1761 is a game in the 18xx genre set in England, but the early game is about canals. Only later do the players start operating railways. The main differences from other titles are associated with how the canal companies fade away as the rail companies come to dominate.
The game begins in the Canal Age. In stock rounds, players auction the Private Companies and the Minor Companies. In operating rounds, the Privates pay a fixed income and the Minors lay track, earn revenues, and buy boats.
In due course, the game enters the Railway Age. In stock rounds, players may buy shares in Public Companies (which start as 5-share). In operating rounds, Publics lay track, place station markers, earn revenues, and buy trains. If they have reached their destination, they may grow into a 10-share company. Minors become fixed-income like Privates, and may be acquired by Publics.
The game ends when a Public share price exceeds a certain value. The player with the highest worth (cash + shares) wins.
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