1817
- Players
- 3-7
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 4 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 540 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 16+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 4.8 / 5
- Year
- 2010
About the game
1817 is a heavyweight entry in the 18xx railroad genre, simulating the laissez-faire capitalism of early America through stock trading and rail network building. Players build track, place stations, and run trains just like in classic 18xx games, but the real battleground is the financial market: mergers, hostile takeovers, and share conversions all shape who comes out ahead. Its signature addition is short selling, letting players bet against a company's stock price for profit or ruinous loss. Supporting 3 to 7 players, games commonly run nine hours or more, reflecting its very high complexity rating. It's a deep economic strategy game named for the year the New York Stock Exchange opened at 40 Wall Street.
Hobbli's Notes
1817 pushes 18xx financial mechanics further than almost any other title in the genre, and short selling in particular creates fascinating high-risk plays for experienced players. We think it's one of the most rewarding 18xx designs for groups who already know the genre's core rhythms of track-building and stock manipulation. That said, the very long playtime and steep complexity mean it's not a casual pick. It rewards patient, financially minded players who enjoy long strategic arcs.
What we like
- Sophisticated financial mechanics like short selling and hostile takeovers add real depth.
- Rewards long-term economic planning beyond simple track-building.
- Highly regarded within the dedicated 18xx gaming community.
- Rich interplay between stock market strategy and railroad operations.
Keep in mind
- Extremely long playtime, often running nine hours or more.
- Very steep learning curve, especially for players new to 18xx games.
- High complexity rating limits it to a small, dedicated group of enthusiasts.
Who it's for
Best for dedicated 18xx and economic strategy enthusiasts aged 16+ ready to commit many hours, in groups of 3-7.
