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Mexican Train vs Chicken Foot: both are domino games where you match pips, both count down through the doubles one round at a time, and in both the lowest score wins. People mix them up all the time, and some boxes even include both. The difference is in the layout. Mexican Train gives every player their own line of tiles, while Chicken Foot puts everyone on one shared, branching layout. That one change gives each game a very different feel.
Best set for both games: Puremco Mexican Train Double 12 Dominoes
A double-12 set handles a full game of Mexican Train, and this one comes with Chicken Foot rules in the box, so you can try both. It costs about $31.
Price band: $30+ (about $31) · Check today’s price on Amazon
Mexican Train vs Chicken Foot at a glance
| Mexican Train | Chicken Foot | |
|---|---|---|
| Usual set | Double-12 (91 tiles) | Double-9 (55 tiles) or double-12 |
| Layout | A private train for each player plus one shared Mexican Train | One shared layout, no private trains |
| What a double does | Must be covered by one matching tile | Needs three tiles branching off it before play moves on |
| Blocking | Your train is safe until you cannot play and it is marked open | Anyone can play on any open end |
| Rounds | One per double, counting down | One per double, counting down |
| Scoring | Pips left in your hand, lowest total wins | Pips left in your hand, lowest total wins; many rule sets score the double-blank as 50 |
| Feel | Planning and long chains | Swingy and interactive |
Mexican Train rules in brief
A hub sits in the middle with the starting double for the round. Each player builds their own train out from the hub, and there is one extra Mexican Train that anyone can add to. If you cannot play, you draw from the boneyard; if you still cannot play, you put a marker on your train, which opens it to everyone until you play on it again.
Because your train is mostly yours, the smart move is to sort your hand into one long chain at the start of the round and lay it down turn after turn. Doubles add a twist: when someone plays one, it has to be covered before anyone does anything else. Our guide to how to play Mexican Train dominoes covers every rule.
How Chicken Foot plays
Chicken Foot starts from a center double too, but there are no personal trains. Everyone plays on the same layout, matching any open end they can. Rule sets differ on how many tiles the opening double needs before play spreads, so agree on it before you start.
The signature rule: whenever anyone plays a double, the next three tiles must all be played off that double, forming the three toes of the chicken foot. Nothing else can be played until the foot is complete. If you cannot add a toe, you draw; if you still cannot, you pass. That can freeze the table for a few turns and wreck plans.
The real difference: planning vs disruption
- Mexican Train rewards planning. You can build a long chain and expect most of it to stay playable.
- Chicken Foot rewards adapting. The ends you were counting on can disappear before your turn comes back.
- Doubles matter more in Chicken Foot. One double stops the whole board until three tiles branch off it.
- Chicken Foot rounds are often shorter because there is only one layout to fill.
Which is better for a crowd?
Mexican Train handles bigger groups well, especially with a double-12 or double-15 set, because each player has a lane. Chicken Foot works best with 2 to 6 people, where everyone can follow what is happening on the shared layout. For a holiday table with eight relatives, Mexican Train is the easier pick.
What set do you need?
For Mexican Train, get a double-12 set with a hub and train markers, like this double-12 Mexican Train set with tile holders for about $43. For Chicken Foot, a double-9 set is traditional and keeps rounds short. The ChickenFoot double-9 color dot set comes in a travel tin for about $20. A double-12 set can play both games if you only want to buy one.
Our verdict: Mexican Train or Chicken Foot
Pick Mexican Train if your group likes steady, low-stress play where a good plan pays off, or if you often have a big crowd. Pick Chicken Foot if you want more back-and-forth and do not mind the board turning on you. If you cannot decide, the Puremco double-12 set lets you play both on the same night.
Comparing other tile games? See Rummikub vs Mexican Train and our guide on how to play dominoes.
Mexican Train vs Chicken Foot FAQ
Is Chicken Foot the same as Mexican Train?
No. Both use dominoes and count down through the doubles, but Mexican Train gives each player a private train, while Chicken Foot uses one shared layout where doubles must sprout three branches.
Can you play Chicken Foot with a Mexican Train set?
Yes. A double-12 Mexican Train set works for Chicken Foot. Some players remove tiles or play fewer rounds to keep the game shorter.
How many players can play Chicken Foot?
Most rule sets suggest 2 to 8 players, but it plays best with 2 to 6 so the shared layout does not get too crowded.
Why is it called Chicken Foot?
When a double is played, three tiles branch off it at angles, which looks like a chicken’s foot.
