Dominoes

Hey everyone! If you're looking for a super fun and engaging game to play with family or friends, you absolutely have to try Mexican Train Dominoes. I recently got into it, and seriously, it's become my go-to game night pick! It's way more strategic than regular dominoes, and there's just something so satisfying about building your train and outsmarting your opponents. How to Play Mexican Train Dominoes: A Beginner's Guide Getting started with Mexican Train Dominoes might seem a little daunting at first because of all the different trains, but trust me, it's super easy once you get the hang of it. Here’s how we usually play it: Setup: You'll need a set of double-12 dominoes for 2-8 players (or double-9 for fewer players). First, shuffle all the dominoes face down. Each player draws a certain number of tiles: for 4 players using double-12s, we typically draw 15 tiles each. Place the highest double domino (e.g., double-12) in the center of the table – this is the "engine" for all trains. Starting Your Train: Each player then starts their "personal train" from the engine domino. On your first turn, you must play a domino that matches the engine's number (in this case, a 12) from your hand. If you can't, you draw one domino. If you still can't play, your turn ends, and your personal train becomes "open" (more on that later). Playing Your Turn: On subsequent turns, you can play one domino from your hand onto: Your own personal train: You must match the number at the end of your train. The Mexican train: This is a public train that anyone can start and play on. It usually starts with a domino matching the engine (a 12) and is marked with a special marker (like a small train token). An opponent's open train: If another player couldn't play on their double or had to draw and still couldn't play, their train becomes "open" and marked. You can play on an open train to help them close it (and potentially mess up their strategy!). Playing Doubles: When you play a double domino (e.g., double-5), you get an extra turn! However, you must play another domino to satisfy that double. If you can't, you draw a domino. If you still can't play on the double you just laid, your personal train becomes open until someone else plays on that double. This is a crucial strategy point! Drawing Dominoes: If you can't make a valid move on your turn, you must draw one domino. If you still can't play, your turn ends, and you mark your personal train as "open." This means other players can now play on your train. Ending a Round: The round ends when one player gets rid of all their dominoes. If no one can play and everyone passes, the round also ends. Understanding Scoring & Winning Scoring is where the real strategy comes into play in Mexican Train. At the end of each round, players count the pips (dots) on any dominoes left in their hand. The goal is to have the lowest score possible over several rounds (usually 13 rounds, one for each engine from double-12 down to double-0). My Scoring Tip: Try to get rid of your high-pip dominoes (like 12s, 11s, 10s) as early as possible! You don't want to be stuck with them at the end of a round. My Favorite Domino Strategies to Win! I've learned a few tricks that really help improve my game. Here are my go-to domino strategies: Hand Management is Key: Always look at your hand and try to plan a few moves ahead. Identify which dominoes are high value and try to play them off quickly. Also, try to keep a variety of numbers so you have options. Strategic Blocking: Pay attention to what your opponents are doing! Sometimes, holding onto a specific domino that you know an opponent needs to close their open train can be a powerful move. It's a bit cheeky, but totally fair game! Doubles Advantage: When I play a double, I always try to ensure I have a follow-up domino in my hand. If I don't, I consider if playing that double will create an easy opportunity for an opponent, or if I'm prepared for my train to be open. The Mexican Train as a Lifeline: Don't forget about the Mexican train! If you can't play on your personal train, it's often a great place to get rid of a domino, especially if it's a high-value one, without opening your personal train. When to Open Your Train: Sometimes, you're just stuck! You draw a tile and still can't play on your personal train or the Mexican train. It happens. Don't stress too much about opening your train, but try to close it as soon as you can on your next turn to prevent others from playing on it too much. Honestly, Mexican Train Dominoes is a fantastic blend of luck and strategy. Every game is different, and you pick up new tricks every time you play. Give it a try, and let me know your favorite strategies for scoring big (or rather, scoring low!) and winning!