Mexican train dominoes is a fun game for all ages. The game is played with double dominoes that run from double blank to double twelve. There are several variations of Mexican Train, but they are a bit confusing, therefore, most people learn to play from a friend or family member which may be similar to the following version.
Mexican Train Basics
Each player’s dominoes form a “train” from the game’s hub which sits in the center of the table. The player’s train grows outward from the hub, very much like spokes on a wheel. One train is called the Mexican train, which is a "ghost" train, open to all players.
Mexican Train Game Setup:
- Assign a scorekeeper
- Mix up dominoes face down and pick the appropriate number of dominoes according to game set instructions.
- Give each player one colored train pieces in the game set.
- Leave undrawn dominoes face down on the table as the “draw” graveyard.
Mexican Train Game play
The game starts with the double twelve domino. Whoever has it, plays it in the center slot. of the game hub.The player who played the hub domino starts the game play. If they don’t have a twelve domino to play, they draw and play if they can. If not, they mark their train with the colored train piece, which marks it open to other players. Play is clockwise, each player following the same game play.
Once each player has their train started, they can help out another player, or start the Mexican train. Once all trains are started, players can:
- play on their train
- play on the “Mexican” train
- play on another player’s train if open (train up).
If no play is available, a player draws, plays or passes. If they pass, the colored train piece goes up marking their train open to other players.
When a player plays their last domino, that round is over, and each losing player adds up the value of their dominoes as their penalty score. Each number is played in descending order until all numbers have been played. Once all rounds played, the lowest score wins!
Double Dominoes
When a double domino is played, a player must play on it before resuming normal play. If the player who placed the double can’t play, the turn moves to the next player and continues until someone can play. Trains will go up during doubles!
Online Mexican Train Version:
There is an online version of Mexican Train on Fupa.com or Free Arcade.com. It’s slightly different than the table game, but is fun and will give new Mexican train players a way to practice the game.
Mexican Train dominoes is fun for all ages and perfect for a family game night. Watch out, it’s addictive and it just might rule the game table for a while!
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