Auf Achse (1987) – Board Game Guys

Auf Achse

“Auf Achse” is a logistics-themed board game designed by Wolfgang Kramer and published in 1987 by FX Schmid. The game won the prestigious Spiel des Jahres award and has been in print continuously since its first edition. The game has gained popularity and significance for several reasons:

Logistics Theme

The game revolves around the concept of logistics, which involves the management and transportation of commodities. This theme appeals to players who enjoy strategic planning and problem-solving.

Awards and Recognition

“Auf Achse” won the Spiel des Jahres award in 1987, which helped to establish its reputation as a high-quality board game.

Replayability

The game offers a variety of strategies and player interactions, making it engaging and replayable for both solo and multiplayer experiences.

Game Components of Auf Achse

Game Board: An abstracted map of Germany and surrounding European cities represented by circles and lines.

Player Trucks: Little rubberized trucks for each player.

Goods: Hard rubber cubes representing commodities.

Contract Cards: Cards detailing delivery contracts from one city to another.

Chance Cards: A deck of cards introducing random events.

Trailers: Optional components to increase goods carrying capacity.

Dice: Used for determining player movement.

How To Setup Auf Achse

To set up the game, each player chooses a truck and places it on the starting city on the board. Players are dealt a set of contract cards that specify delivery routes and payoffs. The chance card deck and open contract cards are placed within reach of all players. Trailers, if used, are also made available.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Dice Rolling: Players roll a die to determine how many spaces they can move their truck.

Contract Bidding: Players bid on open contracts, which are auctioned off based on a predefined bidding table.

Goods Transport: Players pick up and deliver goods from supply cities to demand cities as specified by their contracts.

Chance Events: Landing on certain spaces triggers chance cards, introducing random challenges or opportunities.

Game Objective

The objective is to complete delivery contracts and earn the most money. The game ends when all open contracts have been auctioned off and one player completes all their contracts.

Player Experience

Auf Achse is known for its simple yet engaging gameplay. Players navigate the challenges of logistics, managing contracts, and dealing with random events. The game is designed for speed and ease of learning, making it accessible to a wide range of players.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple mechanics make it quick to start playing.

Fast Paced: Games typically last about 60-90 minutes.

Strategic Depth: Requires strategic thinking in bidding and route planning.

Family Friendly: Suitable for players as young as 8 years old.

Cons

Randomness: Die rolling and chance cards introduce a significant element of luck.

Limited English Support: No official English version, though translations of rules and cards are available.

Personal Thoughts on Auf Achse

Auf Achse is ideal for families and casual gamers looking for a fun, logistics-themed game. Despite its age, it remains a classic due to its balanced mix of strategy and luck. However, it may not appeal to players seeking highly complex or deeply thematic games. For those interested in a game that is easy to learn but still offers strategic challenges, Auf Achse is a great choice. As Kramer himself noted, while it’s not his favorite, it has sold very well and remains a beloved game among many.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.