# Irish Gauge

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2014
- **BGG Rating**: 7.2
- **BGG Rank**: #1235
- **Players**: 3-5 (Best with: 4)
- **Duration**: 60 min
- **Weight**: 2.33 / 5
- **Designers**: Amabel Holland
- **Artists**: Ian O'Toole
- **Publishers**: Capstone Games, Winsome Games
- **Categories**: Economic, Post-Napoleonic, Trains
- **Mechanics**: Auction / Bidding, Hexagon Grid, Income, Investment, Network and Route Building, Random Production, Stock Holding, Victory Points as a Resource

## Verdict
Perfect for those who love fast-paced economic games and the tension of stock speculation. Its strength lies in the simplicity of the cubes paired with financial depth.Very engaging stock dynamicsFast and fluid gameplaySimplified and efficient route buildingHigh strategic depthLearning curve for those new to economicsInteraction can be aggressive for someRECOMMENDED

## Description
If you enjoy games where the financial battle is just as intense as the board struggle, Irish Gauge is right up your alley. Set in Ireland, the game follows the style of Winsome's famous 'cube-rail games': instead of complex track pieces, cubes represent the rails, making the gameplay much more dynamic without sacrificing strategic depth. Here, you aren't just building railways; you're playing the stock market game.

The dynamics revolve around five railway companies. On your turn, you face crucial choices: you can auction shares of a company for profit, build tracks (by placing cubes) to expand the network, upgrade towns into cities to increase regional value, or—the power move—call for dividends. Dividends are the heart of the game: shareholders receive payouts based on how many cities the railway connects and how many shares have been issued.

The twist is that upgrade actions and dividend calls don't just fill your pockets; they also control the game's pace and the likelihood of future payouts. It's all about timing and speculation. Do you want to expand the network to increase the company's value, or do you want to cash out now and leave your opponents stranded? Victory isn't about who built the largest network, but who ends the game with the highest net worth—the sum of your cash on hand and the current value of your stocks. It's a battle of economic wits where efficient capital management is what separates the tycoon from the bankrupt.

## FAQ
### Is the game too complex?
The rules are simple and the cube-building makes it easy, but the investment strategy requires focus. It's a 'light expert' experience.

### How long does a game last?
Usually around 60 minutes, making it much faster than many traditional train games.

### How many people can play?
From 3 to 5 players. With more players, the fight for shares and the auctions become even more intense.

### Do I need to understand economics to play?
Nope! The game teaches the logic of shares and dividends as you play, but those familiar with economics will feel right at home.

### What's in the box?
The game includes the map of Ireland, cubes for routes, share markers, and money. Everything is straightforward and functional.

### Who do you recommend this for?
For fans of Chicago Express or anyone who enjoys resource management and financial speculation.

## Price Comparison
### Best International Offers
- **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 40.85 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=2898043&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com)
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