Common Rules & Questions Answered
Mexican Train Dominoes is easy to learn, but a few rules tend to confuse new players — especially around doubles, scoring, and train markers.
This FAQ answers the most common Mexican Train questions, so you can keep the game moving without stopping to recheck the rules.
For full gameplay instructions, see the complete Mexican Train Dominoes Rules guide.
How many players can play Mexican Train Dominoes?
Mexican Train is typically played with 2 to 8 players.
- 2–4 players: faster and more strategic
- 5–8 players: more social and forgiving
Larger groups work best with a Double-12 domino set.
👉 See Domino Sets Explained for set size details.
What domino set do you need for Mexican Train?
Mexican Train requires a Double-12 domino set (91 tiles).
Double-6 and Double-9 sets do not include enough tiles for proper gameplay.
👉 Recommended options are listed on Best Mexican Train Domino Sets.
How many dominoes does each player draw?
Using a Double-12 set:
- Each player draws 15 dominoes at the start of a round
Remaining tiles form the boneyard.
What is the Mexican Train?
The Mexican Train is a shared train that:
- Starts at the central hub
- Remains open for all players
- Can be played on at any time
It provides an extra option when players can’t play on their own trains.
What happens when you play a double?
When a double is played:
- It must be satisfied immediately
- The player must play another matching domino
If the player can’t:
- They draw until they can, or
- The double remains open and the next players must satisfy it
This rule is explained in detail in Mexican Train Dominoes Rules.
When does a personal train become open?
A personal train becomes open when:
- A player cannot make a move
- They draw from the boneyard
The train stays open until that player successfully plays a domino on it.
Markers are used to show whether a train is open or closed.
👉 See Mexican Train Accessories for markers and hubs.
Can you play on another player’s train?
Yes — but only if that train is open.
Closed trains can only be played on by their owner.
How does scoring work in Mexican Train?
Scoring is based on remaining pips at the end of a round.
- Player who goes out scores zero
- Other players add their remaining pip totals to their scores
- Lower scores are better
👉 Full examples are in Dominoes Scoring Explained.
What happens if the game is blocked?
A game is blocked when:
- No player can make a legal move
- The boneyard is empty
When this happens:
- Players count remaining pips
- The player with the lowest pip total wins the round
Do you need accessories to play Mexican Train?
Accessories are optional but strongly recommended.
Helpful accessories include:
- Train markers
- A central hub
- Domino racks
👉 See Mexican Train Accessories (Trains, Hubs, Markers) for details.
What’s the difference between Mexican Train and Chicken Foot?
Mexican Train:
- Personal trains + shared train
- Structured, linear gameplay
Chicken Foot:
- Branching layouts
- Forced plays after doubles
Both are popular, but Mexican Train is generally easier for beginners.
Is Mexican Train good for beginners?
Yes — it’s one of the best domino games for beginners.
- Simple objective
- Flexible gameplay
- Easy recovery from mistakes
That’s why it’s the most commonly played domino game in the US.
Final Tip for New Players
If you’re ever unsure during a game:
- Check whether a train is open
- Look for the Mexican Train
- Handle doubles before anything else
Those three checks solve most rule questions instantly.