US/CA Wave 6 Preorder - Ur: 1830 BC

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“Ur, 1830 BC” is a game about irrigation in Mesopotamia. It is based lightly on Francis Tresham's successful series of 18XX train games, of which 1830 and 1835 are the most famous. As this series is the favourite non-Splotter game of three of Splotter's designers, we wanted to make a contribution to this great gaming tradition. So here it is!

Each player controls a dynasty in ancient Mesopotamia. The game is played in rounds consisting of three phases. In the
settlement phase, players buy and sell land, trying to settle the areas that will yield most. If the population in an area grows large enough, states emerge. These states can build irrigation works in the development phase. After that, the rainy season starts: water comes down the river and is diverted to be used for irrigation. Each plot of irri- gated land yields income to the land owner and to the state that operates the water- works.

As more and more states are founded, the technological development in waterworks and digging tools drives old equipment out of use. Canals are built faster and faster, land yield goes up, and more and more land becomes available for agriculture.

The game involves three levels of strategy: first, smart buying and selling on the land market; second, tactical play developing the right land and canals on the map; and third, strategic anticipation and control of the speed of technological development.