| | | | | |

Ticket to Ride: Nordic Countries (2007) Board Game

ByMichail

Ticket to Ride: Nordic Countries is a standalone board game in the popular Ticket to Ride series. It was released in 2007 by Days of Wonder and is designed by Alan R. Moon. The game is set in the Nordic countries of Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden, and players compete to build train routes and complete destination tickets to earn points.

Game Components of Ticket to Ride: Nordic Countries

  • Full-size board map: Depicts Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden.
  • 120 Colored Train Cars: Three sets of 40 trains each, with 5 spare for each color.
  • 110 Train Car cards: Including locomotives and colored cards.
  • 46 Destination Tickets: Each ticket includes the name of two cities and a point value.
  • 1 Globetrotter Bonus card: Awards 10 extra bonus points to the player who completes the most destination tickets.
  • 3 Wooden Scoring Markers: For tracking players’ scores.
  • 1 Rules booklet**[5%.

    How To Setup Ticket to Ride: Nordic Countries

    To set up the game, place the board map in the center of the table. Each player selects a set of 40 colored trains and places them off to the side. The most experienced player goes first, and play proceeds clockwise. Each player draws a starting set of train cards and destination tickets. The rest of the train cards and destination tickets are placed within reach of all players.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Collect and Play Cards: Players collect and play train cards to claim railway routes on the board.
  • Claim Routes: Use sets of train cards to claim routes, tunnels, and ferries.
  • Use Locomotives: Locomotives act as wild cards for tunnels, ferries, and the special 9-length route.
  • Complete Destination Tickets: Connect cities on destination tickets to earn points.
  • Block Opponents: The game emphasizes blocking opponents, especially in 2-3 player games.
  • Final Scoring: Players reveal their destination tickets, calculate scores, and award the Globetrotter bonus.

    Player Experience

    Ticket to Ride: Nordic Countries offers a unique and engaging experience, particularly optimized for 2-3 players. The game maintains the elegance and simplicity of the Ticket to Ride series while introducing new challenges like tunnels and ferries. Players must balance short-term tactical decisions with long-term strategic planning, making it enjoyable for both families and experienced gamers. The game’s map, featuring the congested southern regions and more open northern routes, adds a fresh layer of complexity and strategy.

    Pros

  • Easy to Learn: Can be learned in just 5 minutes.
  • Strategic Depth: Balances short-term tactics with long-term strategy.
  • Unique Map: Features tunnels, ferries, and a special 9-length route.
  • Optimized for 2-3 Players: Designed to stay engaging with fewer players.
  • High Replayability: Different destination tickets and train card draws ensure varied games.

    Cons

  • Limited Player Count: Designed only for 2-3 players.
  • Special Locomotive Rules: Locomotives can only be used on tunnels, ferries, and the 9-length route.
  • Crowded Southern Areas: Can be overly competitive in the southern regions of the map.

    Personal Thoughts on Ticket to Ride: Nordic Countries

    Ticket to Ride: Nordic Countries is an excellent addition to the series, particularly suited for those who enjoy strategic board games with a twist. It’s perfect for small game groups or couples looking for a game that’s both challenging and fun. The unique map and gameplay mechanics ensure a fresh experience that differs from other Ticket to Ride versions, making it a great choice for both new and veteran players of the series.

    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. 

    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *