Welcome to Mexican Train Rules!

Hi there! I’m here to guide you through the rules of the popular game called Mexican Train. Get ready for an exciting journey full of twists and turns!

What is Mexican Train?

Mexican Train is a fun and engaging dominoes game that can be played with family and friends. It’s a game where strategic thinking and a bit of luck come together.

How do you play Mexican Train?

So, here’s how it works. Each player starts with a set of dominoes, and the goal is to play all your dominoes onto one or more “trains” that stem from a central hub. The hub is typically a special domino called the “engine” or “Mexican train.”

You take turns placing your dominoes on any open train. The only rule is that the domino you play must have a matching number to the one already on the train. If you don’t have a matching domino, you have to draw from the boneyard until you do.

Sometimes, if you can’t play by the normal rules, you might end up starting your own personal train. That’s when things get really interesting!

Strategies to keep in mind

Now, let’s talk about some strategies that can help you along the way. First, it’s a good idea to get rid of your highest dominoes early on. This helps prevent you from getting stuck later in the game.

Another strategy is to block your opponents. If you see a train that’s getting too long and someone is close to running out of dominoes, you can play a domino that doesn’t match to stop them in their tracks.

Oh, and don’t forget about the Mexican Train! It’s open for anyone to play on, so keep an eye on it. You might be able to use it to your advantage.

The Thrill of Mexican Train

Playing Mexican Train is an exhilarating experience. With each move, you’re constantly thinking about how to outsmart your opponents and make the best strategic decisions.

The game is filled with twists and turns, and you never know who will emerge as the ultimate champion. It’s a game that brings people together and creates lasting memories.

Start Your Mexican Train Adventure!

Now that you know the rules, grab your friends and family and start playing Mexican Train. Get ready to have a blast as you strategize, block your opponents, and make your way to victory! Enjoy the game!

Hey there! Have you ever heard of Mexican Train? It’s a really cool game that you can play with a standard set of dominoes. The goal of the game is to try and get rid of all your dominoes by creating a “train” of matching tiles that anyone can play on. It’s a game that requires some strategic thinking, and it’s a lot of fun!

The rules of Mexican Train became really popular in the United States in the 2000s. It was featured on TV shows like “The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson” and “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” which helped spread the word about how awesome the game is.

So, what do you need to play? Just a set of dominoes and some friends who are ready to have a good time! Oh, and don’t forget the snacks.

If Mexican Train sounds like your kind of game, then you should definitely give it a try. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon or evening with friends and family. Plus, it’s a game that anyone can play, so no one will be left out.

Are you looking for more domino fun? We also have another game called Doubles that you might enjoy. So why not give it a try and see which one you like best?

WHAT’S IN THE BOX?

When it comes to playing Mexican Train Dominoes, there are different sets of dominoes you can use. The most common choice is a double-12 set, but a double-9 set works just as well.

A double-9 set consists of 55 tiles, with suits ranging from 0 to 9. There are 10 tiles for each suit.

On the other hand, a double-12 set includes 91 tiles. The suits range from 0 to 12, and there are 13 tiles for each suit.

Both sets are suitable for playing Mexican Train Dominoes, so it really depends on your preference. Whether you choose a double-9 set or a double-12 set, you’re sure to have a great time!

Hey there! Let’s talk about Mexican Train, a cool domino game with a twist. You see, Mexican Train is not your typical domino game. It adds some extra game pieces to make things more interesting. So, let’s dive in and find out how to set it up and play!

First things first, Mexican Train is played with a special centerpiece called the hub. The hub is like the heart of the game. It has a slot in the middle where we start the Mexican train, and there are eight slots around the edges for each player’s train. You’ll find a hub in a standard Mexican Train set, but if you happen to misplace it, don’t worry! You can easily make your own hub using cardboard. Pretty cool, right?

Now, let’s talk about the train markers. These little guys are an important part of the game. They help us keep track of our trains. If you lose the train markers that come with the game, no problemo! You can use ordinary pennies or dimes instead. And if you want to get creative, you can use candy, flat-bottomed marbles, or even pawns from other games like chess or Monopoly. The choice is yours!

Take a look at this photo of the center hub with the engine (the highest double) sitting right in the middle. Cool, huh?

SETTING UP MEXICAN TRAIN

Here’s how you play dominoes: First, take the highest double tile and place it in the center slot of the hub. Then, shuffle all the other dominoes and put them face-down on the table.

Now it’s time to start drawing tiles. Each player takes turns drawing dominoes according to the chart below. You can keep your drawn tiles a secret or place them face-up on the edge of the table. The tiles not drawn yet are moved aside and called “train yards” or “bone piles.” You can draw from these piles during the game.

Number of Players	2	3	4	5	6	7	8
Double-12 Draw	16	16	15	14	12	10	9
Double-9 Draw	15	13	10

Alright, let’s talk about organizing dominoes. It’s pretty simple, really. The idea is to arrange the tiles in your hand so that they go in order from the engine. For example, let’s say you have a double-9 set Mexican Train, with the engine being a 9-9 tile. You could organize your hand like this: 9-2, 2-4, 4-6, 6-1, and so on. The remaining tiles are extras that you can use on your Mexican train or on other players’ trains.

Getting Started

Now, let’s get the game started! First, we need to pick a player to go first. After that, the play moves clockwise.

If the first player has a domino that matches the number on the engine tile, they have two options:

• They can place the domino in the slot on the hub closest to them, making sure the matching end is facing the engine. This will start their personal train.
• First, match the domino tile to the slot marked for the Mexican Train. You can start the Mexican Train on your turn, no matter who actually owns it. Once you start the Mexican Train, you can place a train marker on the left side to show that it’s open for everyone to play.
• If you’re the first player and you can’t make a move, follow the instructions below on how to play Mexican Train.

HOW TO PLAY MEXICAN TRAIN

THE ART OF PLACING DOMINOS

Hey there! Let’s talk about how to strategically place dominos during your turn. It’s quite simple, really. Just keep in mind a couple of key rules to make the most out of your moves.

• First things first, you can only place one domino on a train during your turn, except when you have doubles. Remember, you can only play a domino that matches the ends of available trains, such as your own personal train, the Mexican train, or another player’s train with a marker.
• If, by some unfortunate luck, you can’t play a domino even after drawing one, don’t worry! All hope is not lost. Simply place your train marker beside the end of your personal train. This lets other players know that your train is open for them to place their dominos on. Although your turn has ended for now, on your next turn, feel free to play on any available train. Oh, and don’t forget, if you happen to successfully play a domino on your personal train, you can remove the marker. But if you find yourself with no playable tiles left and the bone pile is empty, you’ll have to pass your turn and place a marker by your train.

See? Placing dominos is all about strategizing and making the most of every move. By following these simple guidelines, you’ll become a true maestro of the domino board in no time!

When I only have one tile left, I’ll make sure to let everyone know. I can do this by tapping the tile on the table or by saying it out loud.

THE END OF THE ROUND

A round is over when a player has played all their dominoes, even if the last one is a double. If all the dominoes have been played and no one can make a move, the round also ends. The next round starts with a double that is one digit less than the engine of the previous round. For example, if the previous round in a double-12 set is 12-12, the next round will start with 11-11. The final round is played with the blank double domino.

DOUBLE TILES

If you have a double tile, you can place it horizontally across the train of your choice. If you don’t have another tile to play after placing a double, the round ends. But don’t worry, you can draw a tile from the bone pile and play it if you still have tiles in your hand. If you can’t play, just put your marker next to your train and wait for your next turn.

OPEN DOUBLE

In case you come across a double that you haven’t played yet, it’s important to remember that you can’t play on any other trains until you can play on the double. If you draw a tile and can’t play on the double, you must place a marker by your train. Once you successfully close a double, players with markers by their trains can then try to play on their trains.

You have the option to play two or more doubles in a single turn. After playing your doubles, you can then play an additional tile that is not a double. However, it’s crucial to remember that you must close the doubles in the same order you played them, so you can only play an additional tile on the first double. If you don’t have any playable tiles left after playing doubles, you have to draw from the bone pile and try to play. If the tile you draw is a playable double, you can play it and draw again.

When playing Mexican Train, there are a few important rules to keep in mind:

1. You can play as many doubles in a row as you have available. Your turn ends when you play a non-double tile or when you can no longer play on the double. If you can’t play, place a marker by the end of your personal train. The regular train marker rules still apply.

2. If a double tile remains open, every player, including the player who played it, must try to play on it. You must close multiple doubles in the same order you placed them. The standard open double rules still apply. However, if it is impossible to close a double because you need to play all other tiles of that denomination, it no longer restricts other eligible trains.

Now, let’s talk about some strategies that can help you play Mexican Train:

– Try to play your doubles as early as possible to give yourself more options later in the game.

– Keep an eye on the other players’ trains and try to block them when you can. This can force them to use their markers, giving you an advantage.

– Pay attention to the number of pips on the tiles you play. If you have a choice between playing a high or low pip tile, consider the potential consequences for the other players.

– Be aware of the doubles that other players have already closed. This can help you decide which doubles to play and which to hold on to for later.

– Don’t forget to think strategically about which tiles to play and when. Sometimes it’s better to hold on to a tile and wait for the perfect moment to play it.

Remember, the key to winning Mexican Train is to be adaptable and make smart decisions based on the current game state. By following these strategies and staying attentive to the game, you’ll improve your chances of coming out on top. So gather your friends and enjoy a fun-filled game of Mexican Train!

When it comes to improving your chances of winning at Mexican Train, there are several strategies you can use. One of the most important ones is keeping your train private for as long as possible. This means not revealing your train to the other players until you absolutely have to.

Start with High-Scoring Dominoes First

Another tip is to prioritize playing your highest-scoring dominoes first. Even if you can’t get rid of all your dominoes in one go, playing the ones with the highest pip values will result in fewer points for you.

Pay Attention to Other Players’ Moves

It’s crucial to keep an eye on what the other players are doing. If you notice that someone has made their private train public, try to play a domino that has the same number of pips on the end. Doing so can cause them some trouble and give you an advantage.

Use Doubles Strategically

When I play doubles, I always prefer to use my own train as much as possible. This way, I have more options to play later in the game. I also make it a point to try and close my doubles, unless I have a limited number of tiles left.

SCORING

Once a round is over and all the players have played as many dominoes as they can, the player who has no more tiles in their hand gets a score of 0. After each round, the rest of the players add up the number of pips, or dots, on the dominoes they have left. If a domino has double blanks, it is worth 50 points.



END OF GAME

When the game comes to an end, the player who has collected the fewest points throughout the rounds will be crowned the winner.

If you enjoy the rules of Mexican Train, you might also want to try out another one of our domino games called Chicken Foot.

FAQ

Can You Play on Another Player’s Train in Mexican Train?

In Mexican Train, you are only allowed to add to another player’s train if it has already been marked as open.

What If You Can’t Place a Matching Double in Mexican Train?

If you don’t have a domino to place that matches the double at the end of the trains, you will need to draw a tile from the boneyard. If even after drawing a tile you are unable to play a matching double, you will have to mark your train as open and pass your turn. Every other player will also have the responsibility to try and close the double.

What Happens When the Boneyard Runs Out of Dominoes?

If all the dominoes in the boneyard are used up and no one can make a play, the game will come to an end.

When we’re playing the game, things carry on as usual. However, if you find yourself without a domino, don’t worry! Just pass your turn and make sure to mark your train right away. This is because there aren’t any more dominos left to draw.

A LITTLE TWIST

These rules have a little twist compared to the standard Mexican train rules. In the two-player version of Mexican Train, only a double -9 set of dominoes is used. The 9-9 domino is set aside, and the remaining dominos are mixed up. Each player starts with eight dominoes from the boneyard.

Hey there! Let’s talk about Mexican Train, a super fun dominoes game. It’s played on a special starting tile, the 9-9. When it’s your turn, you’ll try to place as many dominoes as possible on this tile. But here’s the catch: if you can’t make a starting play, you’ll have to draw from the boneyard until you can play on the 9-9.

Once you’ve had your first turn, things get more interesting. You can now play on your own trains, your opponent’s marked train, or the Mexican Train. Just keep in mind that all the regular Mexican Train rules still apply.

Now let me introduce you to Amber (They/Them), a fantastic writer and gaming expert from Austin. They’re a self-proclaimed gaming master and they have a soft spot for dogs, plants, and D&D.

Let’s Talk Mexican Train Rules!

Ferne Dammling

I’ve got a question for you. What happens if someone’s train is up because they couldn’t make a play, but I have a double that I can use to go out? Can I put it on their train?

Sure you can! Once you play a double, you have to place another tile either on the double or on any available train. If you don’t have another tile to play because the double was your last one, then the round ends. If you still have tiles but don’t have another one to play, you can draw from the bone pile and play it if you can.

Hey, William! If you have two tiles left to end the game – a double and a tile that satisfies the double – you don’t necessarily have to tap after placing the double. Since no other player can prevent you from going out, tapping isn’t required. However, it’s customary to tap, and some people play with their own house rules that penalize players for not tapping. So, I would still tap, just to be safe.

If I forget to remove my marker/train after playing on my own train, what happens if the next person plays on it? When can I put my marker/train back on the hub?

Hey Ruth, when it comes to penalties and replays, it’s really up to us as players to decide. Personally, if I were in your position, I would let the next person remove their token after they finish their turn. However, it’s always a good idea to establish some rules before the game starts to handle situations like this.

Hey Lois, let’s talk about scoring for dominoes. So, when it comes to the blank tiles, we count them as 50 points. That’s right!

Am I allowed to go out if all of my dominos can be connected to my personal train?

Yes, indeed! If all of your dominos can be connected to your personal train, you can definitely go out! So, go ahead and claim that victory!

Hey there! When we play the game, you can only play one tile per turn, except for when you have a double, in which case you can play two tiles. This rule prevents players from quickly finishing the game.

Now, let’s talk about what happens if a double is played but there are no more matching tiles left. Is that train considered dead, and do we continue playing on the other trains? Or does the game get locked, and all players have to count the dots on their dominoes? It’s a rare situation, but it has happened to us a few times.

Well, in that case, if a double cannot be satisfied because all the matching tiles have been used, we can remove the restrictions on play and continue the game as normal. However, players won’t be able to play on the original train where the double was played.

Now, what happens if at the beginning of the game, one person can’t start and all the tiles have been drawn? That’s an interesting question! Let me find out for you.

Hey there! So, if you can’t play a tile and you’ve already drawn or the draw pile is empty, you’ll have to pass your turn. Don’t worry though, you can still be part of the game! Just place your train token next to your personal train. Here’s the catch – other players can actually play tiles onto your personal train! Just remember, you can only remove that token once you’ve played a tile on your personal train.

Now, to address your question about doubles. Let’s say you haven’t played all your tiles and it’s your turn. If another player has a double tile that needs to be played, you have two options. Either you can play one of your own tiles on that double, or you can choose to draw and see if you can get out before making any moves. It’s totally up to you!

Enjoy playing and may the tiles be in your favor!

– Amber

Hey there, Patricia! I think I get what you’re asking. So, let’s say you have a double on the board that needs to be matched, right? If you have a tile that matches that double, you should definitely play it. But if you don’t have a matching tile, you can draw a new one and see if it helps. If you still can’t make a match, you’ll need to place a marker on the board to show that you couldn’t satisfy the double.

Now, about your question – if you play a double and you have a tile that matches that double AND another tile that can be played elsewhere, yes, you have the option to choose which one to play. Pretty neat, right? You can even leave your double tile open on purpose, so the other players have to figure out how to cover it or draw a tile. But remember, you won’t have that option in the next turn. You’ll be forced to cover your double then.

I hope that clears things up for you, Patricia. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask!

Take care,

Amber Crook

Hey Jerry, if there’s a double that needs to be satisfied, you gotta play a tile that satisfies it before you can play anything else. And if you can’t play a tile to satisfy the double, then you gotta draw and mark your board to show that you couldn’t do it. Hope this clears things up for you!

We had a similar situation in our game tonight. It was the first time it ever happened. There were four of us playing, and three of us had trains while the fourth player didn’t. Then someone played a double. The three of us with trains couldn’t satisfy the double, but the fourth player had a domino that could. So, what should the fourth player do? Should they play the tile to satisfy the double? Or should they draw a tile and hope to start a train? Maybe they should pass because they don’t have a train started?

Hi Brenda, in this case, the fourth player would have to play a tile that satisfies the double. They wouldn’t be able to play any other tiles or draw any more until they either satisfy the double or take a token to show that they can’t do it. I hope that clears things up for you!

Hey there! I recently stumbled upon this awesome game while hanging out with a friend who’s a regular player. We were so captivated by it that we decided to buy our own copy that very night. However, when we opened the box, we realized that the rules provided were pretty limited and didn’t answer all our burning questions about the game. But guess what? This page came to our rescue! It’s been incredibly helpful in getting a grasp on the rules and procedures.

I must admit, though, there was one little hiccup. The number of tiles we were supposed to draw at the beginning didn’t match what was in our game box. It was a bit puzzling, but we didn’t let it dampen our spirits. We simply adjusted and dived right into the game. And let me tell you, we are absolutely loving it! I even gave it a well-deserved five-star rating. ��

Hi David! Thank you so much for your positive feedback! It’s always super exciting for us to hear when people enjoy our games. Your support means the world to us!

Hey Karla! Great question. If the bone yard in the game is empty and there are no more tiles to be played, the round comes to an end. It’s a bummer when that happens, but it’s all part of the game.

Now, here’s a little something to clear things up. When it’s your turn and your train is open for others to play on, you have a choice. You can either close your train at the first opportunity or leave it open and make a play on another train. It’s totally up to you, and it adds an extra layer of strategizing to the game!

Hey there, Joe! So, here’s the deal: when you finally get to open your train during a game of dominoes, it doesn’t have to be a rush to close it. You actually have some flexibility! After opening your train, your next turn allows you to play on any available train. And the best part is, you can choose not to close your own train if you have other options to consider. Pretty cool, huh? I hope that clears things up for you.

Now, let’s talk about an interesting scenario: what if there’s still a double tile left on the table, untouched? Will the game just end there, or can players keep playing their tiles as usual? Well, the game isn’t over just because of that unbroken double. You and the other players can still continue playing your tiles, just like before. So, no need to worry or forget about breaking the double. It’s all part of the game! Enjoy!

Hey Joan, let me explain how the game works with doubles. Normally, you need to satisfy the double tile condition before playing on other trains. But there’s an exception. If all the other tiles with the same number have already been played, you don’t have to worry about the double anymore. It won’t restrict your play, so you can freely play on other non-satisfied doubles or any other open train. I hope this clears things up for you!

Now, let’s address your question about hoarding tiles. The rule is that you must play a tile if you’re able to. If you have multiple tiles that you can play, you get to choose which one to play. However, if you only have one tile that you can play, you have to play it. Hoarding isn’t allowed in this game. I hope this information helps you understand the rules better!

Take care,

Amber Crook

In the version of the game I’ve been playing, we start by using as many tiles as possible to create our first train against the central hub. After that, we can only play one tile at a time. I have a question: sometimes, a player runs out of tiles during the first play, and the round ends. Is that correct, or is there a way to keep the round going?

Amber Crook

Hi CC, yes, once a player has played all their tiles, the round is over.

Lloyd R King

When you start your train and end with a double, you draw a tile from the bone yard. You can use this tile to satisfy the double and continue with your train. But when this happens, can you play your other tiles as well, or does your turn end?

Amber Crook

Hey Lloyd, I wanted to share some tips about playing this game. After you draw tiles from the bone pile, you can play a double if you have one. But once you play a double, you can’t make any more moves. Other than playing a double, you can only play one tile on your train each turn. I hope this clears things up for you!

We really enjoy playing this game! In the first round, all players start their own train and try to use as many dominoes as possible to make their train longer. I have a question though. What happens if a player can’t start their train? Do they have to keep drawing tiles until they can start? Or can they pass and let someone else start it for them in a later round? If they pass, they won’t be able to play multiple dominoes like they can in the first round, right?

Amber Crook

Hey Ashley, let me explain the rules to you.
If you can’t make a move after drawing a tile, place your train marker next to the end of your personal train. This shows other players that they can play on your train. It’s not your turn anymore, so the game continues. On your next turn, you can play on any available train. You can remove the marker once you’re able to place a tile on your personal train successfully.
As for your second question, no, players can only play more than one domino on their first turn or when they have matching tiles. I hope this clears things up for you!

I’ve got a question that’s puzzling me. Let’s say there’s a player in a game who doesn’t have a starter tile, and even after several rounds and draws, they still don’t have one. Can the Mexican Train be started in this situation? Can it be played without that player having a personal train started or someone playing on them to start it? In other words, can the Mexican Train be started even if no one has started a personal train for that player yet?

Hey there, Amber Crook! I have a question about this game that my wife is crazy about. When we tally up the points at the end of the game, should we flip the tiles over and count the points? Some players consistently have low scores, and others suspect that maybe they’re not counting all the points.

Hey Jeff, you can totally count your points openly when playing. It’s not necessary to keep your scores or score piles private after a round. Although it’s not a common practice, it can be helpful to ensure everyone understands how scoring works.

If I don’t have a domino to play on my train but have a match on someone else’s train, do I need to declare that I don’t have a match for my train and expose it to others? Or can I just keep playing on other trains without opening mine up?

Amber Crook

Hey Steve, if you have a tile that can be played on any train, you must play it. You only draw a tile and potentially expose your train when you can’t play any of your tiles anywhere.

What comes after a 12? A 1 or an 11? And what tile would follow a double three?

Amber Crook

Hello David, when you play the train game, it’s not about rank but about finding a match. So, to add a tile to the train, one side has to match the last number on the train. If the train ended with a 3, for example, you can play a double 3 to continue. But you need a tile that has a 3 as well. I hope this explanation clears things up!

When I played before, we could start with a line of tiles as the first move. After that, we could only play one tile at a time, unless it was a double. This made the game move faster. What do you think?

Amber Crook

Hi Karen, I find that variation interesting! Thanks for sharing!

Hey there, let’s sort out this disagreement. So, Player “A” is in a situation where they can’t make a move on their train or any train drawn from the bone pile. As a solution, “A” decides to place a marker on their train, indicating that others can play on it. On their next turn, “A” chooses to play on their train, but keeps it open intentionally, so that others can continue playing on it. The reason for this is that “A” won’t be able to make a move on their train during the next turn. Now, some people argue that this tactic is not allowed, while I believe it’s perfectly legal.

Hi Jim, I have some insights for you. If you play a tile on your train, you need to remove the marker that shows your train is open. This is to ensure fair play. I hope this clears things up for you.

Trish Ramsey

Hey there! Let me answer your first question. So, in the first round, if Player A plays a double at the end of their train and Player B can satisfy the double, then Player B can still put down as many dominoes as they can for their own train. It’s still Player B’s first turn, so they get to keep going!

Now, the second question. If Player A plays all their dominoes on the first round, then the game is over. It’s as simple as that. No more players get to put down their dominoes. Once someone goes out, it’s game over!

Hi Amber! I’ve been playing Mexican Train for more than 20 years, and I have to say, the rulebook leaves a lot to be desired. It’s not very clear and lacks details. So, I did some research online and found different “RULES” that people use. I combined the most commonly used ones, and here are some thoughts for you to consider.

First off, starting the game can be done in many ways. Nobody likes having to collect a bunch of tiles at the beginning and not being able to start their train. One solution that some people suggest is for each player to pull the 12 tiles that match the starting double. Then, every player takes one tile and puts the unused ones back into the pile before drawing hands. Each player can then lay down as many tiles as they want to start the round, usually saving one tile so they have at least one legal play.

Another thing to consider is playing clockwise around the station. In private games, some groups follow this style where players play their first tile on their own train. Playing on the Mexican Train is optional in this case. And guess what? There’s no limit of 2 tiles. I found out that this rule isn’t very common. Also, there’s no limit on the number of doubles you can play in a turn. It’s completely open!

When it comes to satisfying open doubles, it’s only required for private trains. Public trains can skip this step. If everyone ends up having public trains, then whenever someone goes private, they must satisfy all open doubles in the order they were played.

So, those are just some ideas for you to think about and mull over. Hope it helps!

Hey Ralph, thanks for sharing your findings! Those variations you mentioned sound really interesting and cool. I’ll definitely give them a try the next time I play Mexican Train.

Speaking of variations, have you ever seen or played with more than one Mexican train? I’ve never come across that idea before, and I couldn’t find any information about it in my research.

Hey Sandy, I haven’t heard of a variation like that either. I did a bit of digging myself, but I couldn’t find anything about playing with multiple Mexican trains in a single game.

Hey Lenix Rose, I can understand your situation. It can be frustrating when the game is locked and there are no more plays left. In that case, what happens to the boneyard? Do players have to draw all the remaining tiles? Or can they just leave it and count their points?

Hey Lenix, if you can’t play, grab a piece from the boneyard. The game doesn’t end until someone dominoes or the boneyard is empty and the board is locked.

If you have an open train but can’t play on it, you can close it only by playing on it yourself or on the public train or another player’s train.

Hey Don, only you can close your personal train by playing on it. I hope this clears things up. Enjoy the game.

I need to clear up a contradiction in your rules. In the “Playing the Game” section, you say, “A round ends when one player has ‘dominoed’ or played all their dominoes, even if the last one is a double.” So, if the last tile a player plays is a double, do they have to draw or not? But then in the “Doubles” section, you say, “If you don’t have another tile to play because the double was your last one, the round ends.” This suggests that playing the last tile, which is a double, ends the round. But in the same section, you also say, “If you don’t have any tiles left after playing doubles, draw from the boneyard and try to play. If you draw a playable double, play it and draw again.” So, do I have to draw after playing my last tile if it’s a double or not? And regarding doubles, you mention, “You can also play 2 or more doubles in a turn” and “You can play as many doubles as you have in succession.” But later, you say you can only play 2 doubles in a turn. Can you please clarify? I want everyone to play this game with me, but the confusing rules make people upset. ��

Hi Karen, I’m happy to explain a few things. Thank you for bringing this to my attention. Regarding the doubles section, it should say “If you do not have any remaining playable tiles after playing doubles, draw from the bone pile and try to play. If you draw a playable double, play it and then draw again.” My apologies for any confusion caused by the wording.
Now, onto your second question. I’m not sure why I mentioned that he can only play two doubles – that’s incorrect. I will correct that information right away. I hope this clears things up, and please let me know if you have any other questions. Thank you.

Hey there! So, when I play with my group, we allow for something special when a double is played. We can actually play off of it to the side, which adds a twist to the game. This only applies if the train belongs to the player or if it’s the Mexican train. It gives the train two possible plays. However, not everyone I’ve played with follows this rule, and it’s not in the official rulebook. Does this count as a legitimate rule or is it considered a “house rule”?

Hi Carol! In the standard game and its variations, I have never come across this rule. From my understanding, it falls under the category of a house rule. So, consider it as a special rule that some groups like to play with, rather than an official rule. Hope that clears it up!

Here’s another question for you. When you go out as a player and you’re adding up the remaining tiles in your hand, how does a blank tile score? Let’s say you have a 4-blank. Is that only worth 4 points?