Rattlesnake Dominoes

Watch How to Play video from Triple S Games https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxeIR8HCSYI

The Open Trail Game (Mexican Train)

The Goal

Play all your bones first…

finish with the lowest score.

Setup

1. Shuffle Bones face down and draw

2. Each player draws:

· 2–4 players: 15 bones

· 5–6 players: 12 bones

· 7–8 players: 11 bones

3. Stand your bones so opponents can’t see them.

4. Place the remaining bones in the boneyard, the draw pile.

Overview

Play moves clockwise around the table. The player Holding the double 12 bone places it in the center as the campfire starter. Each of the next 13 rounds is started with the next lowest double. The final round starts with the double blank bone.

Each player builds their personal trail from that number. If a player can’t start their trail, they draw one bone from the boneyard. If they still can’t play, they mark their trail with a marker, meaning other players can now play on it.

Gameplay

1. Starting the Game

The Player with the appropriate double lays down their double to start the campfire.
If no one has the correct double, Everyone draws one bone from the boneyard until someone does.

Once the campfire is set, each player begins building their trail by matching the number shown on the campfire bone.

2. Making Moves

On each turn, a player may:

• Play one bone on their own trail, or

• Play on the public trail, or

• Play on another player’s trail if it’s marked public with a token.

If you can’t make a move, draw one bone from the boneyard:

• If the bone can be played, play it immediately.

• If not, keep it and place a marker at the end of your trail. Designating it as an open trail for anyone to play on.

  • To close a trail the owner of the trail plays a bone to match on their own path and removes the marker thus making the trail private again.

3. Playing Doubles

A double (like 6–6 or 12–12) gives you another turn, but it must be closed before the game can continue. The bone is placed cross ways like a T at the end of your path.

Now you must continue your turn by:

Closing the double, another bone matching the double’s number must be played it. Or simply playing another bone on an open trail.

If you can’t close your double:

• Draw one bone from the boneyard.

• If still unable to close it, play passes clockwise until the double is closed.

Exceptions:

• The double is the last of its number.

• It’s the final bone in the game.

• It was played to remove a marker from your trail.

4. The Public Trail

The Public Trail is a shared trail that anyone can play on, as long as it matches the number. It can be started at any time after the first round of turns.

5. Ending a Round

A round ends when:

• A player plays their last bone, or

• No one can make a move.

Players then total the pips (dots) on their remaining bones. The player who went out scores 0 points, and all others add their remaining pips to their total score.

Scoring and Winning

• Each player’s score equals the total pips left in their hand.

• The player who runs out of tiles earns zero points.

• After three rounds, the player with the lowest total score wins the game.

Campfire Wisdom from Rattlesnake Camp

1. Lighten Your Pack Early

Don’t haul your heavy bones all night.
Throw down your biggest pieces while the fire’s still high, and watch what numbers disappear into the dark.

2. Walk the Open Trail Carefully

The Open Trail is tempting—but it’s a shared path.
Use it when your own trail runs dry, but remember… anything you open, others can follow.

3. Mind the Snake’s Rattle (Doubles)

A double is a rattler’s warning.
Play it bold—but don’t leave it hissing.
If you can’t quiet it, the trouble passes to the next soul.

4. Watch Other’s Footprints

Keep an eye on the marked trails.
When a neighbor’s trail goes open, that’s your chance to steer their path—or slow their run.

5. Keep a Few Good Bones in Your Pocket

Some bones fit anywhere.
Hold onto those flexible pieces—they’ll guide you when the trails get tight and choices run thin.

6. When the Pile Runs Low… Move Fast

As the boneyard dries up, luck runs thinner too.
Best finish your game before you’re left digging for bones that ain’t there.

Camp Saying

“Play it smart, play it quiet… and listen for the rattle.

(Materials Note:
These bones are made from real stone and natural wood.
Like anything pulled from the earth, you may notice small gaps and natural variations—especially on the bonded side. Stone is durable but can chip if handled roughly.

A faint smoky campfire scent or trace may be present from the making process—it’s part of their character and will fade with time and use.

Both stone and wood can soak up spills, so tread lightly.
To keep them looking their best, wipe clean with a dry or slightly damp cloth only.)

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