The London Game: A Guide to the Underground – Rules, Strategy, Instructions & Winning Tips

Introduction

The London Game is a pretty unique board game that takes us on a journey through the London Underground. After having played The London Game a few times, I’ve definitely come to appreciate its unique blend of strategy and lucky gameplay, especially if you’ve experienced the London Underground in real life.

The game was first introduced in the 1970s and has a decent popularity worldwide, though I would now consider the original edition a ‘collectible retro’ game since it’s hard to find brand new in box. Newer versions are more easily found if you can navigate through the various different games called ‘London’ successfully. The game equipment includes a game board depicting the London Underground map, station cards, and player tokens.

In my mind, it lives in the same genre as classic railway-inspired games like Railway Rivals and 1830s: Railways & Robber Barons, two games I’ve also written guides on.

Rules for playing The London Game

The London Game follows a set of official rules, but house rules can be introduced for variations. The official rules are as follows:

1. Each player selects a token and places it at a starting station.
2. Players draw station cards to determine their destination stations.
3. Players take turns moving their tokens along the routes, aiming to reach their destination stations.
4. Upon reaching a destination station, a player draws a new station card.
5. The game continues until a player has visited a predetermined number of destination stations and returns to their starting station.

How to Play The London Game

Setup

Each player chooses a token and places it at a starting station. Players then draw station cards to determine their destination stations.

Gameplay

Players take turns moving their tokens along the routes. The aim is to reach their destination stations as quickly as possible. Players can block each other’s routes, adding a strategic element to the game.

End of the Game

The game ends when a player has visited a predetermined number of destination stations and returns to their starting station. The first player to do so is the winner.

How to Win at The London Game

Winning at The London Game requires a blend of strategy and luck. Here are some strategies that can help you win:

1. Plan your route carefully. Try to find the shortest route to your destination station.
2. Keep an eye on your opponents. If you can guess their destination stations, you can block their routes.
3. Use your station cards wisely. Don’t rush to reach your destination station; instead, try to use your station cards to disrupt your opponents’ plans.

Best Strategies for playing The London Game

The best strategies for playing The London Game involve careful planning and strategic thinking. Here are some strategies to consider:

1. Plan your moves in advance. Try to anticipate your opponents’ moves and plan your route accordingly.
2. Don’t reveal your destination station too early. Keep your opponents guessing to prevent them from blocking your route.
3. Use your station cards strategically. They can be used to disrupt your opponents’ plans or to secure your own route.

Scenarios for The London Game

There are many scenarios that can arise during a game of The London Game. Here are some common scenarios and how to handle them:

1. If you are blocked by an opponent, try to find an alternative route to your destination station.
2. If you draw a station card that is far from your current location, consider whether it is worth the extra moves to reach it or if it would be better to focus on disrupting your opponents’ plans.
3. If you are close to winning, be careful not to reveal your destination station too early. Your opponents may try to block your route.

Frequently Asked Questions about playing The London Game

1. Can I block an opponent’s route? Yes, you can block an opponent’s route by moving your token to a station they need to reach.
2. What happens if I draw a station card that is far from my current location? You can choose to travel to that station, or you can focus on disrupting your opponents’ plans.
3. Can I reveal my destination station? You can, but it is generally better to keep it secret to prevent your opponents from blocking your route.
4. How many station cards do I draw at the start of the game? Each player draws one station card at the start of the game.
5. What happens when I reach my destination station? When you reach your destination station, you draw a new station card.

External Links

JohnAdams.co.uk (the game publisher’s) site lists your local and available stockists for The London Game

Next Station: London Board Game Review [Video]