Ticket to Ride: Amsterdam (2020) Board Game

Ticket to Ride: Amsterdam is a stand-alone version of the popular Ticket to Ride series, designed by Alan R. Moon. It was released in 2020 by Days of Wonder, known for their high-quality board games.

Game Components of Ticket to Ride: Amsterdam

Game board featuring 17th-century Amsterdam

Wooden carts instead of trains

Destination cards

Market Cards

Colored cards depicting boats, donkeys, barrels, and carts

Player boards and scoring markers

How To Setup Ticket to Ride: Amsterdam

To set up the game, each player chooses a set of colored cards and a player board. During the initial setup, players are offered two destination cards, but they can choose to take only one if they prefer. The game board is placed in the middle, and the Market Cards are shuffled and placed within reach of all players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Length: 20-30 minutes

Player Count: 2-4 players

Objective: Build train routes across the board by collecting and using colored cards.

Mechanics:
– Hand Management: Players manage their colored cards to build routes.
– Route Building: Connecting cities on the board with wooden carts.
– Market Cards: Certain routes award Market Cards, which give points based on the number of cards and players.

Scoring: Points are awarded for completing routes, holding Market Cards, and penalized for uncompleted destination cards.

Player Experience

Ticket to Ride: Amsterdam offers a quick and engaging experience, perfect for both new players and veterans of the series. The game’s smaller scale and shorter playtime make it an excellent entry-point for those new to board games. However, players accustomed to the larger Ticket to Ride games may find the smaller map and fewer resources a bit constraining, especially with four players.

Pros

Quick Gameplay: Games last only 20-30 minutes.

Easy to Learn: Simple rules and quick setup.

Portable: Extremely portable and easy to carry.

Engaging Theme: The 17th-century Amsterdam setting adds a unique and entertaining element.

Broad Appeal: Attracts both new and experienced players.

Cons

Limited Resources: Fewer carts for each player can make achieving destination cards challenging.

Small Map: The game can feel constrained, especially with four players.

Less Complexity: May not offer enough new content for those already familiar with smaller Ticket to Ride games.

Personal Thoughts on Ticket to Ride: Amsterdam

Ticket to Ride: Amsterdam is a fun, distilled version of the original, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a quick and easy-to-learn game. It’s ideal as an entry-point for new players due to its simplicity and short playtime. However, fans of the larger Ticket to Ride games might find it a bit lacking in complexity and space. It’s a great addition to the series for those who enjoy shorter, more casual gaming sessions.

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