Is Mexican Train from Mexico? Discover the surprising origin of this popular dominoes game on gaymexico.net and uncover its fascinating journey through cultures, from China to Cuba to the USA. Learn about LGBTQ+ friendly destinations in Mexico.
1. The Domino Effect: Tracing the Tracks of Mexican Train
The popular domino game known as “Mexican Train” in the United States has a rather intriguing name. While it might conjure images of locomotives chugging across the Mexican landscape, the truth is far more nuanced and reveals a captivating story of cultural exchange and adaptation. So, Why Is Mexican Train Called That? Let’s delve into the history and unravel the mystery!
2. A Global Journey: From Ancient China to Your Game Table
The roots of Mexican Train can be traced back to ancient China.
2.1 Pai Gow: The Ancestor of Mexican Train
The game Americans call “Mexican Train” is a variation of a Chinese game called Pai Gow, meaning “make nine,” which uses 32 tiles or dominoes. Pai Gow predates the Song Dynasty, which began in China in 960 A.D. Pai Gow can still be found in American casinos today, sometimes played as a variation called Pai Gow Poker using a standard deck of playing cards. This ancient game laid the foundation for the domino-based variations that would eventually make their way across the globe.
Alt text: Close-up of Pai Gow tiles, showcasing the traditional Chinese domino game believed to be the ancestor of Mexican Train.
2.2 Sugar Fields and Dominoes: Pai Gow’s Arrival in Cuba
The story takes an interesting turn in the 19th century when Chinese laborers began migrating to Cuba to work in the sugar fields. They brought with them their beloved Pai Gow, which quickly captured the hearts of the Cuban people. Cuba already had a deep love of dominoes. Dominoes is often referred to as “the national game of Cuba”. The exact origins of Pai Gow in North and Latin America seem to have no definitive timeline today. It’s likely Cubans learned from Chinese workers and adapted this new game with a central hub and chain of dominoes “Longana”.
3. The Rise of the Rails: Mexican Labor and the American Railroad
The next chapter in the story involves the construction of the American railroads. As the railroads became powerful forces in American industry and politics slightly before the Civil War, railroads faced an increasing demand for workers. Many American rail companies used slave labor before the Civil War to build rail lines.
3.1 Recruitment and Cultural Exchange
After the Civil War, US rail companies sent labor contractors to Mexico, China, Cuba, and other nearby Latin American countries. They were successful in recruiting tens of thousands of laborers to do the dangerous work of dynamiting mountains, clearing trails, and laying track. As many as 16,000 Mexicans helped lay track in the US.
It is highly likely during this period of rail history from around 1890 to 1910 that Cubans playing dominoes showed many of their Mexican rail colleagues how to play. The game involves domino matches, particularly focusing on the rules for placing dominoes on the table, where players must match the ends of the dominoes when adding to the existing chain.
Mexicans had already dubbed it “”Dominó Cubano” when it was adopted from Cubans who adopted it from the Chinese. A popular twist on this theory is a confused American who couldn’t tell the difference between Cubans and Mexicans playing Dominó Cubano and Cuban Longana. This mixing of cultures led to the game’s eventual association with Mexico.
3.2 Dominó Cubano: The Mexican Connection
The Mexicans referred to this new name as “Dominó Cubano” Dominó Cubano then likely became noticed by Americans as Mexican laborers streamed into the US to help build early American railroads in the early twentieth century. This is where the notion that Mexican Train Dominoes became popularized by Mexican railroad workers comes from. Mexicans adopted the game from Cubans who adapted it from the Chinese.
Alt text: Vintage photograph of Mexican railroad workers, illustrating the historical context of the game’s association with Mexican laborers in the United States.
4. The “Mexican Train” is Born: An American Perspective
So, how did “Dominó Cubano” transform into “Mexican Train” in the American lexicon? According to legend, an American supposedly saw Cubans playing what was most likely Dominó Cubano, which like Longana has up to four players with a single set of dominoes and consists of multiple chains of dominoes spiraling off a central hub.
Confusing them for Mexicans and not Cubans, having locomotives on their mind, and noticing the long chain of dominoes, the American simply dubbed the game “Mexican Train Dominoes”.
4.1 Misunderstandings and Misnomers
Whether an American confused Cubans for Mexicans or vice versa we’ll likely never know. But it’s not unreasonable Mexican rail workers showed other Americans how to play the game, or that Americans saw Mexican and Cuban workers playing dominoes with unique “trains” and just referred to it all as “Mexican Train Dominoes” given the larger contingent of Mexican workers than any other nationality.
In Mexico, the game Americans refer to as “Mexican Train” is called “Dominó Cubano”, “Longana” in Cuba, and “Pai Gow” in China.
5. Deconstructing the Name: “Mexican” and “Train”
To fully understand the name, let’s break down the two key components:
- Mexican: The association with Mexico likely stems from the significant presence of Mexican laborers in the US during the railroad boom. The game may have been popularized by these workers, leading to its connection with Mexican culture in the minds of some Americans.
- Train: The “train” aspect refers to the long, branching chains of dominoes that players create during the game. These chains resemble a train with multiple cars, hence the name. During the game Americans refer to as “Mexican Train”, there is a “public” and “private” chain of dominoes, referred to as “trains”.
6. The Modern Game: How to Play and Win
While the origins of the name may be shrouded in a bit of mystery, the gameplay of Mexican Train is straightforward and engaging. The game Americans call “Mexican Train Dominoes” seems to have no relation or connection to any sort of physical public train that anyone can board.
6.1 The Basics of Gameplay
Mexican Train is typically played with a set of double-twelve dominoes and can accommodate a large group of players.
The game involves domino matches, particularly focusing on the rules for placing dominoes on the table, where players must match the ends of the dominoes when adding to the existing chain.
6.2 Strategies for Success
We have more tips and strategies, but the gist to win at Mexican Train Dominoes is:
- Notice what’s been played. Observe the dominoes that have been played to anticipate your opponents’ moves and plan your next step.
- Create long trains of doubles and links. Focus on creating a long train by matching dominoes that have the same numbers on either end.
- Block opponents by strategically playing or ignoring specific tiles. Try to block your opponents by playing dominoes that will prevent them from extending their train.
- Use the Mexican Train to keep your train moving along. The Mexican Train is a key strategic element in the game. Use it to block opponents or create a long train.
- Manage your pile of dominoes by playing larger pip-counts first. Keep track of the dominoes you have left in your hand and plan your moves carefully to get rid of them all.
- Play doubles when you have a string. Playing doubles can give you an advantage, but make sure to play them strategically to maximize your chances of winning.
- Keep your train moving. Don’t get distracted by your opponents’ trains. Focus on creating your own train and getting rid of all your dominoes.
Alt text: A vibrant and engaging image of a Mexican Train dominoes game in progress, showcasing the colorful dominoes and the strategic gameplay.
7. Is “Mexican Train” Racist? Navigating the Question
The question of whether the name “Mexican Train” is racist is a complex one. Probably not, insofar as we can prove. One could argue, however, the treatment of rail workers by American rail operators was racist. Or if the theory an American saws a group of Cubans playing dominoes and confused them for Mexicans is correct, that’s arguably racist.
It’s important to consider the historical context and the potential for misinterpretations. While the name may not have been intentionally malicious, it’s crucial to be mindful of the potential for offense and to engage in respectful dialogue about the game’s origins.
8. More FAQs About the History of Mexican Train Dominoes
Here are some frequently asked questions about the history and origins of Mexican Train Dominoes:
8.1 Is Mexican Train From Mexico?
Most likely not. It’s most likely from a Cuban variation of several domino games, probably Longana, which itself is adapted from the Chinese game Pai Gow. Chinese laborers working Cuban sugar fields showed it to Cubans, who renamed it Longana. Later, Cuban laborers seeking work in the United States mostly worked alongside thousands of Mexican rail laborers. A shared language provided them with the ability to teach and learn new games. “Mexican Train”—where up to 8 people play, start the train, and do domino matching—is an American name. In Mexico it’s called “Dominó Cubano”.
8.2 What Is the Difference Between Dominoes and Mexican Train?
Both Dominoes and Mexican Train, as Americans call them, push players to rid their hand of as many dominoes as possible. In Mexican Train, a special optional train that belongs to all players is played, along with several “branches”. Mexican Train is a game played with up to 8 players in a double set of dominoes.
8.3 What Is the Game’s Most Popular Name?
It varies by country. In the United States, it’s “Mexican Train Dominos”. In Cuba, it’s “Longana” and in Mexico, the game is called “Dominó Cubano”. In its current closest adaption, it’s most likely played more in Cuban culture than anywhere else.
9. Mexico: A Land of Culture, History, and LGBTQ+ Pride
While Mexican Train’s origins may not be directly tied to Mexico, the country itself is a vibrant and fascinating destination with a rich history and culture. For members of the LGBTQ+ community, Mexico offers a welcoming and diverse environment with a growing number of LGBTQ+-friendly destinations and events.
9.1 LGBTQ+ Travel in Mexico: A Welcoming Destination
Mexico is increasingly recognized as an LGBTQ+-friendly travel destination. According to research from the UCLA Williams Institute, in July 2025, P provides Y, several cities and regions offer a welcoming and inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ travelers.
9.2 Discovering LGBTQ+ Mexico on Gaymexico.net
Planning a trip to Mexico? Let gaymexico.net be your guide! Explore our comprehensive travel guides, discover LGBTQ+-friendly hotspots, and connect with the local community. We offer a wealth of information to help you plan an unforgettable and safe trip to Mexico.
10. Gaymexico.net: Your Gateway to LGBTQ+ Mexico
At gaymexico.net, we are dedicated to providing you with the most up-to-date and reliable information about LGBTQ+ life in Mexico. We understand the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ travelers and are committed to ensuring your safety and comfort. Our website offers a variety of resources to help you plan your trip, including:
- Detailed travel guides to LGBTQ+-friendly cities and regions: Discover the best places to stay, eat, and explore in Mexico.
- Listings of LGBTQ+ bars, clubs, hotels, and events: Find the perfect place to connect with the local community and enjoy the vibrant nightlife.
- Information on LGBTQ+ rights and laws in Mexico: Stay informed about the legal landscape and your rights as an LGBTQ+ traveler.
- Personal stories and insights from LGBTQ+ locals and travelers: Gain a deeper understanding of LGBTQ+ life in Mexico.
- Resources for connecting with LGBTQ+ organizations and support groups: Find the support you need and connect with like-minded individuals.
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12. Call to Action: Start Planning Your Mexican Adventure Now!
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13. Unveiling Mexican Train: A Game of Dominoes, Culture, and Connection
From its ancient Chinese origins to its modern-day popularity, Mexican Train dominoes has traveled a long and winding road. While the game’s name may be a bit of a misnomer, it reflects the cultural exchanges and historical events that have shaped its identity. So, the next time you gather with friends and family to play Mexican Train, take a moment to appreciate the rich history and cultural connections behind this beloved game. And remember, for all your LGBTQ+ travel needs in Mexico, gaymexico.net is here to guide you every step of the way!
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FAQ Section:
1. Why is Mexican Train called that?
The name “Mexican Train” likely originated from a combination of factors, including the game’s association with Mexican railroad workers in the US and the visual resemblance of the domino chains to a train.
2. Is Mexican Train actually from Mexico?
No, the game is believed to have originated in China and evolved through cultural exchange in Cuba before being introduced to the United States.
3. What are the basic rules of Mexican Train?
Players create individual “trains” of dominoes, matching numbers on adjacent tiles. The “Mexican Train” is a communal train that any player can contribute to.
4. What is the objective of Mexican Train?
The goal is to be the first player to use all of your dominoes.
5. What are some strategies for winning Mexican Train?
Strategies include observing opponents’ moves, creating long trains, and strategically blocking opponents.
6. Is the name “Mexican Train” considered offensive?
While the name may not have been intentionally malicious, it’s important to be mindful of potential misinterpretations and engage in respectful dialogue about the game’s origins.
7. Where can I find more information about LGBTQ+ travel in Mexico?
Visit gaymexico.net for comprehensive travel guides, LGBTQ+-friendly recommendations, and community connections.
8. What are some LGBTQ+-friendly destinations in Mexico?
Popular destinations include Puerto Vallarta, Mexico City, and Cancun, among others.
9. How can gaymexico.net help me plan my trip to Mexico?
gaymexico.net offers detailed travel guides, listings of LGBTQ+ venues, information on LGBTQ+ rights, and resources for connecting with the local community.
10. Is Mexico a safe place for LGBTQ+ travelers?
Mexico is increasingly recognized as an LGBTQ+-friendly destination, but it’s important to stay informed about local laws and customs and to take necessary safety precautions. According to research from the UCLA Williams Institute, in July 2025, P provides Y.
