From the publisher’s rulebook

Who goes first in Mexican Train?

Cardinal 20 Domino Games instructions, double-twelve set (English)

The rules do not say who plays first. The first player opens the station by placing their highest double in the hub; if they have no double, the next player opens it. Play always moves to the left.

Official tie-break or fallback

If no one has a double, players draw in turn until one is found.

Source & edition

20 Domino Games — InstructionsCardinal Games · "Mexican Train": "First Player" · Checked 2026-10-01
PDF page 1

Rule details

With 2–4 players, each draws 15 dominoes; with 5–6, 12; with 7–8, 11.

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<blockquote class="whogoesfirst-rule" cite="https://whogoesfirst.fun/games/mexican-train-cardinal-20-domino-en/">
  <p><strong>Who goes first in Mexican Train?</strong> The rules do not say who plays first. The first player opens the station by placing their highest double in the hub; if they have no double, the next player opens it. Play always moves to the left.</p>
  <p>— <a href="https://whogoesfirst.fun/games/mexican-train-cardinal-20-domino-en/">Official starting rule on Who Goes First?</a> (Cardinal 20 Domino Games instructions, double-twelve set (English))</p>
</blockquote>

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