Most Asked Questions

DOMINO -GENERAL QUESTIONS
Q-What is the largest size Domino?
A-Tournament size is the largest domino, then jumbo, professional and standard.
How do I know what size domino set to buy?
A- It depends on the number of players. Here's a Guide:
Double-Nine
2 players draw 12 tiles each.
3 players draw 11 tiles each.
4 players draw 10 tiles each
. Double-Twelve
5 players draw 12 tiles each.
6 players draw 11 tiles each.
7 players draw 10 tiles each.
8 players draw 9 tiles each.
Double-Fifteen
9 players draw 12 tiles each.
10 players draw 11 tiles each.
11 players draw 10 tiles each.
12 players draw 9 tiles each.
Double-Eighteen
13 players draw 12 tiles each.
14 players draw 11 tiles each.
15 players draw 10 tiles each.
16 players draw 9 tiles each.
Q-What is the correct amount of tiles to answer a double?
A-This variation causes the most stress when people play this differently. Many people play you only answer the double with one tile. We prefer that you answer the double with three tiles. This dramatically changes the game because doubles now have significant strategic value. You can use them to cause an opponent to have to draw towards the end of the game. You can also play a double early to enhance your opportunities to play because there are three legs. There is no right way- just variations for you to choose.
Q-How do you decide who goes first?
A-We play the person who drove the farthest goes first. Then the person to the right of the person who won,goes on successive rounds. Many people play orderly by rotating who goes next and checking it off on the scorepad
RULES
Q- What's the right way to announce you have one tile?
A- When you get down to one tile, you can tap on the table and/or announce "uno". If you don't tap and is caught by another player you have to draw 2 tiles.
NOTE:This is the rule used by most train groups but we have never played with a group that actually enforces the drawing of two tiles.Most train games are social and not tournament play so it's hard to enforce this rule with friends.Most people just scold the offender and say you didn't say uno. Signally that you have one tile is a courtesy so people know to play their highest points or strategically play a double to make them have to pick.
Q-Can you go out on a double?
A- This ruling is courtesy of Giselle who wrote a set of rules for Mexican Train. At all times,the double must be "Answered". The number of doubles to answer a double varies by group. Most people prefer to have three doubles as the answer. This is what creates a "chickenfoot". Some people also play that you can play all of your doubles on one turn.
A-The biggest dispute is whether if you only have one tile left and it's a double whether you can go out. According to Giselle,you must answer any double. Therefore if you play a double as a last time, you must draw if you can't answer it. So it's strategic to keep the double and it's matching tile in your hand. You won't be calling "uno" or tapping and players will be caught with more points.
DOMINO SETS
Q-I'm just starting out what set should I buy?
A-We recommend a set that has the hub, trains and case. Start out with a lower priced set to get started.
Q-Why do I need racks for dominoes?
A- Dominoes can tip easily when you reach across the table. Plus, it's much easier to see your tiles and organize them.
Q-Why do I need double 15s vs double 12s?
A- If you play with 8 or more players, double 15s allow you to not reduce the number of tiles you select on the opening hand. The rules state you reduce the number based on the number of players. Additionally, other domino games besides Mexican Train can be played with double 15s?
Q-Why would Cardinal brand dominoes change their colors from year to year?
A- GREAT QUESTION ! We don't know, we loved the old color scheme too
Q-We think the colors particularly the 6s and 9s are too similiar in color, what do you suggest?
A-Add a drop of red nail polish or paint to the inside of the circle on the 6,so you can easily tell it apart
Q-Why aren't any domino sets made in the USA?
A-It's all about cost. Unfortunately, we can't make the sets for the same costs in the USA. We make the racks and score pads in the USA.
MEXICAN TRAIN FUN
Q-I had a mistake on my order, you sent the wrong set, what should I do?
A-Send us an email and we will send you the right set and refund you return shipping costs. Unfortunately, this happens more than we would like. This sets come from a foreign country and are not always marked clearly. If your set has been opened and sealed it's because we double-checked your order.
Q-Why do I have to pay for shipping? I don't have to pay for shipping on Amazon<
A-You don't have to pay for shipping on Amazon because Amazon has rates 40% lower than most ecommerce businesses.
Most domino sets are shipped priority mail for $10.95 for a medium flat rate box due to the weight. We only charge $5.50 -$7.50 so shipping is a loss for us. Additionally, we offer fast, courteous, American customer service and will stock all of the domino sets we sell with replacement parts for seven years.
DOMINO -GENERAL QUESTIONS
Q-How Do I Clean a Dirty Domino Tile?
A- Our customers have suggested the following domino cleaning remedies:

• Clean with a clean cloth and baking powder
• Clean with rubbing alcohol
• Get a large bowl, fill with warm water and a few drops of dish soap.
• With a clean sponge, rub dominoes in water trying to take off the residue.
• Transfer to a colander. Run water through dominoes to take off any sticky dish soap residue.
• Dry with paper towel or old rag. Let us know what works for you !
  Q-How Can I tell if I'm missing a tile?
  A-The best way to tell if a domino tile is missing is to lay them out on a table by numbers. You can quickly figure out which tile is missing. Start with blanks, line them all up, then 1s, all lined up There are 91 tiles in a double 12 set, 136 in double 15 set. Here's an example of this layout: https://www.mexicantrainfun.com/front-porch-deluxe-game.html If we sold you the set, send us a note and tell us which tile is missing.
  If you bought it elsewhere, try that seller and if you have issues, simply buy a replacement tile through us. Q-How can I fix a broken domino tile?
  A-If there are Pips that you can still save be extremely careful. Use Krazy glue or any type of a “super” glue to glue the pips back on the domino. You may not want to bother glueing in the pips but rather just paint. Just match the color using acrylic paints (No need to buy a special plastic paint). Use something that dries and will not wash off as soon as you wash the tiles. NEVER WASH TILES WITH HOT WATER - USE COOL.