FAQ

How many dominoes do you start with in Mexican Train?

How many dominoes each player starts with depends on the set and the number of players. For the standard double-12 set (91 dominoes), a table of 4 or fewer players most often deals 15 each in one published method, while the table printed in most boxed sets deals 12 each to 4 to 6 players. Both published tables are below, labeled, so your table can pick one and deal. The free score keeper shows the count inline when you set up a game.

Table one: the double-12 counts, by players

This is the starting table published by the long-running domino rules site Pagat for a double-12 set. It deals more tiles to small tables.

Up to 4 players: 15 each. Four players take 60 of the 91 tiles, leaving a healthy boneyard of 31.

5 or 6 players: 12 each. Six players take 72 tiles, leaving 19 in the boneyard.

7 or 8 players: 10 each. Eight players take 80 tiles, leaving 11 to draw from.

9 or 10 players: 8 each. Ten players take 80 tiles. Hands are short and rounds move fast.

Table two: the table most boxed sets print

Most boxed sets print a set selection table instead. It starts from the size of the group, picks the set, and then gives the deal. This is the table that comes in the tin for a lot of families.

Double-9 set, 2 to 3 players: 8 each. A double-9 set has 55 tiles. Three players take 24, leaving plenty to draw.

Double-12 set, 4 to 6 players: 12 each. Six players take 72 of the 91 tiles, the same deal as table one at this size.

Double-12 set, 7 to 8 players: 10 each. The same deal as table one again.

Double-15 set, 9 to 12 players: 11 each. A double-15 set has 136 tiles. Twelve players take 132, which is nearly the whole set, so expect a thin boneyard and blocked rounds.

Where the two tables disagree

The two published ways of dealing agree for most table sizes. They differ in exactly one spot: a small double-12 game. Table one deals 15 each to a table of up to 4 players. The boxed set table deals 12 each to 4 to 6 players. For a 4-player game, that is a difference of three tiles a hand: 15 starting tiles and a 31-tile boneyard, or 12 starting tiles and a 43-tile boneyard.

Neither table is wrong. Dealing 15 makes opening runs longer and first turns busier. Dealing 12 leaves more tiles to draw, so more turns involve the boneyard and more trains get marked open. Say so plainly at the table: either works if the table agrees before the first deal. The only bad version is two players at the same table dealing from different tables in their heads.

Why tables disagree about this at all

Three reasons, and none of them is anyone cheating. First, sets differ: a double-9 set has 55 tiles, a double-12 has 91, and a double-15 has 136, so a deal that works for one set cannot work for another. Second, the game is a folk game: it spread table to table and box to box, and each publisher printed the deal that suited the set in their box. Third, houses differ: a weekly club that has played together for years settles on a deal and keeps it, and a guest table plays whatever the host's set says. The fix is always the same. Pick a table, say the number out loud, and deal.

Which set to buy for your group size

2 to 3 players: a double-9 set is enough, and cheaper. Deal 8 each.

4 to 8 players: a double-12 set is the standard Mexican Train set and the right buy for almost every table. Deal 12 to 15 each for small tables by the tables above, 12 each for 5 or 6, and 10 each for 7 or 8.

9 to 12 players: a double-15 set, 11 each. Expect long rounds. Some big groups split into two double-12 tables instead, which many players honestly prefer.

More buying detail, including tile size, hubs, markers, and typical prices, is on the best sets page. The full game is on the rules page.