Touring (1906) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Touring is a classic card game that was first released in in 1906. It was designed by William Janson Roche and has since become a popular game for families and friends to enjoy. The game simulates a road race, where players must collect mileage cards to advance and avoid hazards along the way.

Game Components of Touring

Cards: The original edition included 100 cards, comprising mileage cards (1, 3, 5, 10 Miles), delay cards (Collision, Puncture, Out of Gasoline), remedy cards (Hauled In, Gasoline), and movement cards (Go, City Limits, Country).

Edition Variations: Later editions updated card art and increased mileage cards to reflect modern automobile travel. The 2014 reissue by Winning Moves returned to the original Model-T-era artwork.

How To Setup Touring

To set up the game, players agree on a race distance of either 50 or 100 miles. Each player starts with a hand of cards, and the objective is to be the first to reach the agreed mileage. A Go card must be played before any mileage cards can be used.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Mileage Accumulation: Players accumulate miles by playing mileage cards (1, 3, 5, 10 Miles).

Delays: Opponents can play delay cards (Collision, Puncture, Out of Gasoline) to hinder progress.

Remedies: Players must use remedy cards (Hauled In, Gasoline) to overcome delays.

Movement: Go cards are necessary to start or resume driving, while City Limits and Country cards affect gameplay.

Game Objective

Be the first player to exactly match the total agreed mileage (50 or 100 miles).

Player Experience

Touring offers a competitive and strategic experience where players must balance advancing their own progress with disrupting their opponents. The game requires medium-level skills and is suitable for 2, 3, 4, or 6 players. The dynamic between playing mileage cards and using delay and remedy cards creates a engaging and sometimes frustrating experience, adding to the game’s charm.

Pros

Historical Significance: It is one of the earliest car-themed card games.

Simple yet Strategic: Easy to learn but requires strategic thinking.

Interactive: Players can significantly impact each other’s progress.

Nostalgic Appeal: The return to original artwork in later editions adds a nostalgic touch.

Cons

Limited Complexity: The gameplay mechanics, while engaging, are not overly complex.

Dependence on Luck: Card draws can significantly influence the game’s outcome.

Outdated Theme: Some players might find the vintage automobile theme less appealing.

Personal Thoughts on Touring

Touring is ideal for those who enjoy light, strategic card games with a historical twist. It’s a great option for families or casual gamers looking for a game that combines simple rules with interactive gameplay. However, it may not appeal to players seeking highly complex or modern-themed games. The reissue by Winning Moves in 2014 makes it accessible to new generations of gamers interested in classic games.

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