18GM: The 18XX GameMaster

last EFORP play - an interesting way to add an extra layer of strategy to an 18xx. I think with more plays, laying the terrain tiles would become a bit more strategic, you want to create good-running regions but you also want to be the one that gets dibs on them, so you don't want them to be TOO good or you'll draw too much attention, you also want to counter other peoples' good-running regions by adding some dits and mountains in their way. Ultimately, it probably just results in a balanced map if everyone is experienced enough, but it would still be random every time which provides some nice input-randomness to spice things up.

Between price-protection allowing you to buy up to 100% of your shares and the merger mechanics, there can be some BIG swings.