Brass Lancashire vs Brass Birmingham | Comparison

Taking a look at the similarities and differences between Brass Lancashire and Brass Birmingham.

#boardgames

[jacktorrance]

Good overview of both games! I am in the camp that thinks the addition of beer just complicates things a bit too much because it’s such a crucial resource and it’s very hard for each player to get access to it. It shouldn’t have been tied to the double rail link action as well as selling - it should have just been one of those options.

I’ve also yet to see anybody who spent any effort on the “manufactured goods” do well in Birmingham. It just seems pointless as they’re expensive in all senses and aren’t worth a lot of points. There’s also too many of those tiles.

I’d happily play both games but I think Lancashire is the original and best (better) of the two games.

[libertyprime]

I know it's 2 years later, but regarding how rare overbuilding opponent industries is - you will see if you watch elite level games that players are happier to pay higher prices on coal/iron, and they are less happy to actually build coal mines in particular, than your average player.

The reason is they're so focused on maximizing VP, and with higher player counts, each player has less actions per game, which means it is not really sensible to build coal or iron until the market value for them is very high.

So you see average players often building those industries when the market is completely full, and giving away free resources. But top players wait until the market is dry, and while overbuilding opponents still isn't very common, it's definitely more common.

[-Ambos-]

Exactly the video I was looking for. Thank you!

[shredd]

Thematically the "you need beer to build railways" doesn't quite make sense to me. Are they working drunk? Wouldn't that make building the 2 tracks slower lol

[Famouscowboy]

I can only purchase one right away. I have heard that gameplay can be more intense in Lancashire and that you draw more cards in Birmingham that you may not be able to use. Also, which one would you say is better for 2 players?

[tomburke]

Thanks - this was interesting. My wife and I have Lancashire (and enjoy it very much), and I’m looking at online resources to help me decide if we should get B’ham as well. It sounds as if there’s enough difference to make it worthwhile.

One other thing. We’ve only ever played 2-player, and I gather that 4-player Lancashire is very different, and rewards very different strategies, from 2-player. Is that correct? And if so, is it true of B’ham as well, would you say?