1870 (1978) Board Game – Board Game Guys

1870 is a historical wargame that simulates the conflicts of the Franco-Prussian War of 1870. It was first released in 1978 by Descartes Editeur and is designed for two players. The game is set in the post-Napoleonic era and involves strategic planning, dice rolling, and grid movement.

Game Components of 1870

Map board of the mid-southern United States

Track tiles

Stock certificates

Public and private company charters

Train cards

Money and tokens

Station markers

Par value and share price tokens

Bank tray

How To Setup 1870

Setting up **1870** requires careful preparation. Players start by snapping out the track tiles, certificates, and tokens. The map board is placed within easy reach, along with the initial offering and new train displays, and the stock market board. Each player receives a starting capital of $2100 divided by the number of players. The six private companies are auctioned off in an initial stock round, which can extend over several rounds.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Objective: The goal is to accumulate the most wealth by effectively managing railroad companies, buying and selling stocks, and laying efficient track routes.

Game Phases: The game progresses through eight phases triggered by technological advancements in railroading, marked by the purchase of new train types.

Initial Stock Round: Players bid on and purchase private companies.

Public Company Formation: Players buy stock in public companies, with each company needing 60% of its stock to be bought to become operational.

Operational Rounds: Companies build track, run trains, collect revenue, pay dividends, and buy trains and private companies.

Track Building: Companies lay track on the map, with additional costs for difficult terrain like rivers and mountains.

Stock Market: Players manage stock prices and dividends to maximize wealth.

Player Experience

Playing **1870** is a deeply immersive experience, though it comes with a steep learning curve. The game is known for its complexity, requiring a significant amount of time to set up and understand the rules. A typical game can last around 10 hours, but the engagement is high, with all players actively involved throughout. The game allows for various strategies, including pure stock ownership or a mix of stock and operational management.

Pros

Deep Strategy: Offers a rich and complex gameplay experience with multiple layers of strategy.

High Replayability: Different player strategies and the auction mechanism ensure each game is unique.

Historical Theme: Provides a detailed and realistic portrayal of the railroad era.

Cons

Steep Learning Curve: The rules are complex and require significant time to learn.

Long Playtime: Games can last up to 10 hours, making it a major time commitment.

Complex Setup: Setting up the game is time-consuming and requires a large table space.

Personal Thoughts on 1870

**1870** is a game for serious board game enthusiasts who enjoy complex economic and strategic gameplay. It is ideal for those who appreciate deep strategy, historical themes, and are willing to invest the time to learn and play the game. While it may not be suitable for casual gamers due to its complexity and long playtime, it offers a highly rewarding experience for those who delve into it.

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