A double-9 set has 55 tiles and goes up to 9 dots on a side. A double-12 set has 91 tiles and goes up to 12. For Mexican Train with 4 or more people, a double-12 set is the one to get: it’s the standard, it plays 13 rounds, and it handles up to 8 players. A double-9 set is smaller, plays 10 rounds, and is great for 2 to 4 players or for Chicken Foot.
The two sets side by side
| Double-6 | Double-9 | Double-12 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tiles in the set | 28 | 55 | 91 |
| Biggest tile | 6-6 (12 dots) | 9-9 (18 dots) | 12-12 (24 dots) |
| Dots in the whole set | 168 | 495 | 1,092 |
| Tiles with each number | 7 | 10 | 13 |
| Mexican Train rounds | 7 | 10 | 13 |
| Best for | 2 to 4 players | 2 to 6 players | 2 to 8 players |
Why 55 and 91?
A domino set has one tile for every pair of numbers, from blank-blank up to the highest double. A double-9 set uses the numbers 0 through 9, which makes 55 tiles. A double-12 set adds 10, 11 and 12, which brings it to 91 tiles. Each number shows up on 10 tiles in a double-9 set and 13 tiles in a double-12 set.
How many rounds you’ll play
In Mexican Train you play one round for each double, counting down to the double-blank. So a double-12 set plays 13 rounds and a double-9 set plays 10 rounds. A double-6 set plays 7. Short on time with a big set? Just stop early and go by the lowest total.
How many tiles each player draws
For a double-12 set, the usual Mexican Train numbers are 15 tiles each for 2 to 4 players, 12 each for 5 or 6, and 10 each for 7 or 8.
For a double-9 set, printed rule sheets disagree quite a bit. Here’s a good starting point that leaves a nice pile to draw from:
| Players | Double-9 (a starting point) |
|---|---|
| 2 | 12 to 15 each |
| 3 | 10 to 12 each |
| 4 | 10 each |
| 5 or 6 | 7 or 8 each |
The real rule is simple: everyone draws the same number, and you leave a good pile in the boneyard.
Which set should you buy?
- Mexican Train with 4 or more people: get a double-12 set. It’s the standard for Mexican Train, and it gives everyone enough tiles to build a good train.
- Two or three players: either one works. A double-9 set is smaller and quicker, and a double-12 set gives you the full 13-round game.
- Chicken Foot: a double-9 set is the usual choice. See how Chicken Foot is different.
- A big group or an activity room: a double-12 set handles up to 8. For even bigger groups, you can set up two tables, or look for a double-15 set (136 tiles).
- Travel: a double-6 or double-9 set is lighter and takes up less room on a small table.
Colored dots make it easier
Counting 11 dots from across the table is hard on anyone’s eyes. Many double-9 and double-12 sets have colored dots, with each number in its own color, so you can match by color at a glance. Kids catch on faster, and grandparents will thank you. Some sets use printed numbers instead of dots, which are even easier to read.
A few other things are nice to have: a hub to hold the engine, a small train marker for each player, and a score sheet.
No set at home? Play Mexican Train free in your browser - the tiles are big and easy to read.