VST Platinum Blog

Mexican Train Dominos are a fun family game we have started playing. Our rules though are somewhat different than the games sheet we got with the game.

So I have decided to share our dominos rules of Mexican Train since it is simpler for our youngsters to learn.

Start with actual Mexican Train dominoes that go up to double 12’s. You can buy them either with dots or numbers. If counting dots is hard for someone, numbers may be easier to add at the end of the round - you can even teach them how to use a calculator. Play begins with each person selecting a preset number of tiles based on number of players. The person who has the double 12 (or next closest) starts. Next round starts with the next lower double. Going to his left, the next person starts his leg (think octopus) with the same number as the double. If he doesn’t have it, he picks from the pile and can play if it fits. Play continues around with each person playing on their leg only unless 2 other things occur.

1st - Another playing option is when someone is unable to play on their leg even after they pick, you can play on it. They indicate that it is open for all players by placing one of the little trains that come in the game on their leg. We like to use M&M’s because once you can play on your leg again, you can remove the train (or eat the M&M!) and other players cannot play on it.

2nd - Start a Mexican Train. If you have a another tile that matches the double played to start the game, you can start another leg, that is independent of the main body and legs. Then any player can play on the train too. There is only one Mexican Train started per round.

A few nuances - if you play a doubles tile during the round (like 3’s), the doubles tile must be “satisfied” before regular play can continue. How this is accomplished is that either the person who plays the doubles tile must play another tile with the same number or it goes around the table for each person’s turn until someone can satisfy it. You must draw if you can’t play. You can however play the drawn tile if it matches. This can mess up the best laid plans! Also, it is not uncommon for someone to get stuck for the whole round without getting their leg started. The upside here is if you play rounds down to double 1’s, this evens out.

The object of each round is to be the first to get rid of all your tiles. All other players add the total dots (or numbers) on the tiles they have left. You use this number for their score. Adding the score for each round, the winner is the person at the end who has the lowest points.

Mexican Train Dominos. Easy dominos rules and a fun family game! Great for family Christmas gifts!

Tags: arts and entertainment, entertainment