For years, RAIL BARON has been one of the most popular convention games. It's no wonder: who can skip the thrill of becoming a Baron (or Baroness!) for a few hours to ruthlessly purchase railroads, monopolize areas of the map, assemble the best railroad network, and race home to win. Of course, all your opponents are simultaneously trying to do the same, and will stop at nothing to grab the last of the 28 historic US railroads in the game.

This year we are going to reduce the duration of the first round games by: 1) limiting games to four players (when feasible), and 2) changing the purchase price of a SuperChief to $0. That's right: the SuperChief is free, but will require you to consume a purchase opportunity to acquire it. Playtests indicate this will reduce the game's duration to about three hours. However, these special rules will not be used in the semi-final or final rounds.

There will be three first round heats; you can play in any or all, and beginners are welcome (the game is easily learned). The top 30 first-round players will advance to the semi-final round. In the semi-final, six five-player games are planned. The semi-final winners will advance to the tough six-player final. Thus, to be crowned RBN champion, you will need to win a four-, five- and six-player game.

Internet users can find more information about this and past RBN tournaments at http://www.insystem.com/rbp/wbcrbn.htm. There you will also find an illustrated history of the game, plus a shareware computer version that you can practice against. Please join us and ride the rails to victory! And, if you have ideas on how to make the year 2000 competition even better, please contact the GM.