How to Choose a Dominoes Set: Double 6, Double 9 or Double 12
We may earn a commission from qualifying eBay purchases. We don't test products; this guide explains what to look for.
The number on a dominoes set tells you its biggest tile. A double 6 set goes up to six pips on each end. A double 12 set goes up to twelve. Bigger sets have more tiles and suit bigger groups. Start with how many people will play.
Which set for which game
| Set | Tiles | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Double 6 | 28 | Classic block and draw games, two to four players |
| Double 9 | 55 | Bigger groups and longer games |
| Double 12 | 91 | Mexican Train and family gatherings |
| Double 15 | 136 | Very large groups |
If you are not sure, think about your usual group. A double 6 set is the classic for two to four players. A double 9 set gives more tiles for a bigger table. For Mexican Train, a double 12 set is the usual choice.
Mexican Train extras
Mexican Train is a game for a crowd. Besides the tiles, many Mexican Train sets include a hub, a round centerpiece with slots for each player's train, and small train markers. These are nice to have but not required. Search Mexican Train sets with a hub if you want them in one box.
Color dots and big tiles
In a double 12 set, counting eleven pips from twelve takes a moment. Color dot dominoes give each number its own color, so all the 11s match at a glance. This makes bigger sets quicker to read. Look for color dot double 12 dominoes.
For anyone with tired eyes or stiff fingers, jumbo or thick tiles are easier to see and pick up. Deep, dark pips on a light tile are easiest to read. Search jumbo dominoes and check the tile size in the listing.
Material, case and racks
- Tiles are usually a hard plastic or resin. Heavier tiles feel more solid in the hand.
- A spinner. Some tiles have a small metal dot in the middle, which makes them easier to shuffle face down. Some people love it, some do not care.
- A case keeps 91 tiles together. Tin cases and wooden boxes both work. Check that it closes firmly.
- Racks stand your tiles up so others cannot see them. Handy for big hands in Mexican Train.
What to skip
- Listings with no tile count. 28, 55, 91 and 136 are the numbers to look for.
- Toppling dominoes for playing games. Thin stacking dominoes are made to knock over, not to play.
- Faint, shallow pips that may wear off.
Play a round free first
Our free dominoes game plays against the computer in the browser: match the ends and empty your hand first. It is a good warm-up before family game night. Keep track of rounds with a free score sheet with big boxes.
Quick checklist
- Double 6 (28) for small groups; double 12 (91) for Mexican Train.
- Check the tile count in the listing.
- Color dots for bigger sets.
- Jumbo or thick tiles for tired eyes.
- Dark, deep pips.
- A case that closes firmly.
- Hub and markers if you play Mexican Train.
Questions
How many dominoes are in a double 12 set?
91 tiles. A double 6 set has 28, a double 9 set has 55 and a double 15 set has 136.
What set do I need for Mexican Train?
A double 12 set is the usual choice. A hub and train markers are handy extras.
What are color dot dominoes?
Dominoes where each number of pips has its own color, so matching numbers is quicker, especially in big sets.