Objective of the Game:
In "Brass," players aim to build the largest economic empire in England during the Industrial Revolution. The player with the most victory points (VP) at the end of the game wins.
Game Components: - Game board with a map of Lancashire (in the game "Brass: Lancashire") - Industry tiles (like factories, coal mines, etc.) - Rail tiles - Money - Cards - Markers for coal and iron
Game Play: The game is divided into two phases: the Canal Phase and the Rail Phase. Each phase has its own rules and opportunities for expanding the empire.
1. Turn Structure: - Drawing Cards: Players draw cards that determine where they can build. - Perform Actions: Each player has two actions per turn. Possible actions include: - Build: Construct industries, which costs money and may require specific conditions based on the cards. - Connect: Build transportation links to connect cities. - Develop: Upgrade your industries through progress. - Sell: You must sell cotton to earn VP and money. - Use Coal Mine or Iron Works: To supply other constructions.
2. Canal Phase: - In this first phase, players expand their cities using canals and build lower-tier industries. At the end of this phase, all canals are removed, and only higher-tier buildings remain.
3. Rail Phase: - Players now use railways for expansions and can develop more potent and profitable industries. These often require a more robust supply of resources like coal and iron.
Resource Management: Proper planning for coal and iron supply is crucial as these are needed to build links and developments. These resources can be transported through either the player's or opponent's network.
Victory Points (VP): At the end of each phase, players gain VP for: - Each link they have built. - Each industry building that is successfully constructed and operational. The specific rules for scoring are detailed in the game instructions.
Strategic Nuances: - Be mindful of your opponent's plans and try to use their connections to minimize your costs. - Timing is critical. Building actions at the end of the canal or beginning of the rail phase can be vital. - Cash flow is crucial; use clever financial strategies for either productive sales or better board positions.
End of the Game: After the rail phase, each player compares their VP, and the highest score wins the game. In a tie situation, the remaining capital serves as the first tiebreaker.
