1846: The Race for the Midwest
1846: The Race for the Midwest at your next game night?
Add 1846: The Race for the Midwest to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.
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- Designer Thomas Lehmann
- Publisher Deep Thought Games, LLC , GMT Games , Golden Spike Games , Rawstone
- Illustration Chris Lawson , Rodger B. MacGowan , Kurt Miller , Mark Simonitch , John Tamplin
The description, FAQ and assessments for this game were generated with the help of artificial intelligence from the game data and reviewed editorially. Spotted a mistake? Let us know.
What to Expect
In 1846, players act as investors and company presidents expanding railways across the Midwestern USA. You buy and sell stocks, build track on a hex grid, and operate companies to earn dividends. The game combines stock market trading, network building, and investment decisions in long rounds until the bank breaks.
Who Is This Game For?
1846 is aimed at experienced gamers and experts aged 14 and up who enjoy deep economic strategy and sessions lasting about four hours. The game demands patience and prior experience with complex economic games, making it unsuitable for families or beginners.
How It Works
Gameplay alternates between stock rounds where players trade shares of railway companies (Stock Holding, Investment) and operating rounds where companies lay track, run trains, and pay dividends. Majority shareholders control companies, making strategic decisions about capital and route building (Network and Route Building) on a hexagonal board.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Thomas Lehmann, 1846 is part of the 18xx series known for deep economic simulation. It features a private company draft instead of an auction and scales the number of corporations and bank size to the player count. Although it has no awards, it remains a classic in railway economic games.
Pro
- Deep economic simulation with stock market and company management
- Scales corporations and bank size based on player count
- Strategic network building on a hex grid
- Part of the renowned 18xx series
Contra
- Long playtime of about 240 minutes requires patience
- Complex rules and mechanics are challenging for beginners
- No solo mode; only for 3 to 5 players
Setting & atmosphere
The game simulates 19th-century railroad expansion in the Midwestern United States, reflecting the economic challenges of that era.
Tips for beginners
Take your time to understand the complex mechanics and preferably learn from experienced players for a smoother start.
Frequently asked questions
Can I play this solo?
No, 1846 is designed for 3 to 5 players and does not include an official solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
The game lasts about 240 minutes, making it a lengthy and involved session.
What prior experience do I need?
1846 is an expert-level game with complex economic mechanics, so prior experience with similar games is recommended.
How does this compare to similar games?
1846 uses a private company draft instead of an auction and adjusts corporations and bank size to the number of players.
Is this suitable for families?
Due to its complexity and long playtime, 1846 is better suited for experienced players rather than families with children.
What mechanic makes it special?
Combination of stock trading, network and route building, and investment on a hex grid.
Fazit
1846 is recommended for players who appreciate complex economic games with stock market and network-building mechanics. Consider its long playtime and complexity before playing.
1846: The Race for the Midwest at your next game night?
Add 1846: The Race for the Midwest to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.
Add 1846: The Race for the Midwest to my collectionAlready have an account? Log in
