Ticket to Ride Board Game Review

A Modern Classic for All Ages

Ticket to Ride, designed by Alan R. Moon and published in 2004 by Days of Wonder, has become one of the most successful board games of the modern era. It won the prestigious Spiel des Jahres (Game of the Year) award in Germany, the most significant recognition in the board gaming industry.

The game captures the golden age of rail travel, challenging players to build train routes across a map while completing destination tickets for bonus points. Its elegant simplicity combined with meaningful choices makes it accessible to newcomers while providing enough depth for repeated plays.

Understanding the Gameplay

Each turn, players perform exactly one of three possible actions: draw train car cards, claim a route, or draw destination tickets. This streamlined structure keeps the game moving quickly while forcing interesting decisions about timing and priorities.

Train car cards come in eight colors plus wild locomotive cards. To claim a route between two cities, you play cards matching the route's color and length. For example, a four-car blue route requires four blue cards (or a combination with locomotives). Once claimed, the route belongs to you and scores points immediately based on its length.

Destination tickets show two cities and a point value. If you connect those cities by the end of the game through your claimed routes, you earn those points. If you fail, those points are subtracted from your score. This creates tension between taking more tickets for higher potential scores versus the risk of incomplete routes.

Why It Works So Well

The genius of Ticket to Ride lies in its balance of simplicity and depth. The rules take about five minutes to explain, and new players can be competitive in their first game. Yet experienced players find strategic nuances that reward repeated play.

The game creates natural tension without direct conflict. You might both want the same route, but the competition feels more like a race than a fight. Blocking opponents is possible but rarely feels mean-spirited because alternative paths usually exist.

The visual appeal contributes significantly to the experience. Watching your colorful train network grow across the map provides constant satisfaction. The physical components are excellent, with sturdy cards and nicely molded plastic train pieces.

Which Version Should You Buy

The Ticket to Ride family includes numerous standalone games and expansions. Here are the most relevant options for Czech players:

Ticket to Ride: Europe is often recommended as the best starting point. The European map includes tunnels and stations, adding variety without overwhelming complexity. The map is also more balanced than the original USA version.

Ticket to Ride: USA (Original) remains popular and is slightly simpler. It is a fine choice, especially if American geography interests your group.

Ticket to Ride: Nordic Countries is designed specifically for 2-3 players and addresses the looser feel of the standard game at lower player counts.

Ticket to Ride: Germany introduces passengers and a modified scoring system. More complex but rewarding for experienced players.

Strategy Tips

Balance card drawing with route claiming. Drawing cards every turn builds your hand but lets opponents claim key routes. Conversely, claiming routes constantly might leave you without cards when you need them most.

Early in the game, focus on long routes and tickets with overlapping paths. Completing one route should contribute to multiple tickets when possible. Save shorter routes for later when specific cards become available.

Watch what colors other players collect. If everyone wants green cards, the green route you need might get claimed before you are ready. Sometimes taking a route earlier than planned prevents disaster.

The Longest Route bonus (10 points) often decides close games. Even if you do not specifically pursue it, avoid letting one opponent run away with an unchallenged long continuous path.

Playing with Different Groups

Ticket to Ride excels as a family game. Children as young as 6-7 can play with some help, and it avoids the frustration of games where experienced players always dominate. The short playtime means even players who fall behind stay engaged.

For gaming groups, Ticket to Ride works best as a warm-up or cool-down game around heavier titles. Its 30-60 minute playtime fits naturally into game nights without demanding the full evening.

Two-player games work but feel quite different from multiplayer sessions. Consider the Nordic Countries version or playing with two sets of train cars each to tighten the board.

Purchasing in Czech Republic

Ticket to Ride is available in both English and Czech editions from multiple retailers:

• Blackfire - Carries the European and USA versions
• Alza - Wide selection with competitive pricing
• Najada - Specialty game store with knowledgeable staff

Expect to pay 800-1300 CZK for a standalone version. The Europe edition typically costs slightly more than the USA original. Map expansion packs for existing owners range from 400-700 CZK.

Final Assessment

Ticket to Ride has earned its reputation as one of the best gateway board games. It introduces concepts common in modern games, including hand management, route building, and risk assessment, without overwhelming new players.

If you are building a board game collection, Ticket to Ride belongs on your shelf. If you already own it, consider exploring the expansion maps for fresh challenges. The Europe version provides the best overall experience for most groups.

Continue exploring our reviews with Catan for a different strategic experience, or Azul for something more abstract and tactical.