Overview
Mexican Train Dominoes is a globally well-liked game that is strategic, entertaining, and suitable for families. All ages can enjoy this game, which is a twist on the classic domino game. Mexican Train Dominoes is still a fan favourite in 2024, and it’s more entertaining than ever because to some updated guidelines and tactics. Here’s how to play Mexican Train Dominoes in 2024, step-by-step.
KEYPOINT: In Mexican Train, the objective is to be the first player to place every domino down. In order to avoid being disadvantaged, it is advisable to play wisely and eliminate any high-numbered tiles from your hand. The order of play is from one player to the next, clockwise. Flip the dominoes; place them face down on the surface.
The game’s objective
In Mexican Train Dominoes, the objective is to be the first player to place every domino by creating chains, or “trains,” off the main “engine.” The player with the fewest points at the conclusion of all rounds wins. Players get points based on the total number of dots (pips) remaining in their hand.
Setup
What You Need:
- A set of double-12 dominoes, suitable for 2-4 players
- A Mexican Train centrepiece or hub (useful but optional)
- Coins or any other small object can be used as train markers.
Organising the Dominos:
- On the table, arrange the dominoes face down.
- Depending on how many participants there are, each player draws a certain number of dominoes:
- For 2–4 players: 15 dominoes apiece.
- 12 dominoes apiece for 4-6 players.
- Ten dominoes each for seven or eight players.
- When needed, players draw tiles from the “boneyard,” which is made up of the leftover dominoes.
Positioning the Motor:
- The “engine” of the table is the double-12 domino, which is positioned in the middle.
- Tiles are drawn until the double-12 is located and set as the engine if no one draws it.
Getting the Trains Moving
- Players design their own “train” of dominoes by playing a domino that matches the engine tile (double-12). We refer to this as “starting your train.”
- A player must draw a domino from the boneyard if they are unable to begin their train during their turn.
- The drawn domino must be played if it is playable. If not, the player has to indicate to other players that their train is “open” for play by placing a marker on it.
The train from Mexico
- There is a shared “Mexican Train” that everyone can play on in addition to each player’s own train. When a player places a tile from their hand onto the engine, a distinct chain is created, and the Mexican Train begins.
Switching Roles
- One domino is placed on each player’s train, the Mexican Train, or any other “open” train in turn.
- The tile’s number and the last number of the train it is placed on must match.
- A player must draw from the boneyard and play that tile or designate their train as open if they are unable to play a domino.
Special Guidelines for 2024
- The Double Domino Principle
- A player is required to play another tile right away after placing a double domino, or a tile with the same number on both sides. If they cannot, their train is left “open” until they can play again.
- Before making any more actions, the other players must now attempt to “close” that double by playing a matching tile in their upcoming turn.
- Priority Rule for Mexican Trains:
- In 2024, some players implement a twist: the Mexican Train becomes a priority if no one can close a double. All players must concentrate on the Mexican Train until they are able to close the double if no player is able to close a double tile in two rounds.
Closing a Round: When does a round end?
- A participant has used up all of their dominoes, OR
- Players are done making moves at this time.
At the end of each round, players count the total number of pips on the remaining dominoes in their hand. Their round-by-round score is this sum. At the conclusion of every round, the player with the lowest score wins.
Prioritise Closing Doubles in Your Strategy
A double tile that is left open limits gameplay and may cause the Mexican Train in 2024 to come into focus, which may not always work in your favour.
Monitor Any Open Trains
Observe the open trains of other players and make clever use of them. You could keep someone from decreasing their hand if you play on their train.
Make Good Use of the Mexican Train
If you’re unable to play on your own train or are stuck, the Mexican Train is a fantastic alternative. Watch how it develops and make sure others don’t gain too much from it.
Last Words
A timeless classic, Mexican Train Dominoes combines interaction, chance, and strategy in a unique way. With updated house rules and gameplay mechanics in 2024, the game is still a fun and competitive choice for get-togethers. Regardless of your level of experience, this guide will make it easy for you to enjoy and become an expert player.
