How To Play Mexican Train Dominoes

Are you interested in learning how to play Mexican Train Dominoes? This popular domino game is fun, easy to learn, and perfect for players of all ages. Whether you’re a seasoned domino player or a complete beginner, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to start playing Mexican Train Dominoes today.

What You Need to Play Mexican Train Dominoes

Before we jump into the rules of the game, let’s go over what you’ll need to get started:

• A set of double-six dominoes
• 2-8 players
• A large playing surface
• Train markers (optional)

The Objective of the Game

The objective of Mexican Train Dominoes is to be the first player to play all of your dominoes or to have the lowest score at the end of the game.

Setting Up the Game

Follow these steps to set up a game of Mexican Train Dominoes:

1. Place all dominoes face down on the playing surface and shuffle them.
2. Each player draws a certain number of dominoes (depends on the number of players).
3. The player with the highest double starts the game.

Playing Mexican Train Dominoes

Here are the rules for playing Mexican Train Dominoes:

1. Starting the Mexican Train:

• The player with the highest double places it in the center of the table to start the Mexican Train.
• If no one has a double, players continue drawing until someone has one.

2. Playing your dominoes:

• Players take turns adding a domino to the train based on matching numbers.
• If a player cannot play a domino, they must draw from the boneyard.

3. The Mexican Train:

• If a player cannot play on their own train, they can start a Mexican Train by playing on the starter double.
• The Mexican Train can be started by any player at any time.

4. Blocking the Game:

• If a player plays a double, they must play the second domino as well.
• If a player is blocked and cannot play, they must mark their train with a train marker.

5. Ending the Game:

• The game ends when a player plays all of their dominoes or when no one can make a move.
• If a player plays all their dominoes, the round ends, and players tally their scores.

Scoring in Mexican Train Dominoes

Scoring in Mexican Train Dominoes is done by counting the pips on the dominoes left in each player’s hand at the end of the round. The player with the lowest score wins that round.

Strategies for Winning Mexican Train Dominoes

Here are some strategies to keep in mind while playing Mexican Train Dominoes:

• Building your own train: Focus on playing as many dominoes on your own train as possible to avoid getting blocked.
• Starting a Mexican Train: Starting a Mexican Train can be a useful strategy to shift the focus away from your train and onto the Mexican Train.
• Blocking your opponents: Pay attention to the dominoes your opponents are playing and try to block them from playing on their own trains.
• Managing your hand: Plan your moves strategically to ensure you have options to play in case you get blocked.

Variations of Mexican Train Dominoes

There are several variations of Mexican Train Dominoes that you can try to keep the game interesting:

1. Double 12 or Double 9: Play with a larger or smaller set of dominoes to change the complexity of the game.
2. Personal Trains: Instead of the Mexican Train, players can start their own personal trains.
3. Multiple Trains: Players can start multiple Mexican Trains, creating more opportunities for gameplay.

Conclusion

Now that you have a better understanding of how to play Mexican Train Dominoes, gather your friends and family and start playing this exciting game today. Remember to practice your strategies, pay attention to your opponents’ moves, and most importantly, have fun!