Ideal table layouts for Mexican Train Dominoes games and tournaments

Whether you're playing Mexican Train Dominoes with a few people or many, there are some ways to make gameplay more comfortable.

You will need:

• 4-8 players. You can play with more across multiple tables. However, each individual game table is best with 4-8 at each. Don't worry about odd numbers of players.
• A double-12 domino set. Mexican Train Dominoes is best played with a standard 91-piece double-12 domino set. But you can adjust the domino set size and gameplay slightly based on the number of players.
• Something to act as a marker for each person. A penny is most common. But you can use a gummy bear, small keychain, or about anything that can sit at the end of a domino comfortably. You'll also need an additional marker to indicate the public Mexican Train.
• A "station" in the middle of the table is optional. A lot of commercial game sets include one and spiral dominoes out in a circle toward people. But unlike our online Mexican Train Dominoes game, we find a "hub and spoke" layout is easier for players to see and reach as dominoes extend further away from the center.
• Score sheets and a pen or pencil to use for score keeping. You can download a free Mexican Train Dominoes score sheet to print as many as you need.

Organize the table for maximum Mexican Train fun

A round table is the best layout option

Round tables ensure everyone has equal access and line-of-sight to the domino game. However, most round tables won't seat more than six people, and even six — depending on the size of the chairs — may be uncomfortably small.

Let's assume in this diagram the player in the red chair is the starting double. Play continues in a clockwise order.

• Position the starting double, public Mexican Train, and a line for each player's own train in the center of the table.
• You can position the boneyard in one area, or spread the boneyard out at random around the table. We recommend placing it in one area so it doesn't give away who has to draw from the boneyard the most or least.
• Use a coin to indicate a marked train that is open for others to play on. A player's marked train should use the same or similar indicator as everyone else's.

A rectangular table requires some additional reaching

Rectangular tables may require the person at the end to reach the most or struggle to see the trains or train token positions in the middle of the table. If you can, position players along each side facing each other first. If you have eight players, then use the ends.

Let's assume in this diagram the player in the red chair is again holding the starting double. Play continues in a clockwise order.

• Position the starting double, public Mexican Train, and a line for each player's own train in the center of the table.
• You can position the boneyard in one area, or spread the boneyard out at random around the table. We recommend placing it in one area so it doesn't give away who has to draw from the boneyard the most or least.
• Use a coin to indicate a marked train that is open for others to play on. A marked train should use the same or similar indicator as everyone else's.
• Be careful to position your tiles away from the other players. You may consider shorter rows angled toward you, or placing them face-down when you know you don’t need them right away.

In both layouts, there’s plenty of room for drinks and snacks, too!

How to Play Mexican Train Dominoes

Set Up the Game

Choose a set of dominoes appropriate for the number of players. We've compiled some rules with variations depending on player count. But generally with a double-12 domino set:

• If 2-4 players, draw 15 dominoes
• If 5-6 players, draw 12 dominoes
• If 7-8 players, draw 11 dominoes

If you have access to multiple sets:

• For 2 to 3 players, use a double-9 set; each player starts with eight dominoes
• For 4 to 6 players, use a double-12 set; each player starts with 12 dominoes
• For 7 to 8 players, use a double-12 set; each player starts with 10 dominoes
• For 9 to12 players, use a double-15 set; each player starts with 11 dominoes
• For 13 to 14 players, use a double-18 set; each player starts with 11 dominoes

Find the double domino to serve as the "engine" for the duration of the game. This double tile will be the highest double domino in the set being used. So, if you’re using a double-12 set (recommended for 4 to 8 players), the initial engine will be the double 12|12 domino.

Want to practice before you start playing with others?

Play Mexican Train Dominoes online or in-app on iOS and Android. They’re all free to play against challenging computer players. Because screens aren’t tables, our layouts use a linear rectangular setup to maximize the screen space and show tiles as large as possible. You also don’t have to worry about your competitors seeing your tiles!