Objective of the Game
In Colt Express, players aim to collect as much loot as possible by robbing passengers and the train itself. The game ends after the fifth round, and the player with the most money at the end wins.
Game Components
- 1 three-dimensional train made of train cars
- 26 round and action cards per player
- Purse tokens, jewel stones, and vault tokens
- 6 bandit figures
- 1 Marshal and 1 loot bag
- 1 start player marker
Setup
- Set up the train: Place the train with the locomotive and the cars in the center of the table.
- Distribute loot: Place the loot face-up according to their designated train cars.
- Place figures: Each player selects a bandit figure and a matching set of cards and places their figure in the car of their choice. The Marshal goes into the locomotive.
- Prepare the round deck: The number of round cards depends on the number of players (e.g., 5 rounds for 6 players).
- First player: Determine the start player randomly.
Gameplay
The game consists of a series of rounds, each consisting of two phases:
1. Programming Phase
In this phase, players plan their actions for the round by placing cards from their hand onto the communal action pile in order.
- The start player plays the first card face-up or face-down (depending on the round card).
- Other players follow in clockwise order.
- Each card corresponds to an action the player wants to take in the resolution phase.
Important Tip: Keep an eye on what other players are planning and try to predict how their actions might affect you.
2. Resolution Phase
In the resolution phase, the cards are executed in sequence to carry out the planned actions.
- Each card is taken from the action pile and executed.
- Possible actions include:
- Move: Move a bandit from one car to another.
- Climb to the roof: Move from inside a car to the roof or the other way around.
- Rob: Gather a loot bag, jewel, or vault from a car.
- Shoot: Shoot at another bandit in the same car or rooftop. Hit bandits receive a "bullet card" that clogs up their deck.
- Marshal's movement: Move the Marshal forward or back by one car.
- Punch: Punch another bandit to push them to a neighboring car.
Strategic Tip: Plan your shots wisely to hinder opponents' movements and collect more loot.
Special Rules
- Marshal: The Marshal moves reactively, forcing bandits to escape to the roof if they enter his car and potentially drops loot.
- Tunnels: During tunnel actions, cards are played face-down, making planning trickier.
End of the Game
After the final round, players tally their collected loot. The player with the highest monetary value wins. Additionally, the "Gunslinger," who fired the most bullets, receives a bonus.
Colt Express requires a mix of strategic planning and the ability to adapt to unpredictable plans from other players. Enjoy the game!
