Mexican Train Dominos are a fun family game we have started playing. Our rules though are somewhat different than the games sheet we got with the game.

These are the Mexican Train Domino rules we learned to play that seems to best suit our younger kiddos.

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 few nuances - if you play a doubles tile during the round (like 3’s), the doubles tile must be “satisfied” before regular play can continue. How this is accomplished is that either the person who plays the doubles tile must play another tile with the same number or it goes around the table for each person’s turn until someone can satisfy it. You must draw if you can’t play. You can however play the drawn tile if it matches. This can mess up the best laid plans! Also, it is not uncommon for someone to get stuck for the whole round without getting their leg started. The upside here is if you play rounds down to double 1’s, this evens out.

To win the round, be the first to play all your tiles. Everyone adds up the total number or dots on their remaining tiles. The total is their score on that round. The winner of the game is the person who has the lowest total after all rounds are completed.

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!