Designed by Chris Lawson and Mark Derrick. 1851 is a new 18xx game set in Kentucky and Tennessee; it is designed for 3 to 5 players and takes about 3 hours to play. The game will be suited for new players as well as experienced hands. Due to the shorter playing time it should make a very good introduction game as well. While a number of rules and "features" have been removed either for ease of play or because they are not suited for a smaller game, new concepts have been introduced which are not found in existing American 18xx games. These include partial capitalization, bonus routes, station marker costs and the ability for a corporation to buy and sell its own shares. These new ideas are integral to the game play and strategy and not just superficial chrome to make the game different.

The game should appeal to the track builders as well as the share dealers. The map soon builds up a network of track that runs between all corners of the board, this is due to tile build rules, the lack of $10 cities and the bonus 'red-to-red' routes. The six corporations in the game are partially capitalized when floated and can sell/buy their own stock to/from the bank pool during the operating round. There is no "initial offering" as the corporation owns the unsold stock and also receive dividends on stock held in their treasury, stock is always sold at the current stock market price (no "par price").

Background History

The game originated in the 18TN design by Mark Derrick (who lives in Chattanooga, Tennessee). During playtesting of 18TN the rules were further developed by myself and as this resulted in a totally new game, it was decided that a new title would be appropriate. While both games share the same goals, to create an easy and faster 8xx game, the end result is that 18TN and 1851 are two totally different games but based around similar maps using the same six corporations.

Production

As with all my other 18xx gamekits (1841, 1876 and 1899) the production values are very high. The map and stock market are full colour while the components are printed on coloured cardstock. 1851 is a complete game and requires no additional components. It will come boxed and will contain a full rulebook as well as a quick start rulesheet. Several new design features have been incorporated into the components to help ease game play (such as the dividend payout track). The Silver Edition is a gamekit so will require the components to be cut out.

Platinum Edition

I am offering a special limited print-run edition of 1851. It is handmade and includes mounted boards, wooden tokens, laminated and pre cut components (i.e. no extra work is required; it is a ready to play game, not a gamekit). I have found a heavy matt laminate to encase all the components (shares, charters, tiles and trains), the final result looks like they are made out of plastic instead of card. The box will feature colour artwork and will be signed and numbered dedicated to the owner. The offer is made to order only and will finish at the end of March, after which no more Platinum Editions of 1851 will be made or offered again. If the offer is over subscribed, then existing/long-time gamekit owners will have priority. I have only limited components and time (it takes about six hours to assemble each Platinum Edition 1851) so I may have to turn down some orders.

1852

An expansion is already under way, called 1852, to convert 1851 into a larger game. The object is to create a game designed for 5 or 6 players(as 1851 is specifically geared for 3 or 4 players). It will use the same unchanged) map and stock market but introduce three new corporations and a few additional components. This will result in a longer game able to accommodate 3 to 6 players and lasting about 5 hours. It will use the base ruleset of 1851 but will introduce some new rules to enable the game to function with the expanded mix of corporations.

Ordering

The game is now ready to order. It is available in two editions, the standard "Silver Edition" or the limited print run "Platinum Edition". Costs include Air Mail post & packing. Silver Edition costs 13 UK Pounds (or $30 in the US) Platinum Edition costs 50 UK Pounds (or $100) For further details please contact me.