Dominoes «Mexican Train» has long ceased to be just a board game. This is a small adventure in which each tile is like a passenger on the route of friendship, excitement, and strategic thinking. But to make the trip a success, it’s important to choose the right ticket, that is, the set.

Unsuccessful choice can spoil the impression: too few tiles for a large company, uncomfortable small dice, lack of markers or a central hub and here is not a game, but disappointment. And a properly selected set will make the evening cozy, lively, and memorable.

Understanding the types of domino sets

Before you choose, you need to have at least a cursory understanding of the game itself. Making sure you are familiar with the rules of Mexican dominoes is the starting point. Because understanding the mechanics directly depends on which set will suit you. Here, it’s like a good story — it’s important to start with the right scale.

• Double-6 (28 tiles)
  

Small but mighty? Alas, not in the case of the Mexican train. Such a set is good only for a warm evening for two or, at most, three people. It’s a little cramped for a train. It is more often used for other classic games.

• Double-9 (55 tiles)
  

Already more interesting. Such a set is suitable for a company of three to five people. If the game is just an excuse to get together and not a claim for the championship title, this is a worthy choice. It’s light, casual, and not overpowering.

• Double-12 (91 tiles)
  

The golden mean and a proven classic. This is the one most often chosen by families, friends, and just those who want to really immerse themselves in the game. It accommodates up to 8 players, keeps the momentum going and doesn’t overload with rules.

• Double-15 or Double-18
  

Real giants. These sets are for those who want the table to buzz like a rush hour train station. Lots of tiles, lots of people, lots of everything. But it will be difficult for a beginner here: it is easy to get confused and lost, and you can get tired faster than expected.

Tip: If you don’t know where to start, start with Double-12. It’s like your first good guitar: it sounds decent and doesn’t break your fingers.

Check the package

Not all that glitters is gold, and not every domino kit is worth the money. To avoid disappointment, it’s worth checking the set carefully. Here’s what to look out for:

• The tiles: how many are in the set, what material they are made of, and whether they have bright-colored dots on them. Tiles are not just elements of the game; they are what each player holds in their hands, and their heaviness and texture can say a lot about their quality.
• The central hub: this element, like the "engine" of the game, plays the role of the heartbeat of the whole process. It is responsible for the movement of the "train", and without it everything somehow loses its meaning.
• Markers: train symbols that players use to mark their moves. They can be plastic, wooden, and sometimes even metal — it is important that they are comfortable and pleasant to the touch.
• Storage: the box in which the tiles are stored. It can be made of plastic, tin, or wood, but most importantly — it should not only protect the contents but also be pleasing to the eye so that every time you open the box, you experience a little pleasure.

Tip: Get a set with a complete set. Otherwise, you will have to look for markers and hubs separately, and this can turn into a difficult task that can destroy the spirit of the game.

Tile size and convenience

Domino tiles come in different sizes: standard, large, and professional. And the larger the tile, the easier it is to see the dots on it. This is especially important for children and elderly players, for whom it is important not only to have convenience, but also clarity of the game. The brighter and more contrasting the color of the dots, the less chance of making a mistake, which means that the game becomes more pleasant and smooth.

The weight of the tiles is also an important point. Plastic tiles are light, but over time they start to cause inconvenience: they may not cause a feeling of reliability in your hands and quickly get boring. Whereas resin or melamine tiles are pleasantly heavy, feel confident in the hand, and create a sense of quality.

Tip: Large tiles are the ideal choice. They balance comfort and size, ensuring comfortable play for all participants without excessive effort in reading and manipulation.

Build quality and materials

Build quality and materials are not just features; they are what determine the atmosphere of the game and its longevity. After all, dominoes are not just a set of tiles; it is an element of family traditions and friendly meetings. Here’s what you should consider when choosing: 

1. Plastic: Lightweight and budget-friendly, but therein lies its weakness. Plastic tiles seem breezily simple, but they scratch quickly and lose their original look. Suitable for those who are just starting out and are not ready to spend a lot. But it is worth remembering: lightness and cheapness, as a rule, cost in the future loss of aesthetics and a sense of quality.
2. Resin or melamine: This is where the magic begins. These materials are beautiful and durable; they won’t let you down in the heat of the game. Resin and melamine create not only comfort but also confidence. Tiles made of these materials are pleasant to hold, are not afraid of scratches, and only become more beautiful over time. They are a worthy choice for those who value quality and are looking for a long-term investment. They are ideal for constant play and family evenings when you want a piece to last for years to come.
3. Wood: Style and luxury. Wooden tiles look stunning; they can be true works of art. However, they are not always practical. Wood requires special care, is easily damaged, and can be a bit heavy in use. For collectors and connoisseurs of aesthetics, wood is a choice that is sure to catch the eye, but for active players, it may not be the ideal choice.

Tip: Resin and melamine are the best choices for those who plan to enjoy playing for years to come. These materials balance quality, durability, and price. Most importantly, they won’t lose their appeal in the future, so there’s something special about them that creates a real family wonderland atmosphere.

How many players will be playing?

How many players will be playing? This question is just as important as the choice of tile material. After all, for each number of players, there is an ideal set that will provide comfort and dynamism to the game. So, how to choose the right one?

• 2-4 people — Double-9: If your company consists of 2-4 people, the Double-9 set will be more than enough. It is a compact and simple set that is perfect for small, not too ambitious games. It perfectly accommodates the basic rules and doesn’t complicate the game with unnecessary tiles. 
• 4-8 Players — Double-12: When the company grows to 4-8 people, it’s time for the Double-12 set. This is a versatile choice that will suit most people, whether they already play dominoes or are just starting out. With 91 tiles on hand, you get enough flexibility in your game but without it feeling chaotic or overwhelming. This set has everything you need to keep the addictive game moving and interesting rather than dragging on.
• 8+ players — only if you know exactly what you’re doing, take Double-15: If your domino night has turned into a real party with lots of people, the Double-15 set is worth thinking about. However, it’s worth realizing that it’s not for beginners and it’s not for everyone. There are as many as 136 tiles in this set, and not every player is ready to tackle that many. It’s a challenge that will only suit those who want a real experience, not just a game. 

Tip: Pick a set based on your social circle. You don’t need to aim for redundancy. Less is sometimes better. Stick to reasonable choices that won’t make the game too complicated but still leave room for fun and excitement. The right set is one that creates a perfect balance between the number of tiles and the number of players.

Style and theme

Dominoes are not just a game but a whole atmosphere. Why not add some beauty and originality? Dominoes can be a real work of art that not only pleases the eye but also brings pleasure in the process of playing. Multicolored tiles can add brightness and liveliness, creating a mood for each game. They can be made in bright, saturated hues that turn a standard set into a real table decoration.

Vintage wooden boxes, like little treasure troves, bring a special charm to the game. These boxes are not only practical but also elegant, adding a kind of retro atmosphere to the game, as if you were traveling through time. These kinds of details can become real legacies, passed down from generation to generation.

Stylized trains are little touches that add character to the game. Metal or wooden trains can become part of the theme you choose. With them, even the simplest move takes on sophistication, and each player feels like they are participating in something more than just a game.

Don't forget about domino holders as well. The look of these accessories can become a real accent on your game table. Well-chosen holders add not only functionality but also aesthetics. They can be made in the same style as the tiles or box, creating a harmonious picture.

Choosing a style and theme for dominoes is a way to add a little personal touch to the game, making it unique and truly yours.

Price and Value

1. Budget: $15-25 — these are often basic plastic sets, without too much fancy stuff. Of course, such sets may not boast exquisite designs, but if you just want to play around, it's quite an option. The tiles are light, sometimes prone to scratches, but for infrequent games, they'll do just fine.
   
2. Middle class: $30-50 — this is where the real fun of the game begins. Full set, quality tiles, decent appearance. These are sets that are perfect for those who play with friends and family on a regular basis. Not only are they reliable, but they're also nice to touch, and the trains and domino holders are often made with attention to detail.
   
3. Premium: $60+ — for true connoisseurs and those who prefer quality. Heavy tiles made of noble materials like resin or even wood give the game a solid feel. They lie confidently in your hands, and their weight and texture give you special pleasure with every move. Such a set lasts a long time and brings pleasure, which is not only in the process of playing but also in the feeling that you have a real work of art in your hands.

Tip: don't skimp on pleasure. The game should bring joy, and this is impossible without quality. It is better to choose something good, even if not the most expensive, but something that will please the eye and hand for many years.

Choosing a Mexican Train set is not just a purchase. It's an investment in cozy evenings, happy faces, and excitement until the last turn. May your train pull from the right station. And may every route be full of fun stops, unexpected twists and turns, and small victories.