How to use this score sheet
Type each player's name, choose your domino set and press Start game. The sheet shows the double that starts each round, so nobody has to remember whether you're on the 9s or the 8s.
At the end of a round, give each player their score. You can type the number, or press Count tiles and tap the two ends of every domino still in that player's hand; the sheet adds up the pips. The player who went out presses Out and scores zero. When everyone has a score, press Save round.
Made a mistake? Tap any earlier round in the table to change it. Your game saves on this device as you go, so closing the tab or locking your phone won't lose it. Share game gives you a code, link and QR code; anyone who opens it sees the scores update live on their own phone as you save each round. And Print sheet gives you a paper copy, filled in or blank.
How scoring works in Mexican Train
A game has one round for every double in the set, played from the highest double down to double-blank. A double-12 set gives 13 rounds (12-12 down to 0-0); a double-9 set gives 10; a double-15 set gives 16; a double-6 set gives 7.
A round ends when one player plays their last domino, or when nobody can play and the boneyard is empty. Every other player then adds up the dots (pips) on the dominoes left in their hand, and that number is their score for the round. The player who went out scores zero. After the last round, the player with the lowest total wins.
The double-blank house rule
The official count for the double-blank is zero, which means it's a nice tile to get stuck with. Many families make it hurt instead, counting it as 25 or 50. Pick your rule under Double-blank counts as before you start; the tile counter uses it automatically.
| Set | Rounds | First double |
|---|---|---|
| Double-6 | 7 | 6-6 |
| Double-9 | 10 | 9-9 |
| Double-12 | 13 | 12-12 |
| Double-15 | 16 | 15-15 |
Questions
Who wins Mexican Train, the highest or lowest score?
The lowest. Points are the pips you were left holding, so a low total means you kept going out or kept your hand light. The sheet marks the current leader in green.
How many points is a double-blank worth?
Zero under the usual rules. Common house rules make it 25 or 50. Choose before the game starts so the counter and the totals agree with the table.
Can we play fewer rounds?
Yes. Press End game now whenever you like and the totals so far decide the winner. Some groups play only the even doubles for a shorter evening.
How many players can use this?
Two to eight, which covers a double-12 set comfortably. With a double-15 set larger groups work too; add up to eight names here.
Do I need an app or an account?
No. It runs in your browser, works without a signal once it's loaded, and nothing you type leaves your device unless you choose to share the game.
Can everyone follow the scores on their own phone?
Yes. Press Share game and the others scan the QR code or open the link. They see every round as soon as you save it, with no app or account. Only the scorekeeper's phone can change scores.
Can I print a Mexican Train score sheet?
Yes. Print sheet prints this game with names and scores filled in. Print blank sheet prints an empty sheet with every round's double down the side, sized for your set.