Coal Country (2017) Board Game

Coal Country is a board game released in 2017, designed by James M. Davis and published by Rio Grande Games. It falls under the categories of City Building, Economic, and Industry/Manufacturing games, offering players a unique experience in managing resources and building a prosperous city around a coal mining industry.

Game Components of Coal Country

Game board

Influence cards

Foreman tokens

Market tiles

Permit tokens

Utility tokens

Construction tiles

Coal tokens

Money tokens

Mine inspector tokens

Player boards

How To Setup Coal Country

To set up Coal Country, each player chooses a player board and places it on the table. The game board is placed in the center, and the various tokens (influence cards, foreman tokens, market tiles, etc.) are sorted and placed within reach of all players. Each player starts with a set amount of money and influence cards. The market tiles are shuffled and placed face down on their respective spaces on the board. The game is ready to begin once all components are distributed and the board is fully set up.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: The goal is to accumulate the most money by the end of the year by influencing various aspects of the mining industry.

Mechanics:

Action Queue: Players take turns placing their foremen to influence different actions.

Commodity Speculation: Players speculate on the prices of coal, permits, utilities, and construction.

Network and Route Building: Building and managing the mining network.

Tile Placement: Placing construction tiles to expand mining operations.

Worker Placement: Placing foremen to influence different parts of the mining process.

Gameplay: Players send their foremen to influence market prices, obtain permits, manage utilities, and construct new mining facilities. The game is complicated by the ever-shifting markets and the need to balance safety and profitability to avoid losses during the end-of-year mine inspection.

Player Experience

Coal Country offers a complex and engaging experience for players who enjoy strategic planning and economic management. The game is rife with corruption, as players must use their influence to manipulate various aspects of the mining industry. The dynamic market and the need to balance safety and profitability make each game unique and challenging.

Pros

Deep Strategy: Requires careful planning and strategic decision-making.

High Replayability: Ever-shifting markets and random events ensure no two games are the same.

Thematic Depth: Immersive theme that captures the essence of the mining industry.

Interactive: Players must constantly adapt to changes in the market and their opponents’ actions.

Cons

Complex Rules: Can be overwhelming for new players due to the number of mechanics and strategies involved.

Long Setup: Setting up the game can take a significant amount of time.

Luck Factor: Random market changes can sometimes feel unpredictable or unfair.

Personal Thoughts on Coal Country

Coal Country is for players who enjoy complex economic games with deep strategic layers. It is ideal for those who like managing resources, speculating on markets, and navigating corruption in a thematic and engaging way. While it may not be the best fit for casual gamers due to its complexity, it is a great choice for experienced board game enthusiasts looking for a challenge.

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