Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS
Perfect for those who love financial strategy and want the depth of an 18XX in a card game format.
Highlights
- Unusual and clever blend of mechanics
- Fast and dynamic gameplay
- High tactical depth
- Great portability
Keep in mind
- Steep initial learning curve
- Theme might be dry for some
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Ever wondered what would happen if you blended the tension of a trick-taking game with the financial complexity of an 18XX title? That's exactly what Trick of the Rails delivers! The game transports us to the golden age of American railways, but instead of a massive board and hundreds of pieces, everything happens through clever card play. The heart of the game is the alternation between two types of rounds: stock rounds and operating rounds. During stock rounds, the cards you play determine which company shares you are acquiring. In other words, you are building your financial portfolio to profit in the future. In operating rounds, the dynamic shifts: the cards played now serve as tracks for the companies. This is where the magic happens, as you try to increase the value of the companies you own while hindering your opponents. However, it's not just about playing the highest card; you need trains for the company to generate profit. The catch is that these trains have maintenance costs, so if you don't plan carefully, your company might end up losing money or simply generating no profit at all. Victory doesn't go to whoever builds the largest network, but to the player who ends the game with the most valuable shares. It's a game of pure strategy where hand management is crucial and every card played has a huge impact on the final result. If you enjoy card games with tactical depth and love the idea of manipulating the stock market while playing tricks, this title is a perfect fit. It's fast-paced, but requires you to stay alert to your opponents' moves to avoid being left behind in the railway race.
Gallery
Box and component photos
Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
Rules videos
Learn by watching before you open the box
Best player count
BGG community vote
3
BEST
4
REC
5
OK
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Grok Games, Japon Brand, Mauá, OKAZU Brand, Terra Nova Games
Designer
Hisashi Hayashi
Artist
Ann-Sophie De Steur, Ian O'Toole, Luis Francisco, Ryo Nyamo, Todd Sanders
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
2,046owners
391wishlist
110want to play
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
Is the game too complex?
It's considered an 'expert' game. If you're familiar with trick-taking and stock market mechanics, it'll be a breeze. Otherwise, be ready to study the rules a bit.
How long does a game take?
It's surprisingly fast given its depth, usually lasting around 20 minutes.
How many players can play?
The game supports 3 to 5 players, making it ideal for small groups who enjoy direct interaction.
Do I need any extra components?
No, the game is entirely card-based, which makes it very easy to carry around.
Is it recommended for beginners?
Not as a first game. I recommend it for those who already have some experience with modern board games and want something more cerebral.
Does the language matter much?
Very little. There is minimal text that is easy to memorize, so the language barrier is almost non-existent.
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