How to Play the Game Empire Builder: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
Hey readers! Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to play the thrilling Empire Builder board game. This game transports you to the golden age of railroad expansion in North America, where you compete to build the most profitable and efficient rail empire. So grab your conductor’s hat and prepare for a journey that’s both strategic and exciting.
Game Overview
Objective:
The goal of Empire Builder is to earn the most points by connecting cities and completing routes. Points are awarded for owning the longest continuous routes, building stations in major cities, and acquiring various bonuses.
Components:
- Game board with a map of North America
- 8 player boards
- 240 train cars (in six colors)
- 144 city cards
- 6 stock certificates for each railroad company
- Money
Gameplay
1. Setup:
- Each player chooses a color and collects the corresponding train cars, city cards, and stock certificates.
- Players place their player boards on the designated starting squares on the board.
- Money and city cards are distributed randomly.
2. Turns:
- On each turn, players take three actions in any order:
- Draw Train Cars: Acquire train cars from the draw pile or discard pile.
- Place Train Cars: Connect cities to create routes or extend existing ones.
- Build Stations: Construct stations in major cities to earn bonuses.
3. Scoring:
- Points are awarded at the end of each round and the game.
- Players earn points for the length of their continuous routes, stations built in major cities, and owning stock in profitable railroad companies.
4. Game End:
- The game continues until all train cars have been placed or no player can make any more legal moves.
- The player with the most points wins the game.
Strategies for Success
1. Plan Your Routes Carefully:
Analyze the board and identify potential routes that connect major cities and offer high-scoring bonuses.
2. Acquire Diverse Train Cars:
Aim to have a balanced mix of train cars in your possession. This allows you to connect various city types and fulfill route requirements.
3. Build Stations Strategically:
Stations generate income and provide bonuses when connected to specific routes. Choose wisely where to build them to maximize profits.
4. Invest in Railroad Stocks:
Purchasing stocks in railroad companies can yield significant bonuses when those companies expand and connect profitable routes.
Reference Table
| Action | Cost | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Draw Train Cars | Free | N/A |
| Place Train Cars on Existing Route | $1 per car | 1 point per city connected |
| Place Train Cars on New Route | $3 per car | 3 points per city connected |
| Build Station in Major City | $5 | 5 points |
| Acquire Railroad Stock | $5 | 1 point per route completed by that company |
Conclusion
Empire Builder is a classic board game that combines strategy, luck, and a dash of historical charm. By following the tips and strategies outlined above, you can become a railroad tycoon and build an empire that will stand the test of time. Stay tuned for more articles on strategy board games, and thanks for reading!
FAQ about Empire Builder
What is the goal of the game?
To score the most victory points by controlling the most valuable properties, connecting your cities with rail lines, and fulfilling contracts.
How do I start the game?
Each player starts with $150,000 and places their train in New York City.
How do I buy property?
You can buy property by landing on it with your train and paying the price listed on the property card.
How do I connect cities with rail lines?
You can build rail lines by paying the cost listed on the rail line card. You can only build rail lines between cities that are adjacent to each other.
How do I fulfill contracts?
You can fulfill contracts by connecting the cities listed on the contract with rail lines. You will receive the reward listed on the contract.
How do I end the game?
The game ends when the deck of property cards is empty.
How do I calculate my score?
Your score is determined by adding up the value of the properties you control, the value of your rail lines, and the rewards you have earned from fulfilling contracts.
What are the different types of property?
There are three types of property: city, factory, and mine. Cities are worth the most points, factories are worth the second most, and mines are worth the least.
What are the different types of rail lines?
There are two types of rail lines: standard and express. Standard rail lines cost less to build, but they take longer to travel. Express rail lines cost more to build, but they take less time to travel.
What are the different types of contracts?
There are three types of contracts: short, medium, and long. Short contracts are worth the least points, medium contracts are worth the second most, and long contracts are worth the most.
