The Ruhr: A Story of Coal Trade (2017) Board Game

The Ruhr: A Story of Coal Trade is a board game that takes players back to the industrial era of the Ruhr region in Germany. During this time, coal was a major commodity that drove the economy and shaped the landscape of the region. Players take on the roles of coal merchants, navigating the challenges of transporting coal along the river system and trading it for profit.

Game Components of The Ruhr: A Story of Coal Trade

Game board featuring the Ruhr region

Player boards

Ships and wagons for transportation

Coal and other resource tokens

Money and scoring tokens

Worker tokens

Various event and action cards.

How To Setup The Ruhr: A Story of Coal Trade

To set up the game, players first place the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player chooses a player board and places it within reach. The ships, wagons, coal tokens, money, scoring tokens, and worker tokens are distributed according to the rules. The event and action cards are shuffled and placed within reach of all players. Players start with a set amount of money and resources. The game is ready to begin once all components are correctly placed and each player has their starting resources.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Pick-up-and-deliver mechanics: Players transport coal and other resources from mines to factories and ports.

Worker placement mechanics: Players use worker tokens to perform various actions such as loading coal, moving ships, and selling resources.

No luck element: Every choice made by the player is crucial, with no random events affecting gameplay.

Tight resource management: Money and resources are limited, making efficient use of them essential.

Game objective: The goal is to accumulate the most points by delivering resources efficiently and managing resources effectively.

Player Experience

**The Ruhr: A Story of Coal Trade** offers an immersive and challenging experience for players who enjoy strategic planning and resource management. The game is categorized as an expert-level game, meaning every decision counts, and there is no room for error. Players must carefully plan their moves to optimize their resource delivery and financial management. This game is ideal for those who enjoy deep, complex gameplay and are willing to invest time and thought into their strategies.

Pros

Deep strategy: The game requires careful planning and strategic thinking.

High replayability: Different player choices and strategies ensure each game is unique.

Historical theme: The game is based on the historical coal trade in the Ruhr region, adding a layer of realism and educational value.

No luck factor: Ensures that player skill is the primary determinant of success.

Cons

Complex rules: The game has intricate mechanics that can be daunting for new players.

Long playtime: Games can last between 90 and 120 minutes, which may not be suitable for all players.

Steep learning curve: It may take several plays to fully understand and master the game’s mechanics.

Personal Thoughts on The Ruhr: A Story of Coal Trade

This game is for experienced board game enthusiasts who appreciate complex, strategic gameplay. It is particularly suited for those who enjoy worker placement and resource management games. While it may not be the best fit for casual gamers due to its complexity and long playtime, it offers a rich and rewarding experience for those willing to invest the time and effort to master it. If you’re looking for a game that challenges your strategic thinking and provides a historical context, **The Ruhr: A Story of Coal Trade** is an excellent choice.

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