Friday, November 07, 2008

How To Play Dominos - Mexican Train Domino Rules

By Julie Hellstrom

We have learned a new game called Mexican Train Dominoes. But we learned it differently than what the rules that came with the game say.

So I have decided to share our dominos rules of Mexican Train since it is simpler for our youngsters to learn.

The dominos themselves are different than regular dominos because they go up to double 12's. One cool thing is that if counting dots is hard for your little ones, you can buy these dominos that have numbers instead of dots. The game go basically like this - each person takes a number of tiles based on how many are playing. Then starting with the double 12 tile (or the closest double someone has in their pile) it is placed in the middle. Every round goes down 1 number. Everyone then must start their leg (think spider here) with the same number that was the double. If you don't have that number on your tiles, you pick one from the bone pile. If you can play you do, if not the next person plays. You then only play on your leg until 1 of 2 things happen.

1st - Another playing option is when someone is unable to play on their leg even after they pick, you can play on it. They indicate that it is open for all players by placing one of the little trains that come in the game on their leg. We like to use M&M's because once you can play on your leg again, you can remove the train (or eat the M&M!) and other players cannot play on 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.

The winner of the round is the one who gets rid of all his tiles first. Everyone else has to add up all their dots (only area little ones may need help) on all the tiles still in their hand. This is their score for that round. Winner of the game is the person with the lowest score.

Mexican Train Dominos. Easy dominos rules and a fun family game! Great for family Christmas gifts! - 2361

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