Dual Gauge: Netherlands and Eastern U.S.

Designer: Amabel Holland
Map Art: Ilya Kudriashov
Expansion: 02
Duration: 60 minutes
Players: 3-5
Solitaire Suitability: Low
Theme: Trains
MSRP: $25.00

EXPANSION: YOU NEED THE BASE GAME TO PLAY THIS.

The third expansion map set for Dual Gauge!

These maps introduce Star Dits, which function as normal dits for most purposes – they count as a stop but cannot be tokened – but are worth more money. Depending on the map, players may also have an additional incentive to hit these stops over others. Both maps also see players in a race to grab bonuses, which also serve as another game end trigger.

The Netherlands map seats up to five players and features a new gauge conversion step, allowing you to flip narrow track to its standard side. Of course, what it doesn't do is change your narrow trains. You'll need to plan your train purchases carefully, and beware of opponents who might use this tactic offensively.

That's if you have enough time, of course! The standout feature of this map is a race to complete certain Goals. Achieving one of the map's eight Goals will win you a disc. This can be traded-in later, either to place a station or to buy a precious second share of stock in a single round.

The Eastern US map is for three to four players, and is a bit subtler. Preprinted track segments provide awkward chokepoints to either work around or embrace. Company turn order isn't fixed, but shifts from round to round depending on company stock value. Increases in that value are gated – tied to your dividends, so you'll need to work for big routes while your rivals try to block you with aggressive token play.

At the western end of the maps, there are the destination cities of Detroit and Chicago, each containing a set of Bonus Discs. When a company ends a run there, their President claims a disc. At the end of game, you'll get a payout based on the number of discs you've claimed.

• 17" x 22" Netherlands map
• 22" x 17" Eastern U.S. map