dominoes Rules: A Step-by-Step Guide
Let’s delve into the specific rules of Mexican Dominoes to get you ready to play:
1. Starting a Round:
Each round starts with a designated double domino, known as the “engine.” The first round typically begins with the highest double (e.g., 12|12). If no one has the starting double, players draw from the boneyard until it is found. The player with the starting double initiates the round.
2. Gameplay – Building Your Trains:
Players take turns in a clockwise direction. On your turn, you aim to play a domino from your hand onto one of the available trains.
- Personal Train: You start your personal train by playing a domino that matches the number on the starting double. Subsequent dominoes played on your personal train must match the exposed end of the last domino played.
- Mexican Train: The Mexican Train is a public train that anyone can play on during their turn, provided they can match the exposed end.
3. The Boneyard and Drawing Dominoes:
If you cannot play a domino on your personal train or the Mexican Train, you must draw a domino from the boneyard. If you draw a domino that you can play, you may play it immediately. If you still cannot play after drawing, your turn ends.
4. Opening Your Train to Others:
If you are unable to play a domino on your turn, and you cannot play the domino you drew from the boneyard (or you chose not to play the drawn domino), you must mark your personal train as “public” or “open.” This is typically done by placing a marker on your train. When your train is open, other players can play on it during their turns. You can close your train again by playing a domino on it in a subsequent turn.
5. Playing Doubles and Covering:
When a player plays a double domino (a domino with the same number on both ends, like 6|6), they must immediately play another domino if possible. This is called “covering the double.” If they cannot cover the double, their train becomes open, and the next player must cover the double on their turn before making any other play. This rule continues until the double is covered.
6. Ending a Round and Scoring:
A round ends when one player plays all of their dominoes, or when no player can make any more legal plays (all players are blocked). Players then count the pips on the dominoes remaining in their hands. This total is their score for the round. Lower scores are better.
7. Multiple Rounds and Game End:
Mexican Dominoes is typically played over several rounds. Each round starts with a decreasing double as the engine (e.g., 12|12, 11|11, 10|10, and so on down to double blank, 0|0). After a predetermined number of rounds (often 13 rounds in a full game), or after playing down to the double blank round, the game ends. The player with the lowest total score across all rounds is the winner.
Tips and Strategies for Mexican Dominoes Success
- Prioritize Your Personal Train: Aim to play on your personal train as much as possible. This prevents opponents from using your train and helps you empty your hand faster.
- Strategic Use of Doubles: Doubles can be powerful. Playing a double can give you an extra turn to play more dominoes, but be mindful of the “covering” rule and ensure you can cover it or be prepared for your train to open.
- Observe Your Opponents: Pay attention to the trains your opponents are building and the dominoes they are playing. This can give you clues about the dominoes they might be holding and help you strategize defensively.
Mexican Dominoes FAQs
When does a round end?
A round concludes when either a player successfully plays all of their dominoes, or when all possible plays are exhausted and no player can legally place another domino.
Are there multiple rounds in Mexican Dominoes?
Yes, Mexican Dominoes is designed to be played over multiple rounds, typically 13 rounds in a full game, starting with the 12|12 double and descending to the 0|0 double.
How does the first round begin?
The first round starts with the player who possesses the highest double domino (usually 12|12). Subsequent rounds follow in a clockwise rotation from the starting player of the first round.
Can Mexican Dominoes be played with physical dominoes?
Absolutely! While online and app versions offer convenience, Mexican Dominoes is traditionally played with a physical set of dominoes, offering a tactile and social gaming experience. You can even download printable score sheets and rules to play anywhere.
Mexican Dominoes is a delightful game that combines simple rules with engaging strategy. Whether you play online or gather around a table with friends and family, learning Mexican Dominoes opens up a world of fun and competitive play. So, gather your dominoes and get ready to embark on your Mexican Dominoes journey!
