| | | | | | |

1899 (1994) Board Game

ByMichail

1899 is a board game that was released in 1994 and designed by Chris Lawson. It falls under the economic and trains category, focusing on network and route building, stock holding, and tile placement mechanics. With a runtime of 240 minutes and suitable for players aged 14 and above, 1899 offers a strategic and immersive gameplay experience.

Game Components of 1899

  • Game board depicting a map of the northeastern United States
  • Stock certificates
  • Train cars and locomotives
  • Money
  • Player markers
  • Auction tiles
  • Corporation charts
  • Private company cards

    How To Setup 1899

    To set up the game, players first place the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player selects a set of player markers and receives a starting amount of money. The stock certificates, train cars, and private company cards are placed within reach of all players. The auction tiles are shuffled and prepared for the bidding phase. Each player chooses a starting corporation or private company, and the game begins with an auction phase to determine the initial ownership of the corporations.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Auction/Bidding:** Players bid on corporations and private companies to gain control and benefits.
  • Economic:** Manage finances to buy and maintain train cars, pay dividends, and invest in corporations.
  • Route Building:** Build railroad routes across the northeastern United States.
  • Stock Holding:** Players buy and sell stocks to influence the corporations and maximize their returns.
  • Game Objective:** The goal is to accumulate the most wealth by the end of the game, which is achieved through smart investments, efficient route building, and strategic stock management.

    Player Experience

    Playing 1899 is a complex and engaging experience that requires strategic thinking and economic management. Players must balance their finances, make tactical decisions during auctions, and build efficient railroad routes. The game is highly interactive, with players influencing each other’s corporations and stock values. It is a game that appeals to fans of economic and strategic gameplay, offering a deep and challenging experience.

    Pros

  • Deep Strategy:** Offers complex and rewarding gameplay.
  • High Replayability:** Different auctions and player interactions ensure each game is unique.
  • Historical Theme:** Engaging theme that recreates the railroad era of the 19th century.
  • Social Interaction:** Players must negotiate and interact with each other extensively.

    Cons

  • Steep Learning Curve:** Can be challenging for new players to understand all the rules and mechanics.
  • Long Playtime:** Games can last several hours.
  • Complex Setup:** Setup and rules explanation can be time-consuming.

    Personal Thoughts on 1899

    1899 is ideal for experienced board game enthusiasts who enjoy economic and strategic games. It is particularly suited for players who appreciate the historical context of building railroad corporations and are willing to invest time in learning the complex rules. The game is not recommended for casual or new players due to its complexity and lengthy playtime. However, for those who enjoy a deep and challenging experience, 1899 offers a rich and rewarding gameplay experience.

    We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more. 

    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *