The Old Prince 1871

This game is lightning in a bottle. TOP adds a tremendous amount to the 18xx experience while taking nothing away. It plays quickly, continually produces several different but playable positions out of the unique auction structure, and can be appreciated by newer and highly experienced players. The more this design influences new games, the happier I will feel about the future of 18xx.

Quite possibly the best 18xx (which is pretty much all I play). Much better at 3 than at 4: Union Bank is a less oppressive force for both the owning player and the table.

My current favorite 18xx. Dynamic, not over-long, good decisions the entire game, intertwined incentives the whole way through. Absolutely a blast.

After second game: This is truly a gem! Forcing entanglement from the start with the PEIR, that brilliant auction mechanic, and the tranches is a stroke of genius. It really allows the players to get right to the good parts (in my opinion). The "only curved track" rule with variable setup also neatly solves the "solved track" dilemma some other 18xx suffer from. Initial impressions: While clearly still being an 18xx, it's truly unlike any 18xx I've experienced before. But what a joy to play! I need to get a few more plays under my belt, but I can already see this one climbing high on my all-time favorites list.

Please someone publish this asap! This is a delightfully interesting 18xx at every level of the game--opening auction, stock and operation are all super engaging.