How to Play Mexican Train Dominoes

Learning how to play Mexican train dominoes opens the door to one of the most accessible yet strategic domino games available today. This popular variation transforms the traditional domino matching concept into an engaging multi-player experience with a unique train-building mechanic.

The colorful name and unique hub-and-spoke layout create an immediately recognizable game that stands out from traditional domino play. With minimal setup required and scalable player counts, Mexican train dominoes fits perfectly into casual game nights and family gatherings alike.

Understanding the Game

Before learning how to play Mexican train dominoes, it is important to understand its foundations. This domino game uses a double-12 domino set containing 91 tiles. The game accommodates 2-8 players, making it versatile for different group sizes. The objective is simple: be the first to play all your dominoes or end with the lowest score if the round concludes with players still holding tiles.

What makes this game special is the concept of "trains" - lines of dominoes extending from a central hub. Each player manages their own train while also having opportunities to play on community trains, creating a dynamic and engaging experience.

Equipment Needed

To play Mexican Train Dominoes properly, you'll need a double-12 domino set (91 dominoes total), a train hub for the center of the table, train markers or tokens, and a flat playing surface with enough space for all players' trains to extend outward.

If you choose to play Mexican train dominoes online, you don’t need to worry about the equipment or setup. Everything will be prepared and provided automatically.

How to Play Mexican Train Dominoes: Game Setup

Begin by placing the train hub in the middle of the table. The domino that goes in the center is called the "engine." The first hand begins with the double-12 domino, and each subsequent hand uses the next highest double in descending order: double-11, double-10, and so on down to double-0, for a total of 13 hands.

Mix all dominoes face down on the table. Each player draws dominoes based on the number of participants:

• 15 dominoes each in a 2 to 4 player game
• 12 dominoes for 5 to 6 players
• 11 dominoes for 7 or 8 players

Players look at their dominoes by standing them on edge or on a rack, keeping them hidden from opponents. The remaining dominoes form the "boneyard" and serve as the draw pile during gameplay.

In an online game, the distribution and setup of the dominoes in done automatically.

Starting the Game

The player who drew the correct engine for the round places that domino in the center of the hub and becomes the starting player. If no one has the required engine, players simultaneously draw one domino at a time from the boneyard until the engine is found.

Beginning with the starting player and moving clockwise (or in descending order if the players are lined up), each player builds their "train" extending from the hub toward themselves. The first domino in your train must match the engine, and each subsequent domino must match the previous one.

To save space, dominoes can be placed parallel to each other in what's called "bending" the train, as long as they don't block other players' trains.

Public vs. Private Trains

If a player doesn't have a domino that matches the engine to create their train, they place a train token at their position on the hub. This marks their spot as a "public" train that other players can play on.

Any player can add dominoes to public trains, except during their first turn. A train without a marker is "private" and only its owner can add to it. A player who has marked their train public may change it back to private by playing a matching domino on a subsequent turn and removing the marker.

Basic Gameplay Rules

After the first round, each player may only play one domino per turn on their train or a public train. If unable to play, they must draw one domino from the boneyard and play it immediately if possible. If still unable to play, they must mark their train as public with a train marker.

If the boneyard is empty when a player cannot play, they simply mark their train as public without drawing.

Special Rules for Doubles

Doubles (dominoes with the same number on both ends) are placed perpendicular to the preceding domino. After playing a double, you must immediately play another domino from your hand. This is called "satisfying the double."

If you cannot satisfy a double, you must draw from the boneyard. If the drawn domino can be played, you must play it on the double or any public train. If you draw a playable double, you must play it and then draw again, continuing until you play a non-double or cannot play a drawn domino.

If a player finishes their turn unable to satisfy a double, the next player must attempt to satisfy it before making any other move. This obligation continues around the table until the double is satisfied.

When multiple doubles need to be satisfied, they must be addressed in the order they were played.

The Mexican Train

The Mexican Train is a special community train that can be started by any player with a domino from their hand that matches the engine. It extends from the engine and is always marked as public, never becoming private.

This special train may be started on any turn except the first turn or when a double needs to be satisfied. Only one Mexican Train may be created in each hand.

Ending a Round and Scoring

A round ends when one player has played their last domino or when nobody has a playable domino and the boneyard is empty. Each player then scores points equal to the total value of dominoes remaining in their hand. The double blank domino is worth 50 points.

After tallying scores, all dominoes are gathered, and another hand is played with the next lowest engine. At the end of the final hand (the 13th round with double-0), scores from all rounds are totaled, and the player with the lowest score wins.

In case of a tie, the player with the most zero-point rounds is the winner. If there's still a tie, the player with the lowest point round other than zero wins.

A Game of Excitement

Learning how to play Mexican Train Dominoes opens the door to hours of engaging gameplay with friends and family. The game strikes an excellent balance between luck and strategy, making it accessible to newcomers while still offering depth for experienced players. The beauty of it lies in its social nature – the shared trains create interaction between players, and the changing game state ensures that no two games are exactly alike. 

Now that you understand how to play Mexican Train Dominoes, gather your dominoes, set up your trains, and enjoy this classic game that has captivated players around the world for generations.