Brass: Birmingham
- Designer Gavan Brown , Matt Tolman , Martin Wallace
- Publisher Roxley , Arclight Games , Board Game Rookie , BoardM Factory , CMON Global Limited
- Illustration Gavan Brown , Lina Cossette , David Forest , Gui Landgraf , Damien Mammoliti , Mr. Cuddington
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
You play competing entrepreneurs in Birmingham between 1770 and 1870. The game is split into two halves — the canal era and the rail era — where you build industries, expand networks and exploit market demands. Victory points are scored at the end of each era for canals, rails and established industries. The unsere Datenbank description emphasizes hand management, market mechanics and a two-phase tempo.
Who Is This Game For?
Aimed at hobby/enthusiast players: Brass: Birmingham is for ages 14+ and supports 2–4 players. With an estimated duration of 120 minutes, it suits experienced groups and evening game sessions. Prior experience with economic Euros or engine-building is helpful.
How It Works
Rounds use a turn-order track and each player gets two actions per turn. Core mechanics include Chaining, Hand Management and Income: you build industries, develop tiles and sell goods to gain income and victory points. Loans and a market system affect finances; network links (canals/rails) connect locations and enable sales. The canal and rail phases require strategic adaptation.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Martin Wallace with Gavan Brown and Matt Tolman, Brass: Birmingham is a modern take on the Brass theme. It won the 2018 Golden Geek Award for Best Strategy Board Game and received Board Game Quest recognition for production values in 2018. The interplay of chaining and market/income mechanics defines its strategy.
Awards
2018
- 2018 Board Game Quest Awards Best Production Values — Winner
- 2018 Board Game Quest Awards Best Strategy/Euro Game — Nominated
- 2007 Jogo do Ano — Winner
Pro
- Strong economic and engine-building feel (Chaining, Income)
- Two-phase play (canal and rail) creates shifting strategies
- Recognized production quality — Board Game Quest Awards 2018
- 2018 Golden Geek Winner: Best Strategy Board Game
Contra
- Long playtime (~120 minutes) requires commitment
- Higher learning curve — suited to experienced players
- Requires planning across two distinct game phases
Setting & Atmosphäre
The game is set in industrial Birmingham, England during the Industrial Revolution (1770–1870). Players build industries, canals and later railways to optimize production and trade.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus first on learning the primary actions (Build, Network, Sell) and play a full game to experience the canal→rail transition.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
No — the game is for 2–4 players.
How long does a game really take?
The listed duration is about 120 minutes; with explanation and setup it can fill an evening.
What prior experience do I need?
Experience with economic Eurogames or engine-building is recommended; the game is geared toward hobby players.
How does this compare to similar games?
The clear two-era structure (canal then rail) and the emphasis on chaining plus market/income dynamics differentiate it from other economic Euros.
Is this suitable for families?
Given the 14+ age recommendation and complexity, it’s more suitable for experienced family groups rather than casual family play.
What mechanic makes it special?
The combination of Chaining with Income and Market mechanics is central to its strategic depth.
Fazit
Recommended for experienced euro players who like deep economic play. Casual groups or short sessions may find the duration and depth less suitable.
