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Commentary and processes of J C Lawrence:
systems architect,
contrarian,
theorist,
sailor,
hacker,
virtual world designer,
linux-user,
aquarist,
disquisitor,
cat breeder,
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game designer,
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Wabash Cannonball set piece: #2
Note: This article was also posted to Boardgamegeek at Wabash Cannonball set piece: #2.
Given the following situation in a three player game of Wabash Cannonball after the starting auction:
- Player #1: PRR $20 Cash $20
- Player #2: B&O $20 Cash $20
- Player #3: C&O $20 NYC $20 Cash $0
Questions:
- Was Player #3 right to force-win that share of the NYC or should he have let it go to another player instead after enforcing a minimum bid level?
- What did Player #3’s choice to force-win the NYC share do to his position?
- What does each player do for their first action? Is this an easy or automatic decision for each player? Why?
- For each player, are they in a good or bad position? What are their primary risks and opportunities? Compare and contrast their positions.
- Have any of the players adopted game-length postures yet?
- Have any decisions been made which will affect how many General Dividend are likely to be paid in this game? If so, what were they?
Enjoy.
Wabash Cannonball set piece: #1
Note: This article was also posted to Boardgamegeek at Wabash Cannonball set piece: #1
I’d promised a while ago to post a move-by-move analysis of one of our Wabash Cannonball games but for various reasons that hasn’t happened and is unlikely to happen. But there is hope. I had an interesting discussion with Adam Kao last night regarding Wabash Cannonball tactics (the game has been popular at Eudemonia). During the discussion we worked through a few set pieces in order to illuminate some of the points I was making. The first set piece is below. If this proves popular/effective I’ll see about posting other set pieces.
Assume a 4 player game of Wabash Cannonball and that the initial share auction resulted in the following share distribution:
- Player #1: PRR $15, B&O $15, Cash $0
- Player #2: Cash $30
- Player #3: C&O $15, Cash $15
- Player #4: NYC $16, Cash $14
Questions:
- Why did Player #4 spend $16 on the NYC? Is this a good or weak position?
- Is Player #2 in a strong or weak position? Does Player #2? control initiative?
- What is each of the four player’s posture as regards game length?
- What is the first action of each of the four players in the first round of the game? Why?
- Do they have any other reasonable choices? Why?
- Might any of the players use a Develop action during the first round? If so, why?
Enjoy.
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