What Are the Official Rules for Playing Mexican Train Dominoes?
Understanding Mexican Train Dominoes
Mexican Train dominoes is a popular game that combines strategy and luck. Players aim to build their own train of dominoes while also contributing to a communal train. The game typically uses a set of double-twelve dominoes, but variations can include double-nine or double-six sets. The objective is to be the first player to play all your dominoes, with scoring based on the remaining dominoes in opponents' hands.
Setup for the Game
To begin, players need to set up the game correctly:
- The Hub: Place the central hub on the table, which will serve as the starting point for all trains.
- The Engine: Each round starts with a specific double domino, known as the engine. For example, in the first round, the engine is double-twelve.
- Dealing Dominoes: Each player draws a set number of dominoes, typically fifteen for two to four players. The remaining dominoes form the boneyard.
- Starting Play: The player with the highest double plays first. If no one has the starting double, players draw from the boneyard until someone does.
Gameplay Mechanics
During gameplay, players take turns adding dominoes to their train or the Mexican Train. Here are key mechanics:
- Matching Dominoes: Players must match the pips on the ends of the dominoes. For example, a domino showing four pips can connect to another showing four pips.
- Your Train: Each player builds their own train from the hub, which is private unless marked otherwise.
- The Mexican Train: This is a communal train that any player can add to at any time.
- Playing on Open Trains: If a player's train is marked as open, others can play on it. A player must draw from the boneyard if they cannot play.
Handling Doubles and Open Trains
Doubles play a unique role in the game:
- Playing Doubles: When a player plays a double, they must immediately follow it up with another tile that matches the double's number.
- Closing a Double: If a double is left unclosed, all trains become unplayable until someone plays on that double.
- Marking Open Trains: If a player cannot play on their own train, they draw from the boneyard. If they still cannot play, they place a marker on their train, making it open for others.
Scoring and Winning
At the end of each round, scoring is based on the remaining dominoes in players' hands:
- Winning the Round: The first player to play all their dominoes wins the round.
- Counting Points: Players count the pips on their remaining dominoes. Doubles count as double their pips.
- Game End: The game continues for a predetermined number of rounds, often twelve, starting with double-twelve and going down to double-zero. The player with the lowest total score at the end wins.
Strategies for Success
To excel at Mexican Train dominoes, consider the following strategies:
- Manage Your Hand: Keep track of the dominoes you and your opponents are playing to anticipate their moves.
- Use the Mexican Train Wisely: Play on the Mexican Train when you cannot play on your own train to keep the game moving.
- Close Doubles Quickly: Aim to close doubles as soon as possible to maintain control over the game.
Variations of the Game
Mexican Train dominoes can be played with various house rules or adaptations:
- Different Sets: Some players use double-nine or double-six sets, which change the game's dynamics.
- Scoring Variations: Some groups may have different scoring methods, such as awarding bonus points for closing doubles.
- Number of Rounds: Players can agree on a different number of rounds based on time constraints or preferences.
Common Questions and Clarifications
Players often have questions about specific rules:
- What if I can’t play? If you cannot play, draw from the boneyard. If still unable to play, mark your train as open.
- Can I play on another player’s open train? Yes, you can play on any open train, including the Mexican Train.
- What happens if the boneyard is empty? If the boneyard is empty and no one can play, the round ends, and scoring occurs.
