Colt Express
Become an outlaw stealing money bags atop a moving train in this Western-themed card game. Every player pre-programs their actions with cards and executes them simultaneously, so plans tangle and collide — that's where the fun comes from. Winner of the 2015 German Game of the Year (Spiel des Jahres).
※With fewer players (two), plans tangle less and the fun is halved — playing with four or more is recommended.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
RULES
- Goal
- Become the outlaw with the most loot value when the train reaches the terminus.
- Flow
- Stack action cards together to plan, then resolve movement, looting, shooting, and punching in card order.
- Win
- After five rounds, the player with the most money from loot and bonuses wins.
- Twist
- Some cards are planned face-down, so another player's action can tangle or derail your plan.
RULES VIDEO
Scores by situation
New faces+−
♡♡♡☆☆ [Moderate Barrier] There's direct conflict like punching and shooting, but the cartoonish Western tone keeps it from feeling too heavy even at a first meeting.
Close friends+−
♡♡♡♡♡ [Sure Thing] Plans collide and laughter erupts often, and the more players (4-6) the more fun it gets.
Strategy+−
♡♡☆☆☆ [Out of Its League] The programming mechanism is interesting but the depth is on the light side, so it falls short for a strategist after a serious number-crunching duel.
Couple+−
♡♡☆☆☆ [Fight-Starter] Direct attacks and interference are frequent, so it's far from a healing vibe.
Duel+−
♡♡☆☆☆ [A Bit Weak at Two] Two-player is possible, but the optimal count is 4-6, so it delivers less tension than a purpose-built two-player design.
Gateway+−
♡♡♡♡☆ [Recommended Entry] The rules themselves explain in about 10 minutes, making it a great way to lightly encounter the programming mechanism for the first time.
Frequently asked questions
How many players does Colt Express need?
2–6 players, and it is at its best with 5. It also works as a two-player game.
How long does a game of Colt Express take?
About 30–40 minutes per game, plus roughly 5 minutes to teach the rules.
Is Colt Express hard to learn?
It sits at 2 out of 5 on rules weight. The balance is 35 luck / 35 skill / 30 read, so quick reads and table sense decide it.
Who is Colt Express good for?
It fits Close friends and Gateway especially well. One caveat: With fewer players (two), plans tangle less and the fun is halved — playing with four or more is recommended.
How do you win Colt Express?
After five rounds, the player with the most money from loot and bonuses wins. The goal is Become the outlaw with the most loot value when the train reaches the terminus.
If you liked this one
More ways to choose
Played it?
Rate a game and we will lean your picks toward what you like.