California Gold (2015)

About this game

California Gold is a historic simulation of orange grove production in which you represent a co-op for helping orange ranchers receive support and the best prices for their crops. Play hinges around collecting cards that represent orange ranches distinguished by city environs and grouped by counties. Buildings – such as packing houses and nurseries – create local support structures, while advertising and railroad contracts increase profits. The object of the game is to have the most ranches (cards) in your co-op by the end of the game. Players acquire cards through an action point allowance, which is limited by packing house distribution. Other buildings help with advertising, leverage, and expansion into other areas of control like Political Lobbying and Amenities.

Does it fit your group?

• Group size. Works with 3 to 5.
• Rules load. At 2.6/5 this is a mid-weight game — expect a proper rules explanation before you start.
• Age. The publisher suggests 9 and up. That rates the rules rather than the artwork, so judge the box yourself for younger players.