London Cabbie Game (1971) Board Game

The London Cabbie Game was released in 1971 and is a classic board game that simulates the experience of being a London taxi driver. Designed by Drakes, Jarvis, Walsh, and Gluck, Ltd., this game has been a favorite among board game enthusiasts for decades.

Game Components of London Cabbie Game

Game Board: An accurately illustrated map of central London, featuring real roads, places, and landmarks.

Player Tokens: Representing taxicabs.

Passenger Cards: Determine pickup and drop-off locations.

Traffic Jam Tokens: Little plastic triangles that represent traffic jams at junctions and crossroads.

Money and Tip Tokens: For tracking earnings and tips.

How To Setup London Cabbie Game

To set up the game, each player chooses a taxi token and places it on the board. The passenger cards are shuffled and distributed. The traffic jam tokens are placed randomly at junctions and crossroads to add an element of realism and challenge.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: The goal is to earn £15 by picking up and dropping off passengers around London.

Movement: Each player can move their taxi up to 20 spaces per turn.

Passenger Cards: Players draw passenger cards to determine where to pick up and drop off fares.

Traffic Jams: Traffic jam tokens can hinder movement, adding a layer of realism to the game.

Earnings and Tips: Players earn money and tips for each fare completed.

Player Experience

Playing the London Cabbie Game is an immersive experience, especially for those familiar with London. The game’s accurate map and inclusion of real landmarks make it educational as well as entertaining. The game was popular among actual London cabbies, who appreciated its realism and enjoyed playing it in their free time.

Pros

Realistic Map: The game features an accurate map of London, making it educational.

Engaging Gameplay: The combination of passenger cards and traffic jams adds a challenging and realistic element.

Thematic Appeal: It is particularly enjoyable for those interested in London or the life of a taxi driver.

Historical Value: It has become a collectible item, especially for those who remember playing it in the past.

Cons

Complex Setup: The game requires some time to set up, especially with the placement of traffic jam tokens.

Limited Replayability: Once players become familiar with the map and strategies, the game might lose some of its appeal.

Out of Print: The game is no longer in production, making it harder to find and potentially more expensive.

Personal Thoughts on London Cabbie Game

The London Cabbie Game is perfect for those who love London, are interested in the daily life of a taxi driver, or enjoy games with a strong thematic element. It’s also a great game for anyone looking for a unique and educational board game experience. While it may appeal more to a niche audience, its historical value and realistic gameplay make it a standout in the world of board games.

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.