Sophie Bennett
Chicken Foot and Mexican Train are both domino games that are similar on the surface. However, they differ in their rules, histories, backgrounds, and the number of dominoes used. Chicken Foot is a Tree game where all players play from a single, shared domino, while Mexican Train is a Train game where each player operates with their own private train and a public Mexican Train. In Mexican Train, a double tile must be covered, whereas in Chicken Foot, the next three moves must connect off the double tile, resulting in a chicken toes look. The terminology also differs between the two games.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Game type | Chicken Foot is a "Tree" game; Mexican Train is a "Train" game |
| Number of dominoes | Chicken Foot: one chain with all tiles played from a shared domino; Mexican Train: each player has their own train and there is a public Mexican Train |
| Doubles | In Chicken Foot, a double tile is laid crosswise and the next three moves must connect off it; in Mexican Train, a double tile must be "covered" and if it cannot be, the train is "open" for other players to play on |
| Terminology | In Chicken Foot, remaining dominoes are called the "chicken yard"; in Mexican Train, they are called "the boneyard" |
| Number of dominoes | Chicken Foot is traditionally played with a double nine set; Mexican Train is played with a double fifteen set |
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What You'll Learn
- Number of dominoes: Mexican Train uses a double fifteen set, while Chicken Foot uses double nine
- Game type: Mexican Train is a train game, while Chicken Foot is a tree game
- Doubles: In Mexican Train, a player must cover a double tile. In Chicken Foot, the next three moves must connect off a double tile
- Scoring: In Mexican Train, the lowest score wins. In Chicken Foot, the 0-0 domino is worth 50 points
- Play style: In Mexican Train, each player has their own train and contributes to a public train. In Chicken Foot, all players play off a single, shared domino
Number of dominoes: Mexican Train uses a double fifteen set, while Chicken Foot uses double nine
While both games are very similar on the surface, there are some key differences between Mexican Train and Chicken Foot, particularly when it comes to the number of dominoes used. The number of dominoes varies significantly between the two games, with Mexican Train typically using a double fifteen set and Chicken Foot using a double nine set.
In Mexican Train, each player operates with their own private train and a public Mexican Train, with the goal of being the first player to play all their tiles. The game usually requires a larger number of dominoes, hence the use of a double fifteen set. This set contains 120 tiles, providing a wide range of options for players to build their trains and connect matching dominoes end-to-end.
On the other hand, Chicken Foot players typically use a double nine set, which includes 55 tiles. In this game, all players play from a single, shared domino, and the goal is to get rid of as many dominoes as possible while achieving the lowest score based on the remaining dominoes. The smaller number of dominoes in the double nine set suits this style of gameplay, where players are aiming for strategic tile placement rather than building long trains.
It's worth noting that some sources mention the use of double twelve sets for both games, and that the specific set used can depend on the number of players and the sets available. Additionally, variations of Chicken Foot exist, such as the double sixteen set, which can provide a greater challenge and increase the strategic depth of the game.
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Game type: Mexican Train is a train game, while Chicken Foot is a tree game
Mexican Train and Chicken Foot are both domino games. However, they differ in their gameplay and rules. Mexican Train is a train game, while Chicken Foot is a tree game.
In Mexican Train, each player operates with their own private train and a public Mexican Train. The goal is to be the first player to play all their tiles. When a player lays a double tile, they must cover it, or their train becomes "open", allowing other players to play on it. The remaining dominoes are called "the boneyard".
On the other hand, Chicken Foot has one chain where all tiles are played from a single, shared domino. The goal is to get rid of as many dominoes as possible and have the lowest score based on the remaining dominoes. In Chicken Foot, when a player lays a double tile, it is placed crosswise (the "spinner"), and the next three moves must connect off that double tile, creating the distinctive "chicken toes" look. The remaining dominoes are called the "chicken yard".
While both games have their own unique rules and strategies, they are both simple and engaging, making them popular choices for gatherings and family game nights.
In terms of the domino sets used, traditional rules would suggest a double nine set for Chicken Foot and a double fifteen set for Mexican Train. However, players often use a double nine or double twelve set for either game, depending on the number of players and the sets available.
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Doubles: In Mexican Train, a player must cover a double tile. In Chicken Foot, the next three moves must connect off a double tile
While Mexican Train and Chicken Foot are both domino games, they have different rules, histories, and backgrounds. One of the most significant differences between the two games is how they handle double tiles.
In Mexican Train, when a player lays a double tile, they must cover it with another domino. If they cannot do so, their train becomes "open," allowing other players to play on it. However, the open train cannot progress until someone plays a domino that matches the open double tile.
On the other hand, in Chicken Foot, when a player lays a double tile, it is placed crosswise and is called the "spinner." The next three moves must connect to that double tile, creating the distinctive "chicken toes" shape with three new "toes." Players customarily say "chicken foot" or "chickie" to alert others that special rules are in effect when playing a double tile.
The use of doubles in each game reflects their distinct strategies and gameplay mechanics. Mexican Train encourages players to cover their double tiles quickly to avoid blocking their trains. In contrast, Chicken Foot players must plan their moves carefully around the double tile to create the chicken foot pattern and unlock special rules.
It's worth noting that the number of dominoes used in each game can also vary. While both games can be played with a double-nine or double-twelve set, traditional rules suggest using a double-nine set for Chicken Foot and a double-fifteen set for Mexican Train.
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Scoring: In Mexican Train, the lowest score wins. In Chicken Foot, the 0-0 domino is worth 50 points
While Mexican Train and Chicken Foot are both domino games, they have different rules, histories, and backgrounds. They also differ in the number of dominoes used. One of the most significant differences between the two games lies in their scoring systems.
In Mexican Train, the player with the lowest score wins. This means that players aim to minimise the number of pips left in their hand by the end of the game. Consequently, the strategy involves ensuring that the highest pip-count tiles are played early and do not remain in your hand.
In Chicken Foot, the goal is also to have the lowest score, but there is a twist. The 0-0 domino is worth 50 points, so players must employ a strategy that involves getting rid of this tile as soon as possible. Therefore, while the overall aim is to have the lowest score, there is a particular focus on managing the high-value 0-0 domino.
The scoring system in Chicken Foot adds a layer of complexity to the game, as players must not only focus on minimising their overall score but also be mindful of the high value of the 0-0 domino. This unique rule differentiates Chicken Foot from Mexican Train and other domino games, providing a distinct strategic challenge for players.
It is worth noting that the games also differ in their treatment of double tiles. In Mexican Train, when a player lays a double tile, they must "cover the double". If they cannot do so, their train becomes "open", allowing other players to play on it. In contrast, Chicken Foot involves placing the double tile crosswise, creating a "spinner", with the next three moves extending from that double tile. This distinctive structure gives rise to the game's name, as the tiles resemble chicken toes.
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Play style: In Mexican Train, each player has their own train and contributes to a public train. In Chicken Foot, all players play off a single, shared domino
Mexican Train and Chicken Foot are both dominoes games. However, they differ in their play styles, rules, and histories.
In Mexican Train, each player has their own train of dominoes, which they play from the centre or on the group's common line, known as The Mexican Train. Additionally, there is a set of rules and processes that involve a public Mexican Train. The goal is to be the first player to play all of one's tiles. During gameplay, unexpected twists can occur, blocking the trains and adding excitement to the game. When a player lays a double tile, they must "cover the double". If they cannot do so, their train becomes "open", allowing other players to play on it. However, the game stalls until someone plays a domino that connects with the open double tile.
On the other hand, Chicken Foot has one chain where all players play off a single, shared domino. The goal is to get rid of as many dominoes as possible and have the lowest score based on the remaining dominoes before your opponents. In Chicken Foot, when a player lays a double tile, it is placed crosswise, known as the "spinner", and the next three moves must connect to that double tile. This distinctive layout of tiles gives them a ""chicken toes" appearance. It is customary for players to say "chicken foot" or "chickie" to indicate that special rules are in effect when playing a double tile.
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Frequently asked questions
Chicken Foot is technically in the "Tree" game category of dominoes, while Mexican Train is a \"Train\" game. Chicken Foot has one chain where all tiles are played from a shared domino, and Mexican Train has a set of rules where each player operates with their own private train and a public Mexican Train.
In Mexican Train, when a player lays a double tile, they must "cover the double". If they can't, their train is now "open", and other players can play on it. In Chicken Foot, you lay the double crosswise (called the "spinner") and the next three moves must connect off that double tile.
Most players agree that you can use a double nine set or a double twelve set for either game. Traditional rules would dictate a double nine set for Chicken Foot and a double fifteen set for Mexican Train.
