Mexican Train Rules & Scoring
Game Rules and Basics
What is the objective of the game?
The goal is to be the first player to play all the dominoes in your hand. The player with the lowest total penalty score at the end of all rounds wins.
How many rounds are played?
A standard Double-12 game consists of 13 rounds. You start the first round with the Double-12 tile in the center station and count down by one each round until the final round (Double-Blank).
Gameplay and Trains
Where can I play my dominoes?
You can play on your own personal train, the communal 'Mexican Train,' or any opponent's personal train that currently has a marker on it.
What happens if I can't make a move?
You must draw one domino from the boneyard. If that tile can be played, you may play it immediately. If you still cannot play, you must place a marker (like a penny or toy train) on your personal train, making it 'open' for anyone to play on.
How do double dominoes work?
When you play a double, it is placed sideways, and you must immediately play a second domino. If you cannot, you must draw. If you still cannot play, you must mark your train. The double remains 'open,' and the next player MUST 'satisfy' (play on) that double before any other moves can be made anywhere on the board.
Scoring and Penalties
How does a round end?
A round ends immediately when one player 'goes out' by playing their final domino.
How do you score points?
All remaining players count the total number of pips (dots) on the dominoes left in their hands. This number is added to their running penalty score. The Double-Blank domino is worth exactly 50 penalty points.