Knizia's Rome Chariot

Racing Game

by Scott Woodard



This is a light-and-fluffy chariot-racing game akin to Ave Caesar in that movement is governed by a hand of cards. This is not to say that there aren't strategic decisions to be made (particularly in regards to blocking, etc.), but it's a game kids and adults can enjoy.

Basically, each player controls a team of 3 chariots (colored wooden blocks with labels affixed to them (yes, you have to apply the labels yourself)), and the object of the game is to run around the "track" one time and then bring all 3 of your chariots into the light shaded line in the middle of the board.

Each player has 5 cards (numbered 1-5) and on your turn, you move one of your chariots by applying 1-3 cards worth of movement to it (number of spaces is equal to the card's face value). Chariots may only move in "straight" lines with each card, thus turning can only be done after you have moved. You cannot move through or into occupied spaces, so if you can't move with an available card, you have to bum it.

Once you have moved one chariot, you turn the applied cards face down and the next player moves, etc., until everyone has moved all three of their chariots, then you flip your cards back up and do it all over again.

That's the game! No combat. No crashing rules. No whipping rules. Just a light racing game that the whole family can enjoy.


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