Wabash Cannonball

Queen Games, Winsome Games, M-Ágnes · Board game · 2007
2–6 · best 4 30–60 min Weight 2.8/5
8.1 rating Ludopedia
7.3 rating BGG
Buy
8.1 rating Ludopedia
7.3 rating BGG
Our Verdict

Perfect for those who love pure economic games and hate relying on dice; the focus is entirely on profit and strategy.

Highlights
  • Zero luck, pure strategy
  • Smart stock management
  • Immersive historical theme
  • Direct and competitive interaction
Keep in mind
  • Steep learning curve
  • Pacing can be slow
FOR GENRE FANS
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About the game
Get ready to step into the shoes of a 19th-century 'Robber Baron'! In Wabash Cannonball (also known as Chicago Express), you take financial control of the railroad expansion in the US, moving from the East Coast toward the promising city of Chicago. In this game, luck has no place; it's pure strategy, calculation, and a keen eye for business. You don't just control a single company, but invest in several, trying to extract the maximum profit while railroads compete for space and influence.

The dynamics revolve around rounds where you must choose between three main actions: auctioning shares of a company, expanding a company's rail system, or developing hexagons on the board to increase route value. The catch is that these actions are limited; once the options run out, the dividend phase begins, where those who invested wisely collect their earnings. It's a tug-of-war where you might help expand a railroad to increase the value of your own shares, even if it indirectly benefits an opponent.

The game lasts for a maximum of eight rounds, but can end sooner if the locomotives or shares of three companies run out, or if the houses in the general supply are depleted. In the end, the player with the most money wins the battle. It's a perfect title for those who love 'hardcore' economic games, where portfolio management and board reading are essential. If you enjoy the feeling of building a financial empire from scratch and like games where every decision directly impacts your bank balance, this is the game for you.
Rules videos

In English

BEST PLAYER COUNT
2 OK
3 REC
4 BEST
5 REC
6 OK
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Game details

Families

Category: Combinatorial Cities: Chicago (Illinois, USA) Country: USA Digital Implementations: Board Game Arena Digital Implementations: VASSAL Series: Cube Rails Series: Historic Railroads System (Winsome Games) Series: Winsome Essen Sets Series: Winsome Train Games (Rio Grande Games)
Publisher Queen Games, Winsome Games, M-Ágnes, Rio Grande Games
Designer John Bohrer
Artist Michael Menzel, Todd Sanders
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there much luck involved?
None at all! The game is fully deterministic. There are no dice or luck cards; everything depends on your decisions and reading your opponents.
Is it too complex for beginners?
Yes, it's considered an 'Expert' game. If you've never played an economic stock management game, it might take some time to get the hang of it.
How many people can play?
From 2 to 6 players. While some recent editions say 3-6, the rules work perfectly with 2.
How long does a game last?
Generally between 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the group's experience and the number of players.
Does the game language matter?
Hardly. There is very little text on the components, making it practically language-independent.