Movers & Shakers

About the game

What is Movers & Shakers?

In the late 19th century, Bengal became a key hub for railway expansion in British India, surpassing earlier developments elsewhere in the country. The East Indian Railway Company led the charge, beginning with the Howrah–Hooghly line in 1854. Driven by strategic, economic, and export needs, the rail network rapidly spread across the region. By century's end, Bengal had one of India's most extensive and vital railway systems, powering both commerce and colonial control. In Movers & Shakers, you play as a railway magnate in 19th-century Bengal, competing to transport goods, fulfill contracts, and invest your profits wisely. Over two rounds, you'll use your own and rival trains to move crates between Benares and Calcutta, aiming to build wealth through sharp planning and bold decisions. Only the most ambitious and efficient tycoon will rise to shape the future of Bengal's railways. Each round has two phases. During the action phase, players choose a card from their hand and perform the action shown on the card, as well as the action linked to the slot where the card was placed. These slot effects vary, so careful planning is essential. During the administration phase, players evaluate the shipping zone of the board, which affects deals and modifies turn order. After two rounds, the player who has built the greatest wealth wins. —description from the publisher

How it plays

Mechanics

On the shelf

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Questions players ask

Questions to bring to BoardGameBrain

• How do setup and the first turn work in Movers & Shakers?
• When does scoring happen and what ends the game?
• How should the table resolve an unusual timing or rules interaction?