West Riding (2000) Board Game

West Riding is a train-themed board game released in 2000 by Winsome Games. The game is designed for 3 to 6 players and is best played with 3 to 4 players. With a runtime of about 180 minutes, West Riding is recommended for players aged 12 and above. It falls under the category of trains and features gameplay mechanics such as auction/bidding, crayon rail system, and stock holding.

Game Components of West Riding

Map: Laminated, though on thin stock.

Components: Laser-printed paper and thin card.

Crayons: Used for drawing rail lines.

Dice: Included for various game mechanics.

Shares: Basic and Grouping shares, which are central to the game strategy.

Railway Companies: Eight railroads with varying values that need to be reassessed each turn.

How To Setup West Riding

To set up the game, players first determine the starting order based on the amount of money each player begins with. The game board, which features a map of Yorkshire, is placed in the middle. Each player receives a set amount of money and the share certificates are prepared. The crayons and dice are distributed, and the game is ready to begin.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Category: Train game.

Mechanics: Auction/Bidding, Crayon Rail System, Stock Holding.

Objective: Players aim to build new rail lines and manage shares to maximize their wealth.

Key Mechanics:

Share Auctions: Players nominate and auction shares in railway companies, using the bid money to connect towns to the network.

Rail Line Building: Connecting towns involves drawing lines on the map, with costs increasing for routes over rivers or hills.

Share Management: Basic shares can be traded for Grouping shares at a 2:1 rate, with Grouping shares increasing in value over the game.

Company Values: The values of the eight railroads need to be reassessed each turn.

Player Experience

Playing **West Riding** is a complex and strategic experience. The game involves careful management of shares and rail line construction, with a strong emphasis on tactical bidding and resource management. Players must balance their financial resources with the need to expand railway networks and increase the value of their shares. The game can be quite long, often lasting three hours or more, and requires a deep understanding of the game’s mechanics to excel.

Pros

Deep Strategy: Offers complex and engaging gameplay with multiple layers of strategy.

Historical Setting: Set in the Industrial Revolution, providing a unique historical context.

Interactive Mechanics: Auctions and share management encourage player interaction and competition.

No Luck Factor: Success depends solely on player decisions and strategies.

Cons

Complex Rules: The game has intricate mechanics that can be overwhelming for new players.

Long Playtime: Games can last three hours or more, which may not suit all players.

Basic Components: The production quality of the game components is serviceable but not outstanding.

Small Map: The map is small for a game that involves detailed rail line planning.

Personal Thoughts on West Riding

**West Riding** is ideal for experienced board game enthusiasts who enjoy complex train games and strategic planning. It is not a game for casual players due to its intricate mechanics and long playtime. However, for those who appreciate deep strategy and historical themes, **West Riding** offers a rich and challenging experience. The game’s focus on share management and rail line construction makes it a great choice for players who enjoy economic and industrial-themed games.

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