Baltimore & Ohio: Robber Barons Expansion

Winsome Games · Board game · 2011
3–6 180 min Weight 3.3/5
rating Ludopedia
7.1 rating BGG
Buy
rating Ludopedia
7.1 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

If you enjoy Baltimore & Ohio and want more excitement with auctions and special cards, this expansion is for you!

Highlights
  • Adds strategic auctions
  • New cards with unique benefits
  • Increases player interaction
  • Expands the base game masterfully
Keep in mind
  • Requires the base game
  • Adds complexity
  • Auction focus may not please everyone
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About the game

What you do in a play session

If you're already into building railroads and expanding empires in Baltimore & Ohio, get ready: the Robber Barons expansion is here to add some extra spice! This little gem introduces a deck of "Robber Baron" cards and industry mogul figures, which will change the game in a very interesting way. The main hook is that these special cards go up for auction, and whoever wins them gets unique advantages that can turn the tide in their favor. It's an opportunity to give your strategy a boost, using the barons' cunning to dominate the railroad market. This expansion, released alongside other Winsome Games titles at Spiel 2011, is perfect for those who want more depth and interaction in the base game. If you enjoy auctions, a bit of bluffing, and seeing opponents' strategies adapt to new conditions, this expansion is a treat. It doesn't radically alter the game but adds layers of decision-making and comeback opportunities that make matches even more thrilling. It's a masterstroke for fans of the Historic Railroads system.

Best player count

BGG community vote

3–6 players
3 OK
4 OK
5 OK
6 OK

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Series: Historic Railroads System (Winsome Games) Series: Winsome Essen Sets States: Ohio
Publisher Winsome Games
Designer John Bohrer

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
Do I need the base game Baltimore & Ohio to play this expansion?
Yes, absolutely! This is an expansion, so you need to have the original Baltimore & Ohio game to use the new cards and components.
How many players does this expansion support?
The expansion maintains the player count of the base game, which is 3 to 6 players. It adds more dynamics for all these counts.
Does the game time increase with the expansion?
The game time might increase slightly, as the auctions and new cards add more decisions and interactions. Expect something around 180 minutes, depending on the group.
Does the expansion change the base game's rules much?
It adds an extra layer of rules focused on auctions and using the Robber Baron cards, but the core of the base game of building routes and managing stocks remains. It's an addition, not a complete overhaul.
Is this expansion more complex than the base game?
A bit. The introduction of auctions and special card abilities requires a bit more attention and strategy. If you already master the base game, adapting is smooth.
Who would you recommend this expansion for?
We recommend it for players who already enjoy Baltimore & Ohio and are looking for more interaction, tactical decisions, and an auction element to spice up the games.

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