1862 (1990) Board Game – Board Game Guys

1862 is a historical wargame set during the American Civil War. It was designed by Richard H. Berg, Thaddeus B. Kubis, and Robert G. Markham and first released in 1990 by Simulation Design, Inc. The game is known for its attention to historical detail and strategic gameplay, making it a popular choice among wargamers.

Game Components of 1862

Game Board: A trifold board featuring a map of the Eastern Counties in the United Kingdom.

Stock Certificates: Representing shares in railway companies.

Train Tokens: Local, freight, and express trains.

Permits: Determine the type of train a company can run.

Player Aid Sheets: Double-sided sheets to help remember key rules and differences from other 18xx games.

Track Tiles: For laying railway lines.

Station Markers: To mark company stations on the board.

Company Tokens: To identify and manage companies.

How To Setup 1862

Setting up **1862** involves several steps. First, the game board is laid out, and the necessary components are distributed. Players randomly select 16 out of 20 available railway companies for the game, with only eight available at the start. Each company starts with a randomly chosen Permit to run one of three different types of trains. Players then invest in available companies during the initial stock round or through auctions in the Parliamentary Round.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Stock Market: Players invest in and manage shares of railway companies.

Train Management: Companies run local, freight, and express trains to generate revenue.

Route Building: Players lay track on the board to create routes for their trains.

Mergers: Companies can merge to gain access to multiple train types and routes.

Auctions: Players bid for companies in the Parliamentary Round.

Variable Setup: Each game features a unique setup with randomly selected companies and permits.

Game Objective

The objective is to accumulate the most wealth by successfully managing railway companies, laying profitable routes, and efficiently running trains.

Player Experience

Playing **1862** can be a daunting experience, especially for new players. The game is known for its complexity and unique mechanics, which can make it challenging to learn and master. Games can be lengthy, often lasting 4-8 hours, and involve a steep learning curve. Even experienced 18xx players may find it necessary to play simpler variants initially to understand the game’s nuances.

Pros

High Variability: Nearly 9 quadrillion possible setups ensure each game is unique.

Innovative Train Mechanism: Different train types and route requirements add depth to the game.

Mergers and Acquisitions: Dynamic mergers encourage strategic play.

Stock Market Dynamics: Companies can catch up through stock market jumps.

Detailed Player Aids: Helpful for remembering key rules and differences.

Cons

Complex Rules: Can be overwhelming for new players and even some experienced 18xx players.

Lengthy Games: Typical game duration is 4-8 hours.

Corner Case Rules: Some rules can be nitpicky and require careful clarification.

Confrontational Gameplay: Players can be significantly disadvantaged early in the game.

Personal Thoughts on 1862

**1862: Railway Mania in the Eastern Counties** is not the best introduction to the 18xx series for new players due to its complexity and unique mechanics. However, for seasoned 18xx enthusiasts, it offers a rich and challenging experience with high replayability. The game rewards deep strategy and investment in learning its intricate rules. If you are willing to dive deep and master its complexities, **1862** can be incredibly rewarding.

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