Mexican Train Dominos is a great game that we've recently been introduced to, but we found the rules in the game we bought to be a little confusing.
The dominoes rules we learned work better for our family because it allows the little ones to play Mexican Train.
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 - You can play on another person's leg if after they have picked, they cannot. You know it is open to play on because they must place a plastic train - which comes in the set - on their leg when they can't play. Then when they are able to play on their leg again, they can remove the train. We like to use M&Ms as the train marker, then eat them when you get to remove 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 couple of side notes - playing a doubles tile requires a "proof" meaning you must also play another tile on it in that turn. You don't have to pick if you can't play but the next person to play must either play on the double or pick to try to. No one can resume play until the double has been proven. This requirement can thwart your prelaid plans. And don't get discouraged if you get stuck drawing tiles well into the game to get started. Because you have the potential to play up to 12 rounds (your choice), it seems most people will get the same chance.
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.
That is a fun and easy way to play Mexican Train Dominoes. The dominos rules can be followed by pretty much anyone. This fun family game makes for a great Christmas gift too!
The dominoes rules we learned work better for our family because it allows the little ones to play Mexican Train.
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 - You can play on another person's leg if after they have picked, they cannot. You know it is open to play on because they must place a plastic train - which comes in the set - on their leg when they can't play. Then when they are able to play on their leg again, they can remove the train. We like to use M&Ms as the train marker, then eat them when you get to remove 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 couple of side notes - playing a doubles tile requires a "proof" meaning you must also play another tile on it in that turn. You don't have to pick if you can't play but the next person to play must either play on the double or pick to try to. No one can resume play until the double has been proven. This requirement can thwart your prelaid plans. And don't get discouraged if you get stuck drawing tiles well into the game to get started. Because you have the potential to play up to 12 rounds (your choice), it seems most people will get the same chance.
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.
That is a fun and easy way to play Mexican Train Dominoes. The dominos rules can be followed by pretty much anyone. This fun family game makes for a great Christmas gift too!
About the Author:
Go to our Good Christmas Gifts website to order Mexican Train Dominoes and other great family gifts. Plus, you can find many other gift ideas for the person who has everything. http://findgoodchristmasgifts.com Don't reprint this exact article. Instead, reprint a free unique content version of this same article.
