Why the Last Spike is Perfect for Family Game Night

The Last Spike is a game that I never expected to like. While I’m always on the look out for a good family game for the non-gamers in my house, this railroad themed board game wasn’t on the radar. 

Being a fan of Columbia Games in general, and a bigger fan of their block war games specifically, I was aware of this addition to their catalog (while an earlier version came out in 1976, the latest incarnation was just released in 2015). However, the Last Spike just seemed too...simple to warrant any serious consideration. Boy was I wrong!   

So what is it about the Last Spike that has made it perfect for family game night and a hit with everyone in my house? (And that’s no exaggeration either):      

The game is surprisingly simple. In fact, game turns are so simple that they fit in the bottom corner of the board. In addition, the rules are a mere 4 pages and can be explained to a newcomer in less than ten minutes.              

The object of the game is simple as well: the players cooperate to build a railroad which connects Saint Louis with Sacramento.  You accomplish this by laying down railroad tracks (Columbia’s famous wooden blocks). Each block costs a certain amount to play and has a designated spot on the board.            

Players also speculate by purchasing property in towns on the mapboard. Payouts are collected when the railroad runs through a town in which you own property. There are five cards for each town; the first property being free, with each successive card increasing in cost.   

The game ends when one continuous route is completed. The “last spike” (the final block placed) earns the player a $20,000 bonus. The winner is the player with the most money.      

The components are nice without being overwhelming. The game board shows only 9 cities and the twelve routes that link them. Each route has 4 track spaces, keeping the board from being unnecessarily large. 48 wooden blocks represent the track sections. There are also 45 property cards, along with red, white, and blue currency chips. 

The Last Spike is deceptively strategic. While the game can be played by 2-6 players, it works best with 3-5 according to the publisher. The average playing time seems to consistently fall between 45-60 minutes. Despite this modest scope and relatively quick play, the game truly challenges you.     

The second half of the game sees the tension rise as players must carefully choose which tracks to play and which properties to purchase. Will that particular block you play complete a route which pays your rival better than you? Should you hold off on laying a track until you can purchase another property in a town about to be connected? Which brings us to the next secret for the Last Spike’s success. 

The railroad theme is compelling and it permeates every aspect of the game. The map and blocks effectively reinforce this theme of the race to complete the transcontinental railroad. For example, track tiles which run through (or over) the Sierra Nevada Mountains can cost 5x more than one played between Omaha and Laramie. 

The Last Spike is educational without sacrificing fun. In 2016 the game was honored with the Mensa Select Award. From analytical thinking, to counting, to teaching basic economic principles, the Last Spike is a great choice for families looking for a game that challenges kids while keeping adults interested. Best of all it’s suitable for ages 8 and up, so younger kids can play too. 

Consider making the Last Spike by Columbia Games your choice for family game night. Let this little gem of a game surprise your family as it did mine. 

Photo credit: Brian Williams