
Mexican Train Dominoes: A Family Board Game You’ll Love
Anyone who knows me or follows this site knows that we love playing board games as a family! One of our favourite things to do it go out for a nice lunch and take a board game to play. We also love big family get togethers, so finding board games that we can play with different generations is a real win for us.
When it comes to family board games, Mexican Train Dominoes stands out as one of my all-time favourites.
Why Mexican Train Dominoes is Perfect for Families
One of the best features of Mexican Train Dominoes is how inclusive it is. We’ve been playing this game for years, starting when my daughter was about six years old, and it’s always been a family favourite. Here’s why it works so well for all ages:
- Simple Rules: The gameplay is straightforward, making it easy for kids to understand. Players are dealt 14 domino tiles, each displaying two numbers, similar to a standard set of dominoes. The goal is to create a “train” of connected tiles by matching the numbers. The first person to get rid of all their tiles wins!
- Visual Appeal for Kids: With brightly coloured numbers on each tile, children can quickly grasp the concept without needing to count or do complex calculations. The visual cues make it accessible, even for younger players.
- Promotes Strategy and Teamwork: Each player has their own train, but there’s also a communal track called the “Mexican Train.” Players can choose to either help each other progress or focus on their own strategy to win. It’s a great way to teach kids about cooperation, tactics, and friendly competition.
How to Play Mexican Train Dominoes
The concept is simple but keeps you engaged:
- Each player starts with around 14 domino tiles.
- A double-number tile is placed in the centre to act as the starting point.
- Players build their “trains” by matching numbers to the central tile, creating a line of connected dominoes.
- In addition to their own trains, players can add tiles to the communal “Mexican Train,” which is open for everyone.
- The first player to run out of tiles wins!
- The remaining players then need to count up their score, this means counting every dot on each domino and writing down that number. The overall winner of the game, if you are playing multiple rounds, is the person with the lowest score.
Why We Love Mexican Train Dominoes
What makes this game truly special is its ability to create fun memories wherever we go. It’s portable enough to fit into a sports bag, so we bring it along on outings, trips, and sleepovers. The tactile feel of the tiles, the thrill of planning your next move, and the giggles from a shared experience make this game an absolute must-have.
Tips for Playing with Kids
If you’re introducing Mexican Train Dominoes to younger players, here are some tips to make it even more enjoyable:
- Use teamwork to help them learn the rules and navigate their tiles.
- Highlight the bright colours and explain the matching concept visually.
- Let them decide when to add to the communal train to build confidence in their decision-making skills.
- Start off with a smaller amount of tiles. 14 tiles can be quite a lot to look at and sort out, maybe start with 6 to begin with and see how you get on. You may find it easier with more dominoes as them you have a higher chance of being able to play your next move.
Conclusion: Should You Try Mexican Train Dominoes?
If you’re searching for a family board game that’s portable, fun, and suitable for all ages, Mexican Train Dominoes is a great choice. It’s easy to learn, encourages both strategy and teamwork, and creates unforgettable moments with your loved ones.
Whether you’re playing with young kids, teens, or adults, this game is guaranteed to bring smiles and good times. So why not give it a try? Pack it up for your next family outing or game night—you won’t regret it!
If you are looking for some more inspiration for family board games you can see some more of my reviews below:
2. Sequence
3. Game of Life