Brass: Birmingham
Description
Step into the height of the Industrial Revolution and dominate the Midlands! Brass: Birmingham is the acclaimed sequel to Brass: Lancashire and a heavyweight Eurogame considered by many to be the pinnacle of economic strategy. In this game by Martin Wallace, you become a businessman who builds industries and establishes trade routes (canals and later railways). What makes Birmingham unique is its intricate goods market: you have to manage the production of coal, iron, and the demand for beer, with a market system that constantly fluctuates depending on the supply and demand of all players. The key lies in the double-layered scoring system: you earn victory points by building your industry tokens, but they only score when you flip them (by consuming their resources or selling their goods), forcing you to optimize the timing of your own industry's collapse. The asymmetry of the actions (two actions per turn) and the fierce competition for locations make each decision an exercise in long-term strategy. If you are looking for the ultimate mental challenge in resource management, a deep immersion in economics, and a game that punishes inefficiency, Brass: Birmingham is a must-buy. It is the litmus test for any strategist. Let the age of steam begin!
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How to play
The game takes place in two eras: the Canal era and the Railway era. On your turn, you perform 2 actions from a limited list (e.g. build an industry, build a route connection, sell/trade). Money is scarce, forcing borrowing. The core mechanics are managing coal and iron resources and managing the beer market, which is used for trading. Players earn victory points (VP) by flipping their industry tokens (making them permanent and increasing their value). The game ends after the Railway era, when the total score of the flipped industries and connecting routes is added.
Why you might like it
The dual-use economic system (channels and rails) and the supply/demand market, The tension of the flipping strategy (scoring your token requires someone to use their resource), Is the pinnacle of Eurogame design for many experts. If you're looking for a deep eurogame, with a brilliant economic system and high-impact decisions, Brass: Birmingham offers one of the most complete strategic experiences in the genre.
What to keep in mind
Its learning curve is steep, the level of mental demand is high and it can be unforgiving for players who prefer more relaxed or less calculating experiences.