Mexican Train Rules — mexicantrainhouserules.com
These are the common rules — a good starting point, but not the only way to play. Several have variations your table might prefer. Build your own house rules free, with no account and no email, and print a version made for your table at https://mexicantrainhouserules.com/rules/build.
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Setup and key terms
Mexican Train is played by two or more people.
Mix all the dominoes face down. Use the table below to see how many dominoes each player should draw. Keep your dominoes hidden, and leave the rest face down in the boneyard.
A station, also called a hub, is optional. If you use one, place it in the center of the table.
| Set | 15 dominoes each | 12 dominoes each | 10 dominoes each |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double-9 | 2 players | 3 players | 4 players |
| Double-12 | 2–4 players | 5–6 players | 7 players |
| Double-15 | 2–7 players | 8–9 players | 10–11 players |
These math-based recommendations give players enough dominoes to work with and leave enough in the boneyard for an ideal balance. Double-6 and other sets are not covered by these recommendations.
Starting a round
Before the match, choose how many rounds to play and the starting double for the first round—commonly your set's highest double. Each round after that starts with the next double in descending order—for example, double 12, double 11, and so on. Before each round, place that round's starting double in the station. To determine who goes first, each player draws one temporary domino. The player whose domino has the most pips goes first. If there is a tie, the tied players draw again. Return the temporary dominoes to the boneyard. Play proceeds clockwise.
Train types and the Mexican Train
Any player may start or extend the Mexican Train with a matching domino, even if their personal train has not started.
Taking a turn
On your turn, play one domino whose end matches the end of the train you are playing on (the same number, or blank to blank). You may play a matching domino on your personal train, the Mexican Train, or another player's train if it is marked.
If you cannot play a domino, use When you cannot play. If you play a double, use Doubles.
You may not play on another player's unmarked train. An uncovered double must be handled first.
When you cannot play
If you cannot play a domino from your hand, draw one domino from the boneyard. If you can play that domino, play it. If you cannot play the domino you draw, mark your train if it is not already marked and pass. Similarly, after playing a double, draw one domino from the boneyard if you cannot play another domino. If you cannot play the domino you draw, mark your train (see Doubles).
Doubles
Playing a double has extra requirements. You must immediately "cover" it by playing another domino that matches it. If you cannot, draw one from the boneyard and play it if it matches the double. If you still cannot cover it, mark your train and end your turn. The double then freezes the table: each player must try to cover it before continuing play on any other train.
Marked personal trains
A marker opens your personal train to other players. If another player plays a domino on it, the marker stays in place. It is removed only when you play a domino on your own train.
You may still play on the Mexican Train or another player's marked personal train.
Ending a round
A round ends in one of two ways: a player plays their last domino, or the boneyard is empty and every player passes in a row without anyone playing a domino.
When the boneyard is empty, keep taking turns. Play a domino if you can. If you cannot, mark your train if it is not already marked and pass. Any domino played starts the pass count over.
You may go out by playing a double as your last domino. The round ends immediately, so you do not have to cover it.
Scoring and winning
At the end of each round, count the pips—the dots—on the dominoes left in your hand and record the total. After the agreed number of rounds, total each player's scores. The player with the lowest total wins.
Mistakes and table conventions
If there's a mistake, correct it as fairly as possible and continue.
Mexican Train House Rules — https://mexicantrainhouserules.com