Mexican Train Accessories

Trains, Hubs & Markers Explained

Mexican Train Dominoes can be played with just a set of dominoes — but the right accessories make the game faster, clearer, and more enjoyable, especially with larger groups.

This guide explains the essential Mexican Train accessories, what each one does, and which ones are worth buying if you play regularly.

If you’re still learning the game itself, start with the full Mexican Train Dominoes Rules guide.

Do You Need Accessories to Play Mexican Train?

Technically, no.
Practically, yes — especially for group play.

Accessories help by:

  • Keeping the layout organized
  • Making open and closed trains obvious
  • Preventing rule confusion
  • Speeding up turns

Most players who enjoy Mexican Train eventually add at least train markers and a central hub.

Mexican Train Hub (Centerpiece)

What Is a Mexican Train Hub?

The hub is the central piece where the starting double is placed and where all trains originate.

It usually has:

  • A center slot for the starting double
  • Several arms where trains can branch out

Why It’s Useful

  • Keeps the table organized
  • Prevents trains from drifting
  • Makes the game easier to follow

Without a hub, players often improvise with cups or coins — which works, but isn’t ideal.

👉 Many best Mexican Train domino sets include a hub already.

Mexican Train Markers (Essential)

What Are Train Markers?

Train markers indicate whether a player’s personal train is:

  • Closed (only they can play on it)
  • Open (any player may play on it)

Markers are usually small plastic or wooden trains.

Why Markers Matter

Forgetting to mark an open train is one of the most common beginner mistakes.

Clear markers:

  • Prevent rule disputes
  • Keep the game moving
  • Help new players follow what’s happening

If you play with more than 3 people, markers are strongly recommended.

The Mexican Train (Shared Train Marker)

Some sets include a special marker for the Mexican Train itself.

This helps:

  • Identify the shared train clearly
  • Keep it visually distinct from personal trains

While optional, it’s helpful for larger tables or mixed-experience groups.

Domino Racks (Optional but Helpful)

What Are Domino Racks?

Domino racks hold your tiles upright, similar to racks used in Scrabble or Rummikub.

Who Should Use Them?

  • Seniors
  • Players with limited hand mobility
  • Anyone who prefers a clear view of their tiles

Racks don’t change gameplay, but they improve comfort and speed.

Score Pads & Tracking Tools

Most Mexican Train games track scores across multiple rounds.

Common options:

  • Paper score pads
  • Dry-erase boards
  • Mobile score-tracking apps

Scoring itself is simple, but tracking it clearly avoids mistakes.

👉 See Dominoes Scoring Explained for details.

Buying Accessories vs Complete Sets

You have two good options:

Option 1: Buy Accessories Separately

  • Ideal if you already own a Double-12 set
  • Lets you customize what you need

Option 2: Buy a Complete Mexican Train Kit

  • Includes dominoes, trains, hub, and markers
  • Best for beginners or gifts

👉 Compare options on Best Mexican Train Domino Sets.

What Accessories Are Actually Worth Buying?

If you’re prioritizing:

Must-have

  • Train markers
  • Central hub

Nice to have

  • Domino racks
  • Dedicated score pad

You don’t need everything to enjoy the game — but these basics make a noticeable difference.

Final Thoughts

Mexican Train Dominoes is designed to be social and accessible, and the right accessories support that.

They reduce confusion, keep the game flowing, and make it easier for everyone — especially beginners — to enjoy the experience.

If you’re building your setup:

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