Last updated Tue Aug 4 16:55:00 EDT 2003
Hi folks, I am ready to host a few PBEM games of 1835. If you're getting this email, you've either played or expressed interest. Games could start as soon as this weekend (Aug 9-10, 2003) depending on interest. Note that past games have taken anywhere from 3 months to 2 years. Please don't say yes unless you are ready for a long term commitment. I hope to be able to accommodate everyone who wants to play, but I only guarantee that I will host up to two new games. If there are too many people who want to play, I will prioritize people based on a) first come first serve, b) people willing to play a faster-paced game, and c) flexibility in answers to the QUESTIONAIRE. If you'd like to play, fill in the 3-question QUESTIONAIRE below and return it to me at bill@kripalu.org. If you'd like to see some examples of games I've hosted in the past, please visit my website: http://askwaltstollmd.com/bill/index.html. "1835 A" is being recycled for one of the new games, so you won't find a real game there at this writing. A copy of this email is available there as "1835 pbem pre-game SURVEY" near the bottom of the title page. You are welcome to forward a copy to friends or other interested people. Be sure to check out the "1835 Supplemental Rules" and the "1835 PBEM FAQ" available from that page. We'll be using those rules in the game(s). Thanks for your interest in pbem 1835! Bill Stoll bill@kripalu.org ---BEGIN QUESTIONAIRE--- A) How many players do you want (or NOT want) in your game? For example, some folks do not want to play in a 4-player game. B) We will use a start-packet variant (see below). Do you have a strong preference for or against any particular variants? C) Would you prefer a SLOW paced game (check email 4-5 times per week), MEDIUM paced game (check email 1-2 times a day except weekends), or FAST paced game (check email 2+ times a day including weekends)? [NOTE: vacations are allowed in any of these, but if you take frequent 2+ day breaks, please don't say you prefer a "fast" game] ---END QUESTIONAIRE--- Here is a summary of the three choices for start packet variants. Refer to them when answering question B above. A. Standard B. Auction Variant C. Clemens Variant Detailed descriptions below. ===================== A. Standard ===================== Standard 1835 rules for the start packet apply. The only variation is that the BY floats as soon as the BY director's share is purchased (even if only 30% is owned by shareholders). ===================== B. Auction Variant ===================== Todd Vander Pluym's variant appeared in Vol. 1, no. 1 of the Train Gamer's Gazette. The rules are: 1. The starting prices for start packet items are: NF 80M; minor 1 80M; LD 155M; minor 2 170M; minor 3 80M; minor 4 130M; BY presidency 150M; BS 100M; HB 125M; minor 5 80M; minor 6 80M; OS 95M; PF 120M. 2. Each player in his turn either passes or selects one of the available items; availability is as in the normal game. The player must then bid the item's price or more, starting an auction on the item; other players in turn order can either raise the bid or pass, until all except one have passed; the item is then sold to the highest bidder. All bids must be sums divisible by 5. A player can never bid more money than he has. 3. If all players pass on their turn before the entire start packet is sold, an OR is performed, with the purchased items operating or paying in normal fashion. The BY operates if the president's certificate has been purchased, even if less than 50% of it is in player's hands. ========================== C. Clemens Variant ========================== 1. the whole start packet is open. There are no rows. When it is your turn, you can buy what you want. 2. the order of play is 4,3,2,1,1,2,3,4,1,2,3,4 in a four player game. The last player starts and the first player can take two items. 3. no minor can act until the Bayern is floated.