Pack your luggage, hail the porter, and climb aboard! (Days of Wonder Ticket to Ride Europe)

Member Name: rachelwestall

Product:	Days of Wonder Ticket to Ride Europe
Date:	18/11/08 (129 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: You don't have to be a train-spotter!

Disadvantages: Can take over an hour to play.

Ticket to Ride is a cross-country Train adventure game for all ages. It was designed by Alan R Moon and is produced by 'Days of Wonder'. The board is a map of the great cities of Europe from the turn of the century and therefore some of the names may not be so familiar. Collect trains and dominate routes around Europe in an attempt to become Europe's greatest Train Magnate.

I am not, and never have been a train-spotter. We did go on a train last year! We don't have a 'OO' guage Hornby Railway set, but we do have Ticket to Ride Europe! We were given this board game by friends and it has become a firm family favourite. The kids love to get it out on a wet Sunday afternoon (most weeks then!) and rope their parents into palying too. One of the main reasons I like this game is that there is some strategy involved and I can win!!

There are obviously other games Made by 'Days of Wonder', in the same series but we have only played 'Ticket to Ride Europe'. It is quite simple to learn the rules, although I find them quite hard to explain. I always think it's easier to learn the game as you go along. Anyway I will try to expalin the rules very simply, without confusing you too much!!....

The game is for 2 - 5 players (age 8 and above)
It says on the box that it will take 30 - 60 minutes, however we have never played a game in less than an hour, so be prepared for the long haul!

At the beginning of the game each player has 45 coloured train cars in either red, blue, yellow, green or black and 3 train stations in a matching colour - these are your game pieces.

The object of the game...

The object of the game is to score the highest number of points.

At the beginning of the game you are given up to 4 Destination Tickets (One long route and three shorter routes). These are routes between two cities eg Berlin and Bucuresti - 8 Points - Each completed route is worth points. You have to complete your long route, but can choose which short route you complete. The longer the route the more points.

You can complete routes by collecting train cards - you start off with 4 and collect up to 2 train cards every turn. You claim a route by playing a set of train cards that match the colour and quantity of the spaces that make up the route. (It's much easier than it sounds!) .
You can gain extra points by completeing the longest route and claiming the European Express Bonus card.

You can also claim points for each Train Station ( you have three to start with) kept in reserve at the end of the game, so it's worth trying not to use them.

The game ends when any one player has got down to two or less of their coloured plastic trains, each player then gets one final turn. The game ends and the players calculate their final scores.

The player with the most points wins the game! Please be aware I have only given you very basic rules as I don't want to befuddle or confuse you!

With the game also comes an online access number which means you can play the game online. I have not tried this - I'm an old fashioned gal at heart. I love playing board games with my family. I think we all spend far too long watching TV or playing computer games. Its a great opportunity for a bit of healthy competition, the odd argument (!)but mainly a chance to sit down and spend quality time together.

Please don't be put off by the poorly explained instructions. I don't do complecated! The game really is easy to pick up. Once you've played it a couple of times you will feel quite confident. Don't take my word for it - have a go!!


Ticket To Ride Europe by Days of Wonder is on Amazon at the moment for £29.99

Summary: A great game for all the family.