18DO: Dortmund (2020) Board Game

18DO: Dortmund is a board game designed by Martin Málek and released in in 2020. It falls into the economic and trains category, featuring gameplay centered around auction/bidding, commodity speculation, stock holding, and tile placement mechanisms. The game is designed for 2-5 players, with the best experience being for 4-5 players, and has a runtime of 180-360 minutes.

Game Components of 18DO: Dortmund

Game board

Stock certificates

Train cards

Company tiles

Player markers

Auction/bidding tokens

Commodity speculation tokens

Tile placement components

How To Setup 18DO: Dortmund

Setting up 18DO: Dortmund involves several steps. First, place the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player selects a player marker and places it on the starting position on the board. Distribute the initial stock certificates and train cards according to the game rules. Prepare the auction/bidding tokens, commodity speculation tokens, and other components for gameplay. Ensure all players understand their starting positions and the initial state of the companies on the board.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Auction/Bidding: Players bid on companies and train cards.

Commodity Speculation: Players speculate on commodity prices.

Stock Holding: Players manage their stock portfolios.

Tile Placement: Players place tiles to build and expand railway networks.
The objective is to accumulate the most wealth by managing companies, speculating on commodities, and strategically placing tiles to build efficient railway networks.

Player Experience

Playing 18DO: Dortmund is a deeply immersive and strategic experience. Players must navigate complex economic dynamics, making decisions on investments, auctions, and commodity speculation. The game requires a mix of short-term tactical thinking and long-term strategic planning. Interactions between players are frequent, especially during auctions and when managing shared company assets.

Pros

Deep Strategic Depth: Offers complex and engaging gameplay.

High Replayability: Each game can have different outcomes due to player decisions and random elements.

Historical Context: Set in the historical context of Dortmund, adding a layer of realism.

Social Interaction: Encourages negotiation and competition among players.

Cons

Long Playing Time: Games can last from 180 to 360 minutes.

Steep Learning Curve: New players may find the rules and mechanics overwhelming.

Complex Setup: Setting up the game can be time-consuming and intricate.

Personal Thoughts on 18DO: Dortmund

18DO: Dortmund is ideal for experienced board game enthusiasts who enjoy economic and train-themed games. It is particularly suited for those who appreciate the complexity and depth of the 18xx series. This game is not recommended for casual players or those new to board games due to its lengthy playing time and complex rules. However, for those willing to invest the time, it offers a rich and rewarding gaming experience.

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