Brass: Birmingham
- Players
- 2-4
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 4 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 120 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 14+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 3.9 / 5
- Year
- 2018
About the game
Brass: Birmingham is an economic strategy game set during the Industrial Revolution, where players build competing networks of canals and railways across two eras. You develop industries, sell goods, and time your investments to out-maneuver rivals. It is the sequel to the original Brass, offering a tighter, more interlocking economy. Victory goes to whoever scores the most points from their built industries, canals, and rail links.
Hobbli's Notes
Brass: Birmingham is widely regarded as one of the finest economic euro games ever made. Its tight card economy and network-building create constant tension between short-term needs and long-term positioning. The two-era structure rewards players who plan across the whole game rather than just their next turn. It is demanding and unforgiving, but immensely satisfying for players who enjoy deep optimization puzzles.
What we like
- Offers a deeply interlocking economic engine with meaningful long-term planning.
- Variable setup and card decks give the game strong replayability.
- Rewards clever timing and resource management over luck.
- High production values and thematic network building.
Keep in mind
- Steep learning curve that can overwhelm newcomers.
- Long playtime with notable downtime between turns.
- Unforgiving of early mistakes, which can frustrate casual players.
Who it's for
Experienced strategy gamers who enjoy deep economic optimization, ideally in groups of 3 to 4 adults aged 14 and up.
