Mexican Dominoes, often known as Mexican Train Dominoes, is a captivating and social game enjoyed by players of all ages. If you’re looking for a fun and engaging game to play with family and friends, look no further. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to play and enjoy the Mexican Dominoes Game, whether online or in person.
Understanding the Basics of Mexican Dominoes Game
The goal of Mexican Dominoes is simple: be the first to play all of your dominoes. Each round, players aim to minimize their score, which is determined by the pips (dots) on the dominoes left in their hand at the end of the round. The player with the lowest total score after multiple rounds wins the game.
Key components of Mexican Dominoes include:
- Personal Train: Each player has their own “train” of dominoes, a row they build upon during the game. Keeping your personal train “closed” (playable only by you initially) is a strategic advantage.
- Mexican Train: This is a communal train, open to all players at any time. It offers an alternative play area and can be crucial for strategic gameplay.
- Doubles: Dominoes with the same number on both ends (like 6|6 or blank|blank, where blanks are treated as 0|0) are significant in Mexican Dominoes. Starting each round with a double and the rule of “covering doubles” add layers of strategy.
- Boneyard: The pile of face-down dominoes from which players draw when they cannot make a play.
Game Play Tip: Just like in any game, starting strong in Mexican Dominoes can give you an edge. Researching effective opening moves can significantly improve your gameplay.
How to Play Mexican Dominoes Game: Step-by-Step
- Starting a Round: Each round begins with a specific double domino, known as the “engine.” The first round typically starts with the highest double (like 12|12 in a double-12 set), and subsequent rounds proceed downwards (11|11, 10|10, and so on).
- Setting Up Trains: Players arrange their dominoes, usually fanning them out so they can see their tiles but keep them hidden from others. A starting double is placed to begin the center or designated starting area.
- First Turn: The player who placed the starting double usually goes first. Play typically proceeds clockwise. Players begin building their personal trains from the starting double, matching numbers on connecting dominoes (e.g., 3|4 can connect to a 4|9).
- Playing Dominoes: On your turn, you attempt to play a domino from your hand onto either your personal train or the Mexican Train. You must match the number on one end of your domino with the open end of a train.
- Drawing from the Boneyard: If you cannot play a domino from your hand on either train, you must draw one domino from the boneyard. If you can play the drawn domino, you may do so immediately. If you still cannot play, your turn ends, and your personal train is marked as “open.”
- Open Trains: An “open” train, marked with a marker (often a coin or small token), signifies that other players can play on your train in addition to their own and the Mexican Train. You can close your train again by successfully playing a domino on it during a subsequent turn.
- Doubles and Covering: When a player plays a double domino, they must “cover” it by playing another domino immediately. If they cannot cover the double, their train becomes open, and the next player must cover the double before making any other play. This continues until the double is covered.
Online Game Play Tip: Mastering doubles is key to excelling at Mexican Dominoes. Understanding when to play a double and how to capitalize on the extra play can be a game-changer.
For a more detailed walkthrough of the rules, consider exploring a comprehensive beginner’s guide to Mexican Dominoes game.
Strategies and Helpful Hints for Mexican Dominoes Game
- Prioritize Your Personal Train: Focus on playing on your personal train as much as possible. This keeps your train closed to opponents and advances your goal of emptying your hand.
- Strategic Tile Arrangement: Take advantage of the ability to reorganize your dominoes during online play. Strategically arrange your tiles to identify potential plays and plan your moves in advance.
- Utilize the Mexican Train Wisely: The Mexican Train can be a lifesaver when you are blocked on your personal train. Use it strategically to get rid of dominoes and potentially disrupt your opponents’ plans.
You can find Mexican Dominoes games available for download on iOS, Android, and Kindle devices through their respective app stores, allowing you to practice and play anytime, anywhere.
FAQs About Playing Mexican Dominoes Game Online and In-App
When does a round finish? A round concludes either when a player successfully plays all of their dominoes, or when no player can make any more legal plays (all playable tiles are used, and players are blocked).
How many rounds are in a game? Typically, a game of Mexican Dominoes consists of multiple rounds, often three, but you can adjust this to suit your preferences. Playing multiple rounds adds depth to the game as scores accumulate and strategies evolve.
How does the first round begin? The first round starts with the player who possesses the highest double domino. Play then proceeds clockwise. The starting player initiates their personal train by connecting a matching domino to the starting double “engine.”
Can I play Mexican Dominoes with physical dominoes? Absolutely! Mexican Dominoes is traditionally played with physical dominoes. Printable dominoes, score sheets, and rule sheets are available online, allowing you to enjoy the game in its classic, analog form. You can also find apps for iPhone, iPad, Android tablets and Kindle for digital play.
Delve Deeper into Mexican Dominoes Game
Want to expand your knowledge and skills in Mexican Dominoes game? Explore these resources for rules clarifications, gameplay strategies, and even variations to keep the game fresh and exciting.
- Clarifying Mexican Dominoes Rules: Navigate through common rule ambiguities and unique game scenarios to enhance your understanding and fair play.
- Explore Browser-Based Domino Games: Discover other engaging browser-based games, perfect for casual play without the need for downloads.
- Try Mexican Dominoes Variations: Spice up your game nights with exciting variations of Mexican Dominoes, testing different aspects of your strategy and gameplay.
Enjoy hours of fun and strategic thinking with the Mexican Dominoes game!
