# Circus Train (Second Edition)

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2013
- **BGG Rating**: 7.1
- **BGG Rank**: #6806
- **Players**: 1-5 (Best with: 4)
- **Duration**: 90 min
- **Weight**: 2.45 / 5
- **Designers**: Tom Decker
- **Artists**: Vinh Ha
- **Publishers**: Victory Point Games
- **Categories**: Economic, Trains
- **Mechanics**: Action Retrieval, Catch the Leader, Dice Rolling, End Game Bonuses, Hand Management, Point to Point Movement, Set Collection

## Verdict
Circus Train is a thematic gem that blends economic management with the hustle of a traveling circus. It is perfect for those who enjoy train games with an extra layer of strategy and tough decisions, like choosing who stays or leaves the train. The experience flows well, especially with more players, and the 'Water for Elephants' theme adds a unique flavor to the gameplay.Well-integrated circus themeChallenging and strategic hand managementImproved scalability for five playersEvent mechanics add unpredictabilityCan be ruthless with financial mistakesDirect interaction might frustrate beginnersRECOMMENDED

## Description
Ever imagined running a traveling circus by rail across the U.S. during the Prohibition era? In Circus Train (Second Edition), you step into the shoes of an ambitious entrepreneur attempting to put on the most magnificent show the country has ever seen. Forget the easy life: this game is a strategic race where every decision matters, from hiring talented performers left stranded by defunct circuses to carefully managing your payroll. If a performer starts costing more than they bring in, you have the controversial option of 'red lighting' them—essentially kicking them off the train without a second thought.

The game's core revolves around clever hand management as you control your train's movement across the American Northeast. Each turn represents one week, and over the course of a six-month season, you must balance the logistics of supplies—including the high costs of transporting big cats and elephants—and even the procurement of alcohol, especially when crossing into Canada where the prohibition wasn't an issue. Inspired by the vibrant and sometimes gritty atmosphere of the novel 'Water for Elephants', the game blends economic management with a dash of corporate ruthlessness.

This second edition is the ultimate package, combining the base game with its first expansion. Beyond a refreshed visual design that brings a much-needed facelift, the biggest change is the scalability: you can now play with up to five people, which drastically alters the interaction and competition for talent and routes. The addition of new Event cards introduces an extra layer of unpredictability, ensuring that no two seasons feel exactly the same. Whether you are a natural strategist who loves optimizing routes or someone who enjoys a tight theme with 'catch the leader' mechanics to keep the competition fierce until the very end, Circus Train offers a mid-weight experience that challenges your ability to be the greatest show on Earth without driving your circus into bankruptcy.

## FAQ
### Does the game work well for a single player?
Yes, the game includes official rules for a solo mode, allowing you to manage your circus without needing other competitors.

### How long does a game session last?
The game is designed to last about 90 minutes, which is a great duration for the strategic depth it provides.

### What is the difficulty level (weight) of the game?
With a BGG weight of approximately 2.45, it is considered a medium-complexity game, accessible to those familiar with strategy titles.

### What exactly changed in this second edition?
This edition merges the base game with its first expansion, offers a refreshed graphic design, support for up to 5 players, and new event cards.

### Do I need to know the book 'Water for Elephants' to play?
Not at all. The game is inspired by the atmosphere of the novel, but all rules and contexts are fully explained in the manual.