Dominoes is a versatile game that is very popular in different parts of the world. It is available in different styles that cater to the needs of game lovers, which enrich the gameplay experience. The Mexican Train dominoes game is ideal for those who are new to dominoes or looking to try something fresh. However, knowing how to play Mexican Train dominoes game enables beginners to stay focused and earn more points. A beginner should follow the rules, strategies, and mistakes to avoid while playing this classic game. This, in turn, gives ways to win the game with high scores.
How to play Mexican Train dominoes?
New players should get ideas on how to play Mexican train dominoes because they provide ways to sharpen their skills. It is wise to understand the game basics first, such as materials needed, game setup, objective, placing the dominoes, how to start the game, etc.
The main objective of the game is to be the first player and score the lowest total points over several rounds. The player who is able to manage to discard as many dominoes as possible during the whole game will be declared the winner. In this game, players build their own personal train and are allowed to play on the shared Mexican train, which belongs to everyone.
What are the things needed to play Mexican train dominoes?
Players should know the things to play Mexican train dominoes because they let them start a game accordingly. Furthermore, they can plan everything during the gameplay, enabling them to get more points.
Here are the things necessary to play the game:
- A standard set of Double Twelve dominoes
- Each set should have 91 dominoes with colored spots to match the dominoes.
- A special hub that has a slot in the middle for the starting double and 8 slots around its edge to start each domino hub.
- Two markers, one for each player and another one for the Mexican train
Setting up and starting the Mexican train game
New players can play the Mexican train game with any set of dominoes, but a double 12 is preferable. It allows room for up to 8 players to ensure more fun. If it is four or fewer people, then a Double 9 set is highly recommended to play the game.
Here is how to start a game:
- Placing the double 12-domino in the center of the table
- Each player draws a set number of dominoes depending on the number of players.
- Shuffling the dominoes face down
- Placing the double-12 domino in the center
- Players decide who goes first, usually the one with the highest double.
Mexican train dominoes rules
The game starts by turning all the domino pieces face down and mixing them to randomize a player’s choice. Each player has to pick domino pieces to their hands, and the game starts after installing the hand in special racks.
Players should follow the below Mexican train dominoes rules while playing the game:
1. The first turn
“First turn” refers to placing the engine in a rack of a train hub, which is always double 12, and in each next round it changes to a double with a smaller number of pips.
A player who has this engine double starts the game by putting it on the rack. The next step is adding one more domino to make it the first wagon of their train in front of them. A starting player should ensure that the end of the domino placed near the engine matches the engine’s double number. The turn goes clockwise to another player.
If a player cannot start their train, they draw a domino from the boneyard. On the other hand, they place a marker where a domino should have been played if they don’t draw a domino that matches the station number.
2. Subsequent play
In subsequent play, a player is allowed to play only one domino per turn unless a double is played. At the same time, the game ends when a player runs out of dominoes.
A player can choose other options on their next turn, whether they have a marker or not:
- They can play on their own train
- Starting or playing on the Mexican train
- Playing on another player’s marked train
3. Doubles’ role
If a player is playing a double at the end of the train, then they should announce “double” and play another domino on it immediately. However, the doubles’ roles don’t apply in some cases, and players should evaluate them while playing the game.
4. Last domino
If a player has only one domino left, they need to notify the other players by either tapping the domino on the table or tapping their mini train.
Scoring system in the Mexican Train dominoes game
Players should know the scoring in the Mexican Train dominoes game, which helps them plan their strategies accordingly. The game ends once a player has played their last domino. It also ends if no one is able to play a domino and there are no dominoes left to draw.
The winning players score zero when the other players score the total number of spots on the dominoes still left in their hands. Players add up the dots on all the dominoes left in their hands at the end of a round. Lower scores are better, which works well in the game.
Here is how the scoring system works in the game:
- Each domino displays two numbers separated by a line.
- Counting all dots on both sides of each domino
- Summing the dots from all dominoes not played in the round
- The total is the player’s score for that round.
What are public and private trains in the Mexican train game?
Players should evaluate the difference between a public train and a private train in the Mexican Train game with attention. A public train is open to players but is also open for others to play on. They are marked by a train maker or token. At the same time, a private train is personal to each player, and others cannot play on it unless they become public.
How many dominoes in Mexican Train?
New players should know how many dominoes in Mexican Train because it allows them to play a game efficiently. The Mexico train uses a double-twelve domino set, which contains 91 tiles with numbers 0 to 12. A player should ensure that they have all tiles before starting to play the game. The train table can seat 2-8 players, and they should play all their dominoes before their opponents do in each round.
How to play Mexican Train online?
Beginners can play Mexico Train online directly on a web browser without creating an account. Apart from that, they can download the game’s app on mobile devices from the Google Play Store or Apple Store by following the instructions properly. It is important to know the requirements of a mobile device before downloading the app.
Mexican Train Rules — Tips for Beginners to Play the Game
Beginners who want to know how to play Mexican Train dominoes should follow some tips that help them accomplish their goals.
Here are some tips beginners should implement while playing the game:
1. Managing hands early
New players should consider playing their highest tiles early in the game to reduce their potential endgame penalty. Furthermore, they should keep an eye on which numbers are being played, which helps them anticipate when certain tiles might become unstable.
2. Using the Mexican train wisely
Playing on the train becomes useful when a player’s train gets blocked. However, it opens up opportunities for others in the game. A player should play there only; it helps them more than their opponents.
3. Planning around doubles
Beginners should consider using doubles to their advantage, but close the extra turns.
4. Tracking opponents’ trains
Markers in the game indicate vulnerable trains, and players must watch for opponents trains when they are open. It will help take advantage of those opportunities to limit their options.
5. Saving flexible tiles
It is important to keep tiles that connect numbers to later rounds. They can help players adapt when options become limited.
6. Keeping the boneyard in mind
The fewer tiles left in the boneyard might lead to high risks of being unable to play. Hence, a player should try to end the round before they’re forced to draw multiple tiles.
7. Planning strategic moves
It is wise to plan strategic moves after knowing the Mexican train rules from different sources. A new player should try to play tiles that open paths to a train. This gives them more chances to play on the next turn.
What are the common mistakes to avoid in the game?
- Misplaying tiles can lead to errors
- Ignoring other players’ trains will result in missed opportunities
- Poor tile management
Conclusion
Playing domino games provides more excitement and fun to new players. However, they should understand how to play Mexican train dominoes because they allow them to play a game with more confidence and help them win more points.
