All aboard for adventure! Ticket to Ride is a classic multi-player board game where players connect cities, claim routes, and race for the most points. With simple rules and strategic gameplay, it's perfect for families and friends alike, from casual players to seasoned pros. The beautiful maps and competitive nature keep everyone coming back for more!
If you're ready to embark on this railway journey but need some guidance, this quick guide will cover the basics and share winning strategies. Get set to lay down tracks, complete tickets, and enjoy one of the most iconic board games ever!
What is Ticket to Ride?
Created by Alan R. Moon, Ticket to Ride board game was first published in 2004 and gained popularity, becoming a staple in the board gaming community. It’s an award-winning game because of its engaging gameplay and accessibility.
This classic board game has players collect colored train cards to claim routes, connect various cities on the map, and fulfill destination tickets to score points. The player who builds the most efficient railway network and earns the most points by the end of the game emerges as the winner.
Different versions of Ticket to Ride are available at Toy Kingdom, each offering unique maps and gameplay experiences and catering to players' various preferences. Among those are the original version, which is based on a 1910 map of the United States and southern Canada, and other variations.
What’s Inside The Box?
Every piece of the Ticket to Ride board game plays a crucial role in your journey to building the most impressive train network. Here are the game components you should be familiar with:
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Game Board: A large map depicting various cities connected by colored routes. The map varies depending on the version of the game (e.g., USA, Europe, etc.).
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Train Cards: These cards come in different colors and are used to claim routes on the board. Players collect sets of matching cards to build their train routes.
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Destination Tickets: These cards specify city pairs players need to connect with their train routes. Completing these tickets earns players additional points.
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Player Pieces: Each player receives a set of colored train pieces (usually plastic trains) to mark their claimed routes on the board.
How to Play Ticket to Ride board game?
Collect train cards, claim routes, and complete destination tickets to build the best railway network. Plan wisely and outscore your opponents to win!
Setup
To set up the game, place the game board in the center of the table—where your railway empire begins. Each player should select a color and take their corresponding train pieces, as this will be their signature fleet throughout the game.
Next, shuffle the train cards and deal four cards to each player, placing the remaining cards in a draw pile and flipping five cards face-up next to it. After that, shuffle the destination tickets and deal three to each player. Players must keep at least two tickets but can discard one.
Finally, pick the starting player randomly to kick off the adventure—luck is on someone's side!
Actions and Turns
On a player's turn, they can perform one of the following actions:
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Draw Train Cards: Grab two train cards from the draw pile or the face-up selection. But be careful—you only get one if you take a locomotive (wild card).
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Claim a Route: Play a matching set of train cards to claim a route and place your train pieces on the board. Every connection brings you closer to victory.
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Draw Destination Tickets: Take three new destination tickets and keep at least one. Will you take the risk for more points?
Routes
Routes are the colorful paths linking cities on the board. To claim one, play train cards that match its color and length, then secure it with your train pieces. Some cities have double routes, but only one can be used in a two- to three-player game. Plan and block your opponents if you can!
Destination Tickets
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Completing Tickets: Destination tickets challenge players to connect specific cities with their train routes.
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Drawing New Tickets: Draw extra destination tickets during the game to boost your points, but beware, uncompleted tickets will ultimately cost you.
How the Game Ends and How to Win
The journey across the map is almost complete! Ticket to Ride ends when any player has only two or fewer train pieces left at the end of their turn. This signals the final round, giving every player—including the one who triggered the end, one last chance to score big. After this, it's time to count the points and see who built the most successful railway empire!
Calculating the Final Score
To calculate your score, start by counting the points for each route you’ve claimed, as longer routes yield more significant rewards. Next, reveal your destination tickets to check if your cities are connected; completed tickets will add to your score, while incomplete ones will incur a penalty.
Additionally, the player with the longest unbroken chain of trains will receive a sweet bonus, usually worth 10 points. If you have extra train pieces, there's no need to worry, as they do not affect your overall score.
Tips and Strategies to Win
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Plan Ahead: Complete your destination tickets early before opponents block your path.
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Draw More Tickets: Taking extra tickets is a gamble, but it can boost your score if you complete them!
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Block Opponents: Watch your rivals and cut off key routes to slow them down.
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Claim Longer Routes: Bigger routes mean more points and a stronger network.
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Balance Your Moves: Juggle drawing cards, claiming routes, and picking new tickets to stay ahead.
Time to Win Your Ticket to Ride Game!
Ticket to Ride isn’t just one game—it’s a classic board game with exciting versions, such as the Ticket to Ride Europe board game, which adds ferry routes and train stations, or Ticket to Ride Germany, which features a 19th-century map of Germany. Each edition brings a fresh challenge, perfect for new and experienced players.
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Ready to start your railway adventure? Grab a Ticket to Ride and other must-have board games at Toy Kingdom! Drop by the nearest Toy Kingdom store or browse our collection of toys for kids online to shop!
