1862 (2000) Board Game – Board Game Guys

1862 is a board game released in 2000 and designed by Helmut Ohley. It falls under the categories of Economic, Trains, and Transportation games, and is known for its complex gameplay mechanics centered around network and route building, stock holding, tile placement, and trading. With a player count of 4-7 and a runtime of 360 minutes, 1862 is a game that requires strategic thinking and long-term planning to succeed.

Game Components of 1862

Game Board: A trifold board featuring a map of the Eastern Counties in the United Kingdom, including key cities like London.

Train Types: Local, freight, and express trains, each with unique operating rules.

Companies: 20 major companies, with 16 included in a 2-6 player game, released in a staggered manner by train phase.

Stock Certificates: For investing in and managing railway companies.

Tokens: For marking routes and company operations, including a London off-board location token.

Player Aid Sheets: Double-sided sheets to help track track upgrades and other game-specific rules.

Parliament Round Cards: Used for bidding on companies during the Parliament Round.

How To Setup 1862

Setting up **1862** involves several steps, including dealing out company cards, determining player order, and initializing the stock market. Players can choose to mulligan by discarding certain columns of cards, changing the companies available, or altering the order of train permits. The game starts with each player selecting their starting position and preparing the necessary components for the first round.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Starting Companies: Players bid for or start companies during the Parliament Round or stock rounds.

Train Operations: Running local, freight, and express trains according to specific rules, such as local trains earning revenue from cities and small towns, and freight trains running end-to-end.

Route Building: Expanding railway routes and connecting cities, with unique constraints like the need for a token in the London off-board location to include London in route revenues.

Investment and Stock Management: Managing stock certificates and company finances to maximize personal gain.

Game Objective: To accumulate the most wealth by effectively running and investing in railway companies.

Player Experience

Playing **1862** can be a complex and time-consuming experience, even for seasoned 18xx players. The game is known for its unique systems, such as the varied train types and the absence of private companies. New players may find it challenging due to the dense rule set and the need for strategic planning. Games can last 6-8 hours, making it a significant commitment.

Pros

Deep Strategy: Offers a rich and complex gameplay experience with multiple layers of strategy.

Unique Mechanics: Introduces several innovative mechanics within the 18xx series, such as the different train types and the London off-board location.

Immersion: Provides a detailed historical setting, adding to the game’s thematic appeal.

High Replayability: With multiple companies and varying starting conditions, each game can be significantly different.

Cons

Steep Learning Curve: The game is not suitable for new players to the 18xx series due to its complexity.

Long Playtime: Games can be very lengthy, requiring a significant time commitment.

Complex Setup: The initial setup can be overwhelming due to the numerous components and rules.

Personal Thoughts on 1862

**1862: Railway Mania in the Eastern Counties** is for experienced board game enthusiasts who enjoy deep, strategic gameplay and are willing to invest time in learning and mastering the game. It is particularly suited for fans of the 18xx series looking for a new challenge with unique mechanics. However, it is not the best introduction to the series for new players due to its complexity and lengthy playtime. For those who enjoy the intricacies of train games and are patient enough to delve into the rules, **1862** can offer a highly rewarding experience.

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