Santa Fe Rails
Playing first edition "Santa Fe" rules with a second
edition "Santa Fe Rails" game
GMT's Santa Fe Rails is an enjoyable game whether you play with
first or second edition rules. The first edition was published by White
Wind under the name "Santa Fe." There’s a good deal of difference between
the two editions which can be characterized by the following:
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The first edition is shorter in play length. The style of play is much
more defensive. The final scores are much lower and easier to calculate.
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The second edition plays longer. The style of play is expansive and offensive.
The final scores are much higher and more difficult to calculate.
The following instructions will allow you to play first edition Santa Fe
rules with a second edition copy of Santa Fe Rails. Players could go strictly
first edition or possibly include one or two of your favorite second edition
features to create your own group’s edition. For instance, I do like the
additional Short Line Railroads but split them up and put two in the middle
third of the City deck and two in the last third of the City deck before
shuffling. I think it creates more excitement by adding a bit more unknown
to the appearance (or not) of these smaller railroads. Enjoy!
Pre-Game Changes
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Remove Short Line Railroads from game.
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Reduce each Branch Line from 3 to 2 cards.
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The 3x, 4-in-1, and Boomtown cards are not used.
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The number of 2x cards in the game is equal to two times the number of
players minus one. Example: a 4 player game would require nine 2x cards;
a 3 player game would require five 2x cards. You can make additional 2x
cards using the blank cards provided with the second edition game.
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Each player begins with 4 City cards and a 2x card.
In-Game Changes
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Ignore all directional arrows on the game board.
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Each Player’s maximum hand size is 5 cards.
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No player may use a 2x card on the first turn.
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Played 2x cards are discarded to the face-up 2x deck to be available for
future draws.
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Page Last Updated: 4/10/03