how to play moon dominoes

3 min read 04-02-2025

Meta Description: Learn how to play Moon Dominoes, a fun and challenging variation of the classic game! This comprehensive guide covers setup, gameplay, scoring, and winning strategies. Perfect for beginners and experienced domino players alike!

What are Moon Dominoes?

Moon Dominoes, also known as Mexican Train Dominoes, is a fast-paced, exciting variation of the traditional domino game. It involves more players and a central "train" of dominoes, adding a strategic layer of complexity. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to start playing.

Getting Started: Setting Up for Moon Dominoes

1. The Dominoes:

You'll need a standard double-six set of dominoes (28 tiles total). Some variations use double-nine sets, but double-six is the most common.

2. The Players:

Moon Dominoes is best played with 3-8 players. More players make the game more chaotic and exciting!

3. The Mexican Train:

This is the heart of Moon Dominoes. Before starting, place one domino face up in the center of the playing area. This will be the starting point of the "Mexican Train." This domino should be a double (e.g., double-blank, double-three, etc.).

Gameplay: The Flow of the Game

1. Dealing the Dominoes:

Each player draws a set number of dominoes, usually seven. The remaining dominoes form the "boneyard"—the draw pile.

2. Your Turn:

Players take turns trying to match either end of the Mexican Train or their own personal "train." To match, you must place a domino where its open end matches the open end of a train. For instance, if the train ends in a "5," you'd place a domino with a "5" on one end.

3. Building Your Personal Train:

Once you play a domino on the Mexican Train, you immediately start building your own personal train. It functions the same way as the Mexican Train, except it's exclusively your own.

4. Drawing from the Boneyard:

If you can't play a domino, you must draw one from the boneyard. If you still can't play after drawing, your turn ends.

5. Blocking:

If you play a domino that leaves no possible matches for the next player, that's a strategic block!

Scoring and Winning Moon Dominoes

1. Scoring:

The game ends when one player plays all their dominoes. This player scores zero. The remaining players count the pips (dots) on their remaining dominoes. These pip totals are added up and these points are then scored against the winning player. This allows for a negative score for the winner.

2. Winning:

The first player to reach a predetermined score (often 100 or 150) wins the game. Note that it's possible to win with a negative score if you play all your dominoes and the other players have many points.

Tips and Strategies for Moon Dominoes Mastery

Observe the Boneyard: Pay attention to which dominoes have been drawn. This gives you an idea of what tiles might still be available.
Block Strategically: Don't just play to get rid of your dominoes; think about how to prevent other players from making moves.
Manage Your Train: Don't let your personal train become too long and unwieldy. It makes it harder to play.
Practice Makes Perfect: The more you play, the better you'll understand the game's nuances.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I play a double on my personal train?

A: Yes, you can always play doubles on your personal train.

Q: What happens if the boneyard is empty?

A: If the boneyard is empty and no one can play, the game ends, and points are tallied as usual.

Q: Can I play a domino on the Mexican Train if I've already played on my personal train?

A: Yes, you can play on either your train or the Mexican train on your turn provided you have a match.

Conclusion

Moon Dominoes is a thrilling game that combines luck and strategy. With a little practice, you’ll be able to master the art of the Mexican Train and outmaneuver your opponents. So grab your dominoes and get ready for some fun!