# Yardmaster Express

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2014
- **BGG Rating**: 5.7
- **BGG Rank**: #10523
- **Players**: 2-5 (Best with: 4)
- **Duration**: 5-10 min
- **Weight**: 1.07 / 5
- **Designers**: David Short
- **Artists**: Dan Thompson, Darrell Louder, Maciej Szymanowicz, Peter Wocken, Vincent Dutrait
- **Publishers**: (Web published), Crash Games, IELLO, Mancalamaro, Nasza Księgarnia
- **Categories**: Card Game, Print & Play, Trains, Transportation
- **Mechanics**: Open Drafting, Set Collection

## Verdict
Perfect for those seeking a fast and competitive filler; the 'hiding' mechanic adds a great layer of mischief.Super fast 10-minute gamesSimple and intuitive rulesDirect player interactionMinimalist and practical componentsLacks deep strategic depthGames might feel too shortRECOMMENDED

## Description
Looking for that perfect filler game to bridge the gap between two big sessions or something for those who hate 40-page rulebooks? Yardmaster Express is exactly that. You and your friends (up to 5 players) take on the role of yardmasters trying to assemble the most valuable train possible. The dynamic is simple and fast: you pick a card from your hand, attach it to your train, and pass the remaining cards to the person next to you. Sounds easy, right? That's where the strategy kicks in.

To add a railcar, it must match the previous one, either by cargo type or numerical value. If you're stuck and have nothing that fits, don't panic! You can play any card face down as a 'Wild Railcar'. While they don't provide many points, they act as a joker to save your game. The real mischief comes when you intentionally use this to 'hide' a card you know your opponent is desperate for, sabotaging their train while protecting your own.

With a minimalist deck of about 32 cards and zero tokens or annoying markers to organize, the game flows incredibly fast. In just 10 minutes, you'll know who the master of the rails is. It's the kind of 'pick up and play' experience that doesn't require exhausting mental effort but keeps everyone alert to what their neighbor is building. If you enjoy set collection games with a hint of 'I'm messing with you', Yardmaster Express will fit perfectly on your shelf.

## FAQ
### How long does a game last?
It's super fast! A game ends in about 10 minutes.

### Is it hard to learn?
Not at all. The rules are intuitive and you'll learn while playing the first round.

### How many people can play?
From 2 to 5 players.

### Is there a lot of text on the cards?
No, language dependency is minimal, making it accessible to everyone.

### Does it come with many components?
No, it's a minimalist game consisting only of a deck of cards.

### Is it suitable for children?
Yes, because it's simple and fast, it's great for introducing board games to kids.

## Price Comparison
### Best International Offers
- **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 14.27 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=6954617&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com)
- **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 14.32 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=4783771&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com)
  - See all on BoardGamePrices: https://boardgameprices.com/item/show/49909/way-up-high?utm_source=boardgamesbot.com