Every Mexican Train set is a domino set plus two extras: a hub for the center and small train markers. The choice that matters is the size of the domino set, because it decides how many people can play comfortably and how long a round takes.
This is a researched equipment guide. We have not handled or tested the sets mentioned here. Tile counts below are arithmetic, not marketing, and the product details come from the seller’s listing and the manufacturer’s rule insert, checked on September 17, 2026.
How big is a domino set?
A “double-N” set holds every pair of numbers from blank to N, each combination once. The count follows one formula, so you can check any listing yourself: (N + 1) × (N + 2) ÷ 2.
| Set | Tiles | Highest tile | Pips on the highest tile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double-6 | 28 | 6-6 | 12 |
| Double-9 | 55 | 9-9 | 18 |
| Double-12 | 91 | 12-12 | 24 |
| Double-15 | 136 | 15-15 | 30 |
If a listing says “double-12” and “91 tiles,” the numbers agree. If it says double-12 and 90, something is missing or miscounted.
Which set for how many players
The rule sheets disagree slightly, which is useful: they bracket the sensible range.
| Source | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Spin Master rule insert | Double-12 for 2 to 8 players; double-9 or double-6 “for a fast paced game,” drawing fewer tiles so some remain in the boneyard |
| Joe Celko, Pagat | Double-6 for four or fewer, double-9 for four or five, double-12 for six or more |
| mexicantrain.com, two-player page | Double-9 with 8 tiles each for two players |
For a table that is mostly two to four people, a double-9 set is enough and rounds stay short. For a family gathering that can reach eight, buy the double-12. Read our rules guide for the draw tables that go with each.
How many tiles each player draws
The two published draw tables for a double-12 set:
| Players | Spin Master insert | Pagat reference |
|---|---|---|
| 2 to 4 | 15 | 15 |
| 5 or 6 | 12 | 12 |
| 7 or 8 | 11 | 10 |
Four players drawing 15 from 91 tiles leaves a boneyard of 31. Eight players drawing 11 leaves three. That is why the largest tables use the biggest set and still run out of draws.
What is in the box besides dominoes
- Hub or station: a center piece with a slot for the engine and sidings for each train. The Spin Master insert describes a hub with eight sidings, matching its 2-to-8-player range. A set without a hub still works; use a coin for the engine and fan the trains out.
- Train markers: one per player plus one for the Mexican Train. Sets usually include small plastic trains; pennies do the same job.
- Case: tins and folding cases protect the tiles and make the set portable. Ninety-one tiles loose in a bag are the reason most people buy a tin.
- Rule sheet: follow the one in your box for the first game, then compare it with the reference rules. Our rules guide lists where the sheets differ.
Numbers or pips?
Traditional tiles show pips (dots). Many double-12 sets print colored pips, and some sets print numerals instead, sold as “large number” or “easy read” editions. With up to 12 pips per half-tile, numerals are easier to count across a table; pips look classic. Neither is wrong, but a table that mixes players who count pips and players who read numbers will be slower. Check the listing photos for which style a set uses; we have no handling test to add.
The set we list, and why
This is the set that appeared in Amazon’s Domino & Tile Games bestseller list when we surveyed it on September 9, 2026, and whose rule insert we quote throughout these guides. It is listed because it is common and documented, not because we have tested it.
Double-12 set in a metal case · 2 to 8 players
From the manufacturer’s insert: double-twelve dominoes, a hub with eight sidings, 2 to 8 players, draw 15/12/11 tiles. Confirm on the listing that train markers are included in the edition you order.
Check the selected edition, current offer and contents on Amazon before ordering. Listings change; our figures are from September 17, 2026.
A checklist for comparing two listings
- Set size and tile count: double-9 is 55, double-12 is 91. Both numbers should appear and agree.
- Hub: included or not, and how many sidings.
- Markers: how many, and one extra for the Mexican Train.
- Pips or numerals: from the photos, and whether pips are colored.
- Tile size: stated dimensions, if you have players who prefer larger tiles.
- Case: tin, folding box or bag; whether tiles sit in a tray.
- Rule sheet: present, and which version of the doubles rule it uses.
Sources
- Spin Master domino rule insert, Mexican Train section: player range, draw table, hub description; supplied with the double-twelve set listed above.
- Mexican Train, Pagat: 91-tile double-12 set, draw table.
- Variant notes, Joe Celko on Pagat: set size by player count.
- Two-player guide, mexicantrain.com: double-9 for two.
Rules first, then the box. How to play Mexican Train takes you from the engine to the last tile, including the three versions of the doubles rule.