Mexican Train: The Game I Apparently Was the Last to Hear About

Let me ask you something: Has everyone been out here playing Mexican Train dominos without telling me? Because I just met this game last weekend, and I’m feeling a little betrayed that no one slipped me a note sooner.

Picture it: a pre–Super Bowl hangout with friends, snacks everywhere, and someone casually pulls out a set of dominos that look like they were designed by Crayola on a sugar high. I’m thinking, Oh cute, dominos — I used to play with my dad when I was little. But no. This wasn’t that dominos. This was dominos with strategy, chaos, color, and just enough luck to make you question your life choices.

There were five of us playing, and once I caught on (which took a minute because apparently my brain was still warming up), I was hooked. Like, “one more round and then I really have to go” hooked. And then I’d play one more. And then one more after that. At some point I think I blacked out and became a competitive athlete.

Naturally, the second I actually left, I ordered my own set. Because that’s who I am as a person. And let me tell you — the options online? Wild. You can get dominos in every color, size, pattern, and level of extra. If you want a set that looks like it belongs in a Vegas lounge, it exists.

My set arrived this weekend, and the S.O. and I decided to break it in. We told ourselves we’d just play for fun. Sure. Uh‑huh. Next thing you know, we’re keeping score like it’s the Olympics. And not to brag… but I won. (Okay, maybe to brag a little.)

So, here’s my official recommendation from one cozy‑chaos enthusiast to another: If you’re looking for a fun game for two or a whole group, get yourself a Mexican Train set. It’s easy to learn, addictive in the best way, and guaranteed to bring out your competitive-but-cute side.

You can thank me later.

Preferably after one more round.