How Mexican Train works
A full match has 13 rounds. The first round starts from the double-12 in the middle of the table, the next from the double-11, and so on down to the double-blank. Each player draws a hand and builds a personal train that starts from the center double.
- Every tile you play must match the open end of the train you play on.
- The Mexican Train is a shared train that every player can add to.
- If you cannot play, draw one tile. If it still does not fit, pass and put a marker on your train. While the marker is there, anyone can play on your train.
- When someone plays a double, that double has to be covered before play goes anywhere else.
- A round ends when one player plays their last tile or nobody can move.
Scoring
At the end of each round, every player adds up the pips on the tiles still in their hand. The player who went out scores zero. After the last round, the lowest total wins.
Families and clubs play Mexican Train in many ways, for example when the Mexican Train can be started or how many tiles the first turn allows. The app lets you pick a house rule preset, and each rule comes with a plain explanation.
Want bigger tiles and your family table?
The free Android app, Mexican Train: Big Dominoes, adds the daily deal where your family compares scores on the same tiles, reminders for tomorrow's deal, a score keeper for the real table with up to eight players, and number mode for even easier reading.
Coming soon to iPhone and iPad
Frequently asked questions
Is this Mexican Train game free?
Yes. The browser version is free, needs no account and shows no ads.
Does it work on a phone or tablet?
Yes, in a modern browser. On Android you can also install the app, which adds the daily family table, reminders and the score keeper for the real table. An iPhone and iPad version is coming soon.
How long is a game of Mexican Train?
A full match has 13 rounds, from the double-12 down to the double-blank. You can also choose a quick 3-round game or a 7-round game.
Is the computer fair?
Yes. The computer only sees what you can see, and the difficulty level changes how well it plays, not the tiles you are dealt.