La Corrida
La Esquina, Nagua and Los Heights: What Changes in Each Barrio
Three barrios, three ways to play: why a tile can go missing in Nagua, and when the Heights express is worth the ride.
2 min read
Published October 17, 2026
Quick answer
Each barrio bends one thing
La Esquina plays the base rules. In Nagua, 4 tiles sit out every hand, so the pile is short and a tile can be missing all hand. In Los Heights, the express costs a few pesos and skips the fork, but that table's rival goes first.
Jump to a section
La Corrida's nights happen in three barrios: La Esquina in Santo Domingo, Nagua on the north coast and Los Heights in Nueva York. Each one has its own bosses, and two of them bend a rule of the table.
01.
La Esquina
Santo Domingo, the first barrio. Base rules, no twist: learn the bosses here.
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Clear a journey here to open Nagua.
02.
Nagua
The north coast. 4 tiles sit out every hand, so the pile starts at 10 (9 on Mano pesada).
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A tile can be missing all hand even after the pile runs dry. Don't hold a hand waiting for it.
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Tranques come sooner: count your pips earlier than usual.
03.
Los Heights
Nueva York. The express: pay a few pesos to skip the fork and ride straight to the plaza, but that table's rival goes first.
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Take the express when your hand is strong and your hearts are full.
—
Clear Picante 1 to open Los Heights.
Bring this to the table
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La Esquina plays the base rules: the place to learn the bosses.
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In Nagua, 4 tiles sit out every hand: don't wait for a tile that may not be in play.
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The Heights express costs a few pesos and skips the fork, but the plaza's rival goes first.
Questions from the table
Why is a tile missing in Nagua even after the pile is empty?
In Nagua, 4 tiles sit out every hand: they are never dealt and never reach the pile. When you've drawn the pile dry, those 4 are still out of play, so the tile you're counting on may be one of them.
Is the express in Los Heights worth taking?
It costs a few pesos and skips the fork, but the plaza's rival goes first. Take it when your tricks are strong and your hearts are full.
