Mexican Train Dominoes is a captivating and engaging game enjoyed by players of all ages. Whether you’re looking to play online against computer opponents or gather friends for a face-to-face game, understanding the rules is key to enjoying and mastering this popular domino game. This guide will walk you through the essential rules of Mexican Train, offer helpful tips, and answer frequently asked questions to elevate your gameplay.
Understanding Mexican Train Dominoes
Mexican Train Dominoes is a game of strategy and a little bit of luck, where the objective is simple: be the first to play all your dominoes. Players aim to build ‘trains’ of dominoes, and the player with the lowest score at the end of multiple rounds emerges victorious. Scoring is based on the pips (dots) on the dominoes left in your hand at the end of each round, so the fewer, the better! A crucial aspect of the game involves managing your “personal train” and utilizing the communal “Mexican Train” to your advantage.
Basic Rules of Mexican Train Dominoes
To get started with Mexican Train Dominoes, understanding the fundamental rules is essential. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know:
Starting the Game
Each round of Mexican Train begins with a double domino, the “engine,” which is a domino with the same number on both ends (e.g., 12|12). Double blank dominoes (0|0) serve as the lowest double. All remaining dominoes form the “boneyard,” from which players can draw if they cannot make a play. At the beginning of each round, a starting double is placed, and players begin building their trains.
Playing Dominoes
Each player has a “personal train,” a row of dominoes they build outwards from their starting double. In addition to personal trains, there’s a communal “Mexican Train” available for anyone to play on during their turn.
To play a domino, you must match one end of your domino to the open end of a train with the same number. For example, you could connect a 3|4 domino to a 4|9 domino, continuing the train with the number 4. Play typically proceeds clockwise.
Opening Your Train
If, on your turn, you cannot play a domino on your own personal train or the Mexican Train, and you don’t have a playable domino even after drawing from the boneyard, your personal train becomes “open” or “public.” This is indicated by a marker on your train, allowing other players to play on your train during their turns. You can close your train again by successfully playing a domino on it. Having an open train can be both a risk and an opportunity, depending on the game situation.
Playing Doubles and Covering Doubles
A key rule in Mexican Train is the “double” domino. When a player plays a double domino, they must “cover the double” by immediately playing another domino, extending the train. This gives the player an advantage by allowing them to play two dominoes in one turn.
Online game play tip: Playing doubles can be strategic, helping you deplete your hand faster. However, if a player plays a double and cannot cover it themselves, their train becomes open, and the next player is obligated to cover the double. This sequence continues until the double is covered.
For a more in-depth look at the rules, you can explore a comprehensive beginner’s guide to Mexican Train Dominoes online.
Helpful Hints and Strategies for Mexican Train Dominoes
To improve your Mexican Train Dominoes skills, consider these helpful hints and strategies:
Focus on Your Personal Train
Prioritize playing on your personal train as much as possible. Keeping your personal train closed prevents opponents from playing on it, potentially hindering their strategies and extending your own game plan.
Tile Rotation and Reordering
Utilize the ability to rotate and reorder your tiles, especially in online versions of the game. This allows you to strategize tile placement and anticipate future moves, particularly when waiting for your turn.
Utilizing Doubles Strategically
Mastering the use of double dominoes is crucial. While playing a double gives you an immediate advantage, be mindful of when you play them. Consider saving doubles for strategic moments, or when you have a follow-up domino to cover them immediately, preventing your train from being opened unnecessarily.
Playing Mexican Train Dominoes Online and In-App
Playing Mexican Train Dominoes online or via an app offers numerous benefits. It provides convenience, allowing you to play anytime, anywhere, often against computer opponents or friends online.
Benefits of Online Play
Online platforms often handle scoring automatically and enforce rules, making it easier for beginners to learn and play without errors. They also offer a quick way to enjoy the game without needing physical dominoes or multiple players physically present.
App Availability
Mexican Train Dominoes is readily available on various platforms. You can download apps for iOS devices from the App Store, for Android devices from Google Play, and even for Kindle devices via the Amazon App Store. These apps bring the fun of Mexican Train to your fingertips, whether you’re using a smartphone or tablet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When does a round end?
A round concludes when either all playable dominoes have been played and all players are blocked, or when a player successfully plays all of their dominoes, whichever occurs first.
Are there multiple rounds?
Yes, Mexican Train Dominoes is typically played over multiple rounds. Traditionally, a game consists of three rounds to determine an overall winner.
How does the first round start?
The first round begins with the player who draws and plays the highest double domino. Subsequent rounds start in clockwise order from the player who started the first round. For example, a 6|6 double is higher than a 4|4 double. The starting player initiates their personal train by playing their first domino to match the “engine” (the starting double). Players then take turns clockwise to extend their trains or play on the Mexican Train.
Can we play analog, too?
Absolutely! While online and app versions are convenient, Mexican Train Dominoes is fantastic to play with physical dominoes. You can find printable dominoes and score sheets online to facilitate playing at home. Don’t forget, you can also download apps for playing on your iPhone, iPad, Android tablets, or Kindle devices for digital play.
Learn More and Play!
Mexican Train Dominoes is more than just a game; it’s a delightful way to engage your mind and enjoy time with friends and family, whether online or offline. With these rules and tips, you’re well-equipped to jump into a game of Mexican Train. So gather your dominoes, invite your friends, or download an app and start playing Mexican Train Dominoes today!
