1865: Midwest is a railroad building, and stock trading game set in the United States Midwest, which is based on the 18xx game system. In this, as in other 18xx games, players assume the role of investors in railroad companies. Play alternates between share dealing rounds, in which players buy and sell stock in railroads, and operating rounds, in which players build track, run trains and ferries, and manage the assets of the companies in which they own controlling interest. 1865: Midwest uses 8 major railroads, 4 minor railroads, and 8 private companies to simulate the rich railroad history of the region. As the game progresses, the 4 minor railroads will pair off, each pair forming a larger railroad, or system. Later, two of the major railroads are destined to merge into a third system. The game is designed, from the ground up, to give each player an equal opportunity to succeed in amassing great wealth during the game. In 1865: Midwest there is more than one path to victory, so don't be afraid of losing the game in the first few rounds. You have more control than ever before of the operations of your railroads, but be mindful: so do your opponents! 1865: Midwest should be a challenging, and engaging gaming experience for the seasoned 18xx gamer.