Dominoes Variants Mexican Train, Chickenfoot & More
The playing of doubles and covering requirements are subject to significant variance depending on individual custom and the rules in use, so the basic rules presented here are based on a consensus reading of the different rule sets, biased toward the earliest rules, published in 1994 by Galt and Parsons and updated in 2012 by Bauguess. For example, if the double-9 domino is the engine and the 9-6 domino is played to start the Mexican Train, the next domino to extend the Mexican Train must have one end with a 6. It is metaphorically on a siding, physically represented by disconnecting it from the station hub, in a place convenient to all players. If a player is deemed to have made a strategic error the highest score of that round is added to theirs. During their turn, a player may choose to play a domino on any train currently marked public, regardless of whether it is possible to play on their own private train.BR 2
Each player takes a turn, mirroring the first player’s first move by playing one tile starting from the station hub in a direction that leads toward their seat. The double-blank is used for the final round; however, players may agree to play fewer rounds in a complete game, especially when sets larger than double-nine are used. In each successive round the next lower double is used until all doubles are used. For example, under the 1994 Galt rules, in a 3-player game using the double-twelve set of 91 dominoes, the players collectively hold 45 tiles, leaving 46 tiles in the “boneyard”. Because the station or hub usually is designed for eight spokes, the maximum number of players is eight, although additional spokes may be laid in between slots to accommodate more players, using larger domino sets.
The number of bones pulled by each player depends on the number of players. Dominoes are also often referred to as bones and tiles. The length of the game depends on the size of the domino set used and the number of players. Chicken Foot is played in “rounds,” one round for each double domino in the set. It’s a thrilling race that combines strategy with a dash of luck. Gather around for a riveting game of strategy and luck with the Mexican Train Deluxe Dominoes Set with Bonus Chickenfoot Game!
What Are Mexican Train and Chicken Foot Dominoes?
After the starting double has been placed, during the opening phase, each player simultaneously starts and extends their private train, using as many dominoes in their hand as possible. There are a number of other versions of the rules for Mexican Train, varying the number of dominoes drawn by each player, the rules for playing doubles, or the number of tiles that can be played during one turn. Any player may start the Mexican Train by playing one domino with an end matching the engine (i.e., the double in the station hub placed at the beginning of the round); subsequent players may add to the train, as long as the domino played matches the free end of the Mexican Train.
- Each player will need some sort of marker (coins are a common choice), as well as a spare marker.
- As a result, trains can become quite long, especially with an extended domino set.
- In Mexican Train, the double-blank (0-0) is worth zero points, just like any other tile with zero pips on both ends.
- Mexican Train calls the draw pile the “boneyard.” The term comes from the image of a pile of bones (dominoes) that players dig through when they need a tile.
- During their turn, a player may choose to play a domino on any train currently marked public, regardless of whether it is possible to play on their own private train.BR 2
Conclusion: Are Mexican Train and Chicken Foot the Same?
While both games are enjoyable and challenging in their own right, Chicken Foot tends to appeal to more experienced players who enjoy strategic puzzle-solving. Another significant difference between the two games is the level of complexity and strategy involved. Additionally, Chicken Foot often involves special rules, such as “wild” dominoes or unique scoring systems, which are not found in traditional Mexican Train. This starting layout requires players to think strategically about how to build upon the existing tiles and create connections between them. In contrast, Chicken Foot starts with a more complex layout, featuring a central “chicken foot” shape composed of multiple dominoes. Players then take turns laying down dominoes that match the numbers on the engine, creating a chain of tiles that resembles a train.
Chicken Foot Strategies
Every other player then counts the total pips on their remaining tiles, and that number is added to their running score for the game. A round ends when one player plays the last tile from their hand, or when the boneyard is empty and no player can make a legal play. If it cannot be played, you pass your turn and your private train becomes open for other players to use.
This rule can slow the game down dramatically, especially when multiple doubles are played in quick succession. Unlike Mexican Train, where every player immediately starts their own separate train, Chicken Foot has everyone building off the same central layout. The highest double in the set (double-nine for a standard set) is placed in the center of the table. Chicken Foot shares the same basic turn structure but plays out on the table in a very different way. After all thirteen rounds have been played (from double-twelve down to double-blank), the player with the lowest total score wins.
In a game with three or more players, the last single domino is left in the chicken yard. In a two player game, the last two dominoes are left in the chicken yard. However, an earlier version of these rules states that only two doubles may be played in a single turn, and the covering domino for one of the doubles must be one already held; it may not be drawn. When this variation is used, for example, a player could play a double on a public train, then “cover” it by playing another domino on their private train; the following player(s) are then responsible to play against the double on the public train. While playing on each public train, the player may choose to play on the Mexican train or skip it when he comes to it, making the placement of the train somewhat strategical.
What are the main differences between Mexican Train and Chicken Foot?
- Second, if no one at the table is able to play a domino, the round is over.
- Just like Mexican Train has a boneyard, Chicken Foot has a draw pile called the chicken yard.
- The way doubles are handled is the single biggest gameplay difference between Mexican Train and Chicken Foot, and it completely changes how each game feels.
- The actual number drawn depends on the number of players, domino set in use, and rule variation in use.
- Unlike Mexican Train, where every player immediately starts their own separate train, Chicken Foot has everyone building off the same central layout.
Uses curved tiles that create a winding layout on the table. More open ends means more scoring opportunities and more complex board states. Similar to All Fives, but all doubles are spinners (playable on four sides). This dual scoring system makes every play a math puzzle. This transforms the game into a sharper strategic contest where blocking is a primary weapon. Identical to Draw except there is no boneyard draw — if you cannot play, you pass.
Players match open ends and draw from the boneyard when they cannot play. From the strategic depth of Block play to the festive chaos of Chickenfoot, there is a variant for every group size, skill level, and mood. Roy and Katie Parsons developed and copyrighted rules for Train in 1994, and sold production rights to Puremco, who marketed the game as Mexican Train, packaging a double twelve domino set with rules for eight games. Blanks typically score zero points, but each blank could be scored as 25 points, with the double blank domino scoring 50 points.
If they are unable to match, they draw from the chicken yard. This is called the chicken yard, and it is used as a draw pile during the game. Mix them up and begin going around the table taking turns to draw one domino at a time. Begin by placing the entire set of double nine dominoes face down in the center of the table. Block Dominoes Rules — Complete Guide The no-draw variant that emphasizes blocking strategy. All Fives Dominoes (Muggins) Rules Complete rules for the scoring-focused variant.
There are six rounds in two-player games and 12 in three or four-player games. Just like in Chicken Foot dominoes, you start by placing the highest double domino on the table. Each player will need some sort of marker (coins are a common choice), as well as a spare marker. Remember that you want to be the lowest scoring player, so emptying your hand is the goal. At this stage, you add up the remaining pips in your hand to calculate your points. As always, you must draw from the boneyard (or chickenyard, in this case) if you can’t play a domino from your hand.
Elements of strategy
Different sets have varying numbers of dominoes to play with, and a different maximum number of spots or ‘pips’ on the domino. Once you know that there are no longer three free bones to complete the chickie, you control when the round ends by playing the chickie. One strategy is to try to keep high value exposed ends covered which prevents other players from chickie-ing them. The game ends when one player plays his last bone or when all players have consecutively passed or the chicken yard is empty.
The game typically runs for ten rounds if using a double-nine set, starting with the double-nine and working down to the double-blank. Remaining players count pips on their unplayed tiles and add that to their score. Unlike Mexican Train, there is no penalty of an “open train” because there are no private trains in Chicken Foot. If you cannot play a tile on your turn, you draw from the chicken yard.
Chicken Foot strategy centers around controlling the layout through doubles. Sometimes you draw strategically to find a tile that lets you keep playing on the Mexican Train while keeping your private train options open. Neither competitor article I found covers strategy differences in any depth, which is a shame because the strategic landscape of each game is quite different. Mexican Train calls the draw pile the “boneyard.” The term comes from the image of a pile of bones (dominoes) that players dig through when they need a tile. One bad round will not necessarily eliminate you, but a string of high-scoring rounds will put you in a hole that is tough to escape. This makes doubles a strategic asset rather than a liability, since playing one effectively gives you two turns in a row.
The Boneyard
Once a player cannot play on the next public train, or has looped around to their own train, their turn ends. Each public train must be played on in order to continue in this manner, and only one tile per train may be played (unless a double must be finished). A player who can play on their own train may also play one tile on each subsequent public train in clockwise order.
Playing doubles
Despite these differences, both games share a common spirit and require similar strategic thinking chicken train and problem-solving skills. For example, Chicken Foot typically involves a “chicken foot”-shaped starting layout, whereas Mexican Train starts with a simple train-shaped layout. However, the relationship between the two games is not immediately clear, and many players are left wondering if they are the same game or two distinct entities.
However, the station piece is not strictly needed, and anything from coins to poker chips to even pieces of candy or slips of paper can be used as markers. Many sets of dominoes include a station and special train-shaped tokens for markers, and packaged games with a central “station” and custom tokens are available, along with pads to help keep score. However, the game can be played without the Mexican train; such variants are generally called “private trains” or “domino trains”. Alternatively, you could incorporate special rules from Chicken Foot, such as “wild” dominoes or unique scoring systems, into a traditional game of Mexican Train. Additionally, Chicken Foot’s emphasis on strategic planning and adaptability can foster a sense of camaraderie and teamwork, as players work together to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. Chicken Foot, on the other hand, is often more appealing to experienced players who enjoy strategic challenges and complex puzzles.
DOMINO SET REQUIRED: Double Nine
Mexican Train gives each player their own line to manage and a shared public train to use strategically. The station hub and train markers add a tactile element that many players enjoy. The chicken toes mechanic creates natural pauses in the action that can feel like a grind, especially in the later rounds when the doubles have higher pip values. You want to play doubles when you have tiles ready to fill the resulting toes, so you are not forced to draw from the chicken yard.
Other Notable Variants
If the drawn tile can be played, you may play it immediately. If you cannot play a tile on any available train, you must draw one tile from the boneyard. This creates a fun dynamic where you sometimes help yourself and sometimes block opponents. The player holding the engine tile goes first and must play it to open the station. The engine tile is placed in the center hub at the start of the round. Some Chicken Foot sets include a starter tile, but many players simply use one of the doubles from the set to begin the round.
The Chicken Yard
That single distinction changes how doubles work, how strategy unfolds, and even what you call the pile of leftover tiles. The game generally ends when all the doubles in the domino set are used as the starting double for a round. But if, at any time, you can’t play a domino and you can’t draw a playable one from the boneyard, you must put your marker back on your train, making it public again. If at any point you play a domino on your own personal train, you can remove the marker if the train was public, stopping other players from adding to it. All other dominoes go face down in the ‘chicken yard’ (it’s like a boneyard, but with chickens).
Domino Sets
And both can be played with the same domino set, making them a perfect pair for game night. If you are completely new to dominoes, start with Mexican Train and then try Chicken Foot once you are comfortable with the basic matching mechanic. You have newer players at the table who might find the branching rules of Chicken Foot confusing at first. You like the idea of managing your own train while keeping an eye on what opponents are doing.
For example, if Player B places a domino on a public train with Player A’s marker, that does not force that train to become private for Player B; when Player A’s turn comes, after Player A makes a valid play on that public train, only then will it become private. Only the player whose marker is on a public train can turn the train private by making a valid play on that train and lifting the marker. The marker on a public train can only be removed by the marker’s owner to make it private, and there is one marker per player. To designate when a train is private, the marker may either be removed altogether or moved to the station hub, depending on the rules. In other rule variations, during the opening phase, players may start and build their private trains by using as many dominoes as possible from their hand, radiating out from the station hub towards their seats, instead of placing a single domino.