1822MX

Got in a game of 1822MX yesterday. I’ve already discussed 1822PNW, and most of the same points apply, but:

• I think I prefer MXs “Concessions” than PNWs “Some minors become majors and some can’t.” The concessions are still tied to an area, but also can form a major prior to merging. It seems cleaner (and allows for more combinations, and I am still a big fan of combinations).
• MX feels a bit faster, although partially that was because we all had played PNW already, and partially we called the game early due to outside issues.
• The National Train (NDeM) gives you more ability to sock some money away between two Stock Rounds, which was already an interesting decision in ’22.
• I do think that the extended opening is a feature, but I have started to wonder if the game goes from opening to endgame too quickly … it feels like the ’22 games skip the mid game entirely. And the mid-game is (often) the most interesting part in any game.

Anyway, I’m continuing to enjoy this family of 18xx.

One peeve — The stickers are falling off the station markers; I guess I’ll have to glue them on (which is annoying).