1856

Published 1995

This 18xx game takes the basic mechanics from Tresham's 1829, and adds several new elements. Players seek to make the most money by buying and selling stock in various rail companies located on an map of eastern Canada. The board itself is actually a fairly abstract hexagonal system, with track tiles placed on top of the hexes. Players buy and sell stock in various share companies, whose actions are controlled by the majority stockholder. The stock manipulation aspect of the game is widely-regarded as one of the best. Plus each 18xx title adds new and different elements to the game. This game features the formation of the Canadian Government Railroad, and government loans as well as major obstacles for railroad growth. A game is finished when the bank runs out of money or one player goes bankrupt, and the player with the greatest personal holdings wins.

Mechanics

Auction/Bidding Network and Route Building Route/Network Building Stock Holding Tile Placement

Categories

Economic Trains

Designers

Bill Dixon

Publishers

Mayfair Games
1856

Game Info

Players
3-6 Players
Time
5 hours
Weight
Medium-Heavy — 4.25/5
Year
1995
BGG Rating
7.47
BGG Rank
#2092
Min Age
14+

Frequently Asked Questions

1856 supports 3 to 6 players. The community rates it best at 4 players.
A typical game of 1856 takes about 300 minutes.
1856 has a complexity rating of 4.25/5.00 on BoardGameGeek, placing it in the 'Heavy' category. It is a complex game best suited for experienced board gamers.
The recommended minimum age for 1856 is 14+. This makes it suitable for teens and adults.
1856 has a rating of 7.47/10 on BoardGameGeek, based on 1,363 ratings. It is ranked #2092 overall.
1856 was designed by Bill Dixon. It was published in 1995.