# 1870: Railroading Across the Trans Mississippi from 1870

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 1992
- **BGG Rating**: 7.4
- **BGG Rank**: #2698
- **Players**: 2-6 (Best with: 4)
- **Duration**: 360 min
- **Weight**: 4.20 / 5
- **Designers**: Bill Dixon
- **Artists**: Chris Vande Voort, John Kamacher, Mike Russo
- **Publishers**: Mayfair Games
- **Categories**: Economic, Trains
- **Mechanics**: Auction / Bidding, Hexagon Grid, Network and Route Building, Stock Holding

## Verdict
Perfect for those seeking the classic 18xx experience with a fair balance between tracks and stocks.Phenomenal stock manipulationGenerous and profitable mapStrategic private companiesInsane economic depthVery steep learning curveExtremely long playtimesFOR GENRE FANS

## Description
If you love the idea of building a railway empire while manipulating the stock market to leave your opponents in the red, 1870 is where you belong. Set in the heart of the United States, the game puts you in charge of railway companies on a hexagonal map where expansion strategy is key. But make no mistake: the game isn't just about laying tracks. The true heart of 1870 lies in the stock exchange.

You'll need to buy and sell shares in various companies, fighting for majority control to dictate the company's actions. The game balances operational management (building the network) with financial speculation. An interesting detail is the inclusion of private companies, which provide special money-making capabilities, adding an extra layer of strategy to your cash flow. Unlike other 18xx titles that can be extremely punishing or overly focused on a single aspect, 1870 offers a generous map that allows most companies to become profitable, making the experience feel a bit more fluid.

The dynamics are intense: you want your company to grow, but you also want the stock prices to rise so you can sell them at the perfect moment. The game ends when the bank runs out of money, and the player with the largest personal fortune wins. It's a title for those who enjoy thinking several steps ahead, calculating risks, and mastering the art of financial negotiation. Prepare yourself for long, deep sessions where every investment decision can completely change the course of the game.

## FAQ
### Is the game hard to learn?
Yes, the 18xx series is known for its complexity. If you've never played, I recommend reading the manual carefully or watching tutorials, as the game's economy has very specific rules.

### How long does a game take?
Be prepared to invest time. Games usually last around 6 hours, depending on the group's experience and how aggressive the players are.

### How many people can play?
From 2 to 6 players. The more people, the more chaotic and interesting the stock market becomes.

### Do I need other games from the series to play?
No, 1870 is a standalone game, although it shares the basic logic of other 18xx titles.

### Is it recommended for casual gamers?
Honestly? No. This is an 'expert' game. It's ideal for those who love heavy economic games and long-term strategy.

## Price Comparison
### Best International Offers
- **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 36.00 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=148874&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com)
- **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 63.79 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=2080675&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com)
  - See all on BoardGamePrices: https://boardgameprices.com/item/show/7042/1870?utm_source=boardgamesbot.com