Easy, fast, and silly—this is the domino game the whole table can play.

Game night starts now. Grab your tiles. Pour some snacks. In just a few minutes, you can learn a game that kids, grandparents, and “I-don’t-like-rules” friends all enjoy.

Short answer: Mexican Train is a fun domino game where each player builds a “train” from a starting double, anyone can play on the shared “Mexican Train,” and the goal is to be the first to play all your tiles and end with the lowest score.

Why people love it

• Easy rules. Big laughs.
• Plays great with 2–8 players.
• Quick rounds. Come and go.
• Kids practice counting. Grown-ups plot sneaky moves.

What you need

• One set of dominoes (Double-12 is classic; Double-9 for shorter games).
• Train markers (coins, buttons, or paper clips).
• A hub or empty space in the middle for the “station.”
• Pencil and paper for scores.

Set up in one minute

1. Shuffle dominoes face down.
2. Each player draws a hand (with Double-12: 2–4 players draw 15; 5–6 draw 12; 7–8 draw 10).
3. Turn the highest double for the round into the “engine” (start with 12-12; next round is 11-11, then 10-10, and so on).
4. Put the engine in the center. That’s the station.

How to play (super simple)

1. Match pips: On your turn, play one tile that matches the open end of your own train, or the shared Mexican Train, or any “open” train.
2. Start your train: Your first tile must match the engine number. Lay tiles in a straight line from the center toward you.
3. Open or closed: Your train is “closed” to others unless you can’t play—then place your marker to show it’s “open.” Others may play there.
4. The Mexican Train: Anyone may start it once they have a tile matching the engine. Anyone may play on it at any time.
5. Doubles rule: If you play a double, you must “satisfy” it—play one more tile that matches it this turn (or draw and try). If you can’t, your train stays open until it’s satisfied.
6. Can’t play? Draw one tile. If it plays, great. If not, mark your train open and pass.
7. Round end: The round ends when someone plays all tiles or when no one can play.

Scoring in one glance

• At round end, count pips (dots) on tiles left in your hand.
• Write that number as your score for the round.
• Lowest total after all rounds (12-12 down to 0-0) wins.

House rules (pick what you like)

• First turn bonus: Let players lay a chain of matching tiles on their first turn.
• Single draw: Only one draw per turn (common), not “draw-until-you-can-play.”
• Double-satisfy chain: If a double leaves another double open, satisfy them in order.
• Train markers: Any small item works—coins, candies, tiny toys.

Quick FAQ

Is it from Mexico? The “Mexican” part is the shared train anyone may use. It’s a popular family variant; it’s not about real trains.

How many players? 2–8 is great. More players? Use fewer tiles each.

How long? A single round can be 10–20 minutes. A full game can be 45–90 minutes. Short on time? Play fewer rounds.

Mini strategy (kid-friendly, too)

• Play big numbers early to lower late-game risk.
• Save a “key” number that appears often (like 6 or 8) for flexibility.
• Watch open trains—free spots mean free chances.
• Use doubles to slow others, but be ready to satisfy them.

Shorter game ideas

• Use a Double-9 set (start at 9-9, end at 0-0).
• Play only three rounds (12-12, 11-11, 10-10).
• First to 100 points loses; everyone else wins cookies.

Family and classroom twists

• Always open trains: Great for young kids.
• Wild zero: Let zeros count as any match once per round.
• Team play: Partners sit apart; help each other by keeping trains open.
• Math boost: Kids add pips out loud for score practice.

One-page rules you can save

• Match the number to play.
• Start from the engine double for the round.
• Your train is yours; it opens if you can’t play.
• The Mexican Train is for everyone, anytime.
• If you play a double, you must satisfy it.
• Draw one if stuck; mark your train open.
• Round ends when someone is out or no one can play.
• Score leftover pips; lowest total wins.

Final nudge

That’s it. Set the engine, start your train, and hop on the shared track. Simple rules. Big cheers. Ready? Choo-choo!

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