The Last Spike (1976) Board Game

The Last Spike board game was released in 1976 and designed by Tom Dalgliesh and Lance Gutteridge. It falls under the categories of Economic and Trains, incorporating mechanisms such as Stock Holding and Tile Placement. The game is set during the construction of the transcontinental railroad in the United States, where players compete to connect their rail lines and finish the last spike.

Game Components of The Last Spike

Gameboard depicting the USA from St. Louis to Sacramento

Wooden track tiles with dollar amounts and defined locations

Wooden cylinders as money tokens (painted red, white, or blue)

Stock certificates for cities

Instructions printed on paper (in some versions).

How To Setup The Last Spike

To set up the game, players start by placing the gameboard, which shows a diamond-shaped lattice track path across the map of the USA from St. Louis to Sacramento. Each intersection on the lattice represents a city where players can buy stock. Players receive initial funds and stock certificates. The track tiles are shuffled and placed face down, ready for players to draw and place during the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Cooperative-Competitive Element: Players cooperate to build a continuous railway from St. Louis to Sacramento but also compete to accumulate the most money from land speculation.

Track Building: Players pay and place track tiles on the board to build the railway.

Stock Ownership: Players buy stock in cities and receive dividends when the railway connects these cities.

Dividend Distribution: Dividends are paid based on who owns the most, second most, etc., of the stock in the newly connected cities.

Random Tile Draw: Tiles are chosen randomly, adding an element of luck to the game.

Objective: The game ends when the “last spike” is placed, connecting St. Louis to Sacramento. The player with the most money from land speculation and dividends wins.

Player Experience

The Last Spike is known for its fast-paced gameplay, requiring quick decisions to secure the best land and help competitors when necessary. The game is quick to learn and enjoyable for both kids and adults. However, it involves some luck, which may not appeal to players seeking purely strategic games.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Quick and simple rules make it accessible to a wide range of players.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for both kids and adults.

Strategic Depth: Combines cooperation and competition, requiring strategic thinking.

Historical Theme: Set in the age of railroads, adding a unique thematic element.

Cons

Component Quality: Some versions have lower quality components, such as stickers on wooden tiles and basic money tokens.

Luck Element: Random tile draws can affect strategy, which might not appeal to all players.

Price vs Quality: Some players feel the game’s price is not justified by the component quality.

Personal Thoughts on The Last Spike

The Last Spike is a great game for those interested in land speculation and the history of railroads. It strikes a balance between being interesting, challenging, and not too complicated. While it may not appeal to players who prefer purely strategic games or high-quality components, it is an excellent choice for families and casual gamers looking for a fun and engaging experience. The game’s redesign in 2015 has made it more appealing to a broader range of players, including strategy and eurogame enthusiasts.

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