Welcome to the New York 1901 Game!

I’m here to guide you through the rules and help you get started with this exciting strategy game.

Before we dive in, let’s take a moment to appreciate the historical backdrop of New York City in the year 1901. This was a time of rapid growth and transformation, with towering skyscrapers and bustling streets coming to life.

But, enough reminiscing, let’s get down to the gameplay!

The Objective

Your goal in New York 1901 is to become the most successful real estate developer. You’ll do this by constructing skyscrapers and outmaneuvering your opponents.

To achieve victory, you must strategically acquire plot cards, demolish older buildings, and erect new and profitable skyscrapers. The player with the most points at the end of the game wins!

Game Setup

Before we jump into the gameplay, let me explain the setup.

First, place the game board on the table, making sure all players can easily reach it. Shuffle the skyscraper tiles and place them face-down in a neat stack. Each player receives a set of starting plot cards, as indicated in the rulebook.

Make sure everyone has their own player board, which will serve as their building site, and give each player their respective building tiles, matching the color of their player board.

Gameplay Basics

Now, I’ll walk you through the basic gameplay mechanics:

On your turn, you have two main actions you can take: Build a Skyscraper or Demolish a Building.

To build a skyscraper, you’ll need a plot card that matches one of the available building sites on the game board. Once you have the corresponding plot card, simply place your skyscraper tile on the chosen site and score points based on its size and location.

If you want to demolish a building, you must cover an existing building on your player board with a higher-value skyscraper. This allows you to free up space for new construction and potentially earn more points.

In addition to these actions, you can acquire new plot cards by discarding one or more of your existing plot cards and drawing the same number from the deck. This is a great way to adapt your strategy and secure the perfect plot for your next skyscraper.

The game continues clockwise, with each player taking their turn and making strategic decisions to expand their empire and outsmart their opponents.

Game End and Scoring

When the stack of skyscraper tiles runs out, the game enters the final round. All players have one last turn to make their mark on the city of New York in 1901.

At this point, it’s time to calculate your total score.

Count up the points earned from your skyscrapers based on their size and location. Add any bonus points earned from meeting specific goals mentioned on the public objective cards.

The player with the highest total score wins the game and becomes the ultimate real estate tycoon of New York City in 1901!

Conclusion

I hope this introduction to the New York 1901 Game rules has given you a good grasp of the gameplay and the exciting journey that awaits you as a real estate developer in early 20th century New York.

Get ready to strategize, make bold moves, and build an empire that will make history!

Hey there! Let me tell you about a super cool game called New York 1901. It’s all about building skyscrapers in New York City, way back in the 20th century.

So here’s what you do: the goal is to become the top real estate tycoon in NYC. How? By getting land and constructing amazing skyscrapers to earn points. Pretty awesome, right?

Now, when it’s your turn, you have two choices. You can either expand your property by getting more land or you can tear down your existing buildings and put up even better ones. It’s up to you!

The player with the most points at the end of the game wins. So be strategic and make your moves count!

What’s in the Box?

The game includes the following components:

1. Game Board

2. Character Cards (5)

3. Streets of New York Cards (5)

4. Bonus Challenge Cards (5)

5. Territory Cards (65)

6. Skyscraper Score Tokens (4)

7. Workers (16)

8. King Tokens (4)

9. Action Cards (12)

10. Skyscrapers (76, including 4 Legendary Skyscrapers)

Now, let’s take a closer look at the game board:

– The Game Board is divided into 5 Districts, each represented by a different colored area on the board.

I want to tell you about the different elements in the game of Skyscrapers. There are 13 Territories in each District, and you can see them on the board as solid lines. To help with placing Skyscrapers, there are also dotted lines. The Territories come in two sizes: Size-2 and Size-3. The Size-3 Territories are easy to find because they have flowers printed on them.

There are five important streets in the game, and they are printed in different colors to make them easy to distinguish. These streets have the potential to score points at the end of the game, depending on which Streets of New York Cards are drawn.

There is also a Scoring Track that goes around the edge of the board. This track keeps track of each player’s score and shows when new Generations of Technology are unlocked. It’s important to pay attention to this track as you play the game.

So now you know about the Territories, Streets, and Scoring Track in Skyscrapers. Understanding these elements will help you strategize and make the best decisions during the game. Have fun playing!

Your Estate, Your Territory

Here’s the deal: Your Estate is where all the action happens, and it’s made up of all the Territories you own on the board. These Territories are like pieces of land that you’ve acquired and now they belong to you. But here’s the catch – whenever you decide to Build a Skyscraper, you must do it within the boundaries of your Estate. That means no sneaking into someone else’s territory!

Just remember: Your Estate is not limited to a single color. You can Build across different colored Territories as long as they are within your Estate. So, don’t be afraid to mix it up and expand your empire across the board!

What are Workers?

Workers are like your personal guards that protect your territory from other people trying to build there.

Score Tokens:

Are you ready to dive into the world of score tokens? These amazing tokens have taken the gaming industry by storm, and I’m here to tell you all about them. Score tokens are small, digital units that represent points or rewards in a game. They can be earned through various activities, such as completing quests, winning battles, or reaching specific milestones.

So, what’s the big deal about score tokens? Well, let me tell you. Score tokens are more than just virtual rewards – they have real-world value. You can trade them, sell them, or even use them to unlock special features in a game. It’s like having a secret key that opens up a whole new world of possibilities.

But it’s not just about the perks. Score tokens also give players a sense of accomplishment and progress. When you earn a score token, you know that you’ve achieved something significant in the game. It’s a gratifying feeling that keeps you motivated to keep playing and exploring.

Score tokens are also a great way to connect with other players. You can show off your collection, trade tokens with friends, or compete for high scores. It’s a social experience that adds an extra layer of fun to your gaming adventures.

Now, you might be wondering how to get your hands on these awesome score tokens. The good news is that they’re available in a wide range of games and platforms. Whether you’re into action, adventure, puzzle, or strategy games, you’re bound to find a game that offers score tokens as rewards.

So, what are you waiting for? Start exploring the world of score tokens today and unlock a whole new level of gaming excitement!

King of Tokens:

Land Cards:

The Land Cards deck matches the Territories on the Game Board perfectly. During your turn, you have the option to obtain one of the visible Land Cards to Grow your Property.

Character Cards:

Now let’s talk about character cards, which are important tools in the world of gaming. Character cards, also known as character sheets, are like personality profiles for the characters you create in a game.

When you’re playing a game, your character card is your go-to guide. It holds crucial information about your character, such as their name, age, appearance, and backstory. You can also find details about their abilities, skills, and special powers on the card.

A character card serves as a handy reference during gameplay. It helps you keep track of your character’s strengths and weaknesses and reminds you of the goals you’ve set. With this card in hand, you can make decisions and take actions that align with your character’s personality and goals.

Character cards are a double-edged sword. On one hand, they provide structure and guidance, helping you navigate the game world and make choices that are in line with your character’s story. On the other hand, they leave room for creativity and improvisation, allowing you to bring your character to life in unique and exciting ways.

When creating your character card, there are several factors to consider. The first is choosing the right character class or archetype. Do you want to be a strong and mighty warrior, a clever and cunning thief, or a wise and powerful magician? Your choice will shape your character’s abilities and playstyle.

Next, think about your character’s background and backstory. Where did they come from? What events have shaped their life? These details will add depth and richness to your character and inform their motivations and actions within the game.

It’s also important to think about your character’s appearance and personality. Are they tall or short, thin or muscular? Are they kind-hearted or ruthless, quick-witted or thoughtful? These traits will determine how your character interacts with others in the game world.

Another crucial aspect of character creation is choosing your character’s skills and abilities. Are they skilled in combat or magic? Can they pick locks or persuade others with their words? These skills will give your character an edge in different situations and help them overcome challenges.

Overall, character cards are a vital tool for any aspiring gamer. They provide a foundation for your character and empower you to make choices that shape their journey. So, grab your character card, let your imagination run wild, and embark on an epic gaming adventure!

When you begin the game, the Character Cards help decide where your Starter Building goes. Look for the colored symbol on each card.
The 5 colors on the Character Cards match the 5 Districts on the Game Board. The colors don’t have anything to do with the color of your pieces.

Streets Of New York Cards:

The Streets of New York Cards determine which streets reward you with an extra 5 points if you have the most Skyscrapers on them at the end of the game.

Bonus Challenge Cards:

If you’re looking for an extra chance to earn points during a game, the Bonus Challenge Cards are just what you need! These special cards give you an additional opportunity to score points and have even more fun. So, how do they work?

Each game comes with a set of Bonus Challenge Cards. These cards have different challenges written on them. When it’s your turn, you can choose to take on one of these challenges instead of playing a regular turn. It could be anything from doing a silly dance to answering a trivia question!

When you’re ready to take on a Bonus Challenge, simply draw a card and read the challenge out loud. Then, give it your best shot! If you successfully complete the challenge, you’ll earn extra points. But if you can’t complete it, no worries. You won’t lose any points — it’s just for fun!

Bonus Challenge Cards make the game even more exciting and unpredictable. They add an element of surprise and make everyone think on their feet. Plus, they’re a great way to laugh and have a good time with your friends and family.

So, next time you’re playing, don’t forget about the Bonus Challenge Cards. They’re a fantastic way to spice up the game and score some extra points. Get ready for an unforgettable gaming experience!

Action Cards:

Hey there! Action Cards are like little helpers that give you a special action when you use them. They’re kind of like getting a bonus on your turn.

How to Play the Game: Skyscrapers

Hi there! Let’s talk about Skyscrapers, the exciting game that lets you build and score points by constructing real-world skyscrapers from New York City.

What Are Skyscrapers?

Skyscrapers are the main focus of the game. Each Skyscraper represents a real-life building that once stood in New York City. Cool, isn’t it?!

These amazing structures are added to the board during your turn’s Build step. The number printed on a Skyscraper shows how many points you’ll earn when you construct it. And the color surrounding the number indicates the Skyscraper’s Generation of Technology. We’ll talk more about that in a bit.

Generations of Technology

In Skyscrapers, there are three different Generations of Technology: bronze, silver, and gold. At the beginning of the game, you can only build bronze-level Skyscrapers. But as you progress along the Scoring Track, you’ll unlock the ability to construct silver and gold-level buildings.

As you advance, you’ll gain access to more advanced and prestigious technology, allowing you to create bigger and more valuable Skyscrapers. It’s like leveling up in a video game!

So there you have it! Skyscrapers are the key to scoring points and dominating the city skyline. Are you ready to take your place among the top builders in New York City? Let’s get started!

Note: Let me tell you something cool about the base game. When you reach 6 points, you unlock silver level technology, and when you hit 18 points, you unlock the gold level.

Legendary Skyscrapers:

The Legendary Skyscrapers are amazing. There are four of them, and they are on a whole other level – the gold level. These Skyscrapers are special because they are communal, which means first come, first served.

Now, if you have enough space in your Estate, you can go ahead and Build one of these incredible Legendary Skyscrapers during the Build step of your turn. But wait, there’s more! Once you build it, you get to put one of your King Tokens on top of it to show everyone that it’s yours.

Note: Remember, you can only Build one Legendary Skyscraper per game.

Starting Buildings:

I want to talk about something called Starter Buildings. Have you ever heard of them? They’re pretty interesting. Starter Buildings are a bit different from regular Skyscrapers, but they serve an important purpose. When you first start playing the game, you need to claim your Territory on the board. That’s where Starter Buildings come in. They help you establish your presence on the board right from the beginning.

Getting Started

Hey there! Let’s set up the game for 2 players:

First, we need to remove David Schneider’s Character Card and all the pink Territory Cards from the game. Don’t worry, we won’t be needing them this time.

Now, place the Game Board in the middle of the table. Keep the 4 black Legendary Skyscrapers close by so that everyone can reach them.
Each player should have their own set of components in their chosen color: 18 Skyscrapers, 1 Starter Building, 4 Workers, 1 King Token, 3 Action Cards, and 1 Score Token.
Put your Score Token on the square marked 0 on the Scoring Track.
Your 3 Action Cards should be placed face-up in front of you, next to your Workers and King Token.
Next, randomly select 3 Streets of New York Cards and 1 Bonus Challenge Card. Lay them face-up next to the Game Board.
Finally, give each player their own Character Card.

I remember when I first started playing this game. Setting up my character felt like a puzzle, but it was exciting to figure it out. Here’s how it works: You begin by placing your Starter Building on a special spot on your Character Card that matches the symbol in the upper-right corner. Then, you choose a Territory Card from the deck that matches the color and size of your Starter Building. This card goes on top of your Character Card. It’s important to remove Territory Cards from the deck until it matches the remaining Territories on the board. This ensures that everything lines up correctly. So, make sure to follow these steps when setting up your character. It’s all part of the strategy and fun!

First, let’s get the deck of Territory Cards ready. Take all the cards that haven’t been used and shuffle them together. Then, deal out 4 cards faceup, which will form the Open Market. The rest of the cards will go in a pile facedown, known as the Future Market.
Next, we need to figure out who goes first. It can be whoever has most recently left New York City, or if you’re playing in the city, it can be whoever has most recently returned there.

Game Play

When playing the game, we take turns in a clockwise direction.

On your turn, you have the option to either:

I. Expand

If you have an available worker at the beginning of your turn, you can choose a territory card from the open market and place it on top of your character card to show that your estate is growing.

After that, you can place a worker on a territory on the board that matches both the color and size of the territory card you just acquired.

Remember: You are not allowed to claim a territory on the board if it is already part of another player’s estate.

Claiming a Territory means it becomes part of my Estate for the rest of the game. When it’s time to Build, I can choose any spot within my Estate, as long as I follow the Construction Rules.

Once my Expand step is done, I need to replenish the Open Market with 4 cards. At this point, I have a choice to make: I can either proceed to the Build step or pass my turn to the next player. If I choose to pass, I don’t have to Build anything this turn.

II. Demolish

During Demolish, I can replace my current Skyscraper(s) with a better one. First, I decide which Skyscraper I want to build in the Build step later this turn. Then, I remove all the Skyscrapers (and Workers) that are in its way.

Important: Remember, I can only Demolish Skyscrapers of a lower Technology Generation than the one I plan to Build later this turn. So, if I want to Build a silver Skyscraper, I can only Demolish bronze or lower ones.

So here’s the deal: those knocked-down skyscrapers? They’re outta here for good. Can’t use ’em anymore for this game. But hey, don’t sweat it, you won’t lose any points for taking them down.

Now, if you’re thinking of demolishing and putting up a shiny new building, there’s something you need to keep in mind. If doing so would leave any of your estate’s territories empty (no workers or skyscrapers), you gotta fill ’em up. Put one of your workers in each vacated territory. Of course, if you don’t have enough workers to do that, you can’t demolish this turn. Tough break.

Once you’ve finished demolishing, it’s time to move on to the building step. And guess what? You gotta build this turn. No ifs, ands, or buts about it.

III. Build

Now that you’ve gathered all of the necessary information and put together a solid plan, it’s time to start building. This is where the true magic happens and all of your hard work starts to pay off.

First, let’s take a look at your project’s foundation. Just like a house needs a strong foundation to stand tall, your project needs a solid base to build upon. Make sure you have all of the necessary materials and resources in place before you begin. This will save you time and frustration down the road.

Once you have your foundation laid, it’s time to start constructing the framework. Think of this as the skeleton of your project, giving it structure and support. Pay close attention to detail here, as a solid framework will make the rest of your project come together seamlessly.

With the framework in place, it’s time to start adding the walls, floors, and roof. This is where you’ll begin to see your project take shape and come to life. Pay attention to the small details that will elevate your project from good to great.

As you continue building, remember to step back occasionally and look at the bigger picture. This will help you stay focused on your end goal and make any necessary adjustments along the way.

Finally, when your project is complete, take a moment to admire your hard work and celebrate your accomplishment. Building something from scratch is no easy feat, but with the right planning and perseverance, you can create something truly remarkable.

So, now that you have a solid plan in place, the necessary materials, and the determination to see your project through, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get to work. Remember, you have the power to bring your vision to life. Happy building!

1. You need to follow all the Rules of Construction when adding your Skyscraper to an available space in your Estate. Make sure you do it correctly!

2. Once you’ve built in a Territory, you can reclaim any Workers you had there in that turn. Don’t leave them behind!

3. The Skyscraper you just built has points printed on it. Score those points by moving your Score Token on the Scoring Track.

4. After you’ve completed your Build step, it’s time to pass the game to the next player. Keep the game going!

So, here’s the deal. Green, my friend, only has the ability to construct buildings on the land within his very own Estate. He’s got some big plans and decides to go for it by putting up a massive skyscraper that takes up a whopping 2 squares. That’s pretty impressive, right? Well, not only does he get some major bragging rights, but he also scores a solid 2 points for his efforts. And just to top it all off, he gets his hardworking Employee back to help him with future projects. Talk about a productive day on the job!

The Lowdown on Building

Skyscrapers need to fit entirely within your Estate.
You have to unlock a Skyscraper’s Generation of Technology before you can add it to the Game Board. (Refer to page 3).
Skyscrapers must touch either a street or a park (corners don’t count).
Skyscrapers can be built across multiple Territories and Districts.
Skyscrapers don’t have to completely fill the Territories they are built in. You get your Worker back even if a Territory is only partially filled.
Skyscrapers can’t be built on top of other Skyscrapers (except when Demolishing).

End of the Game

The game ends when either:

You have only 4 unbuilt Skyscrapers left in front of you OR

There are only 3 cards left in the Open Market, and the Future Market is empty. When you end the game, you’ll have one final turn. After that, each player will take one more turn before we move on to the Scoring Phase.

During the Scoring Phase, you’ll earn extra points for the Streets of New York Cards, the Bonus Challenge Cards, and the Action Cards that you didn’t use during the game.

Now, let’s talk about the scoring. The player with the most points wins. And if there’s a tie, the winner is the player with the tallest Legendary Skyscraper, based on its height.

When it comes to determining a winner in a tied game of Legendary Skyscrapers, there are a few factors to consider. First, if none of the tied players have built a Legendary Skyscraper, the player with the most gold Skyscrapers will take the win. However, if there is still a tie after considering the number of gold Skyscrapers, the victory is shared among the tied players.

Uncommon Situations

Here’s what to do in some uncommon situations. If you find yourself without any available Workers at the start of your turn and you don’t want to or can’t demolish any buildings, you can skip the Expand step and go straight to the Build step instead.

Keep in mind: If you do have available Workers but don’t want to or can’t demolish any buildings, you must claim a new Territory on your turn. It’s a must!

Now, let’s talk about a scenario where you don’t have any available Workers at the start of your turn AND you can’t build or demolish anything. If this happens, you MUST take back one of your Workers from the board and put the corresponding Territory Card from the top of your Character Card back to the bottom of the Future Market. Once you’ve done that, it’s time to pass the turn to the next player.

How to play New York 1901 Official Rules