Arkwright

In the 17th and 18th century merchantmen sailing under the English flag dominated the seas and the international trade. The Navigation Acts prevented rivals from other countries from interfering in the trade between England and her colonies.

English inventors and businessman like Richard Arkwright developed the first serious machines (e.g. the spinning jenny or the water frame) and founded early factories. The goods produced in this manner were not only highly regarded in the old country but also Englishman living in the colonies did not want to miss out on these goods.

2 to 4 players try to develop their commercial enterprise and guide it to prosperity. It is important to boost confidence in your own company and ensure that the value of its shares rises. N.b. only shares in your possession at the end of the game will count towards winning the game. It is therefore of prime importance to transfer as many shares as possible from the bank into your own portfolio.

The player who has the most valuable portfolio of his shares wins the game.

Arkwright contains two different versions of the game named after milestones of engineering progress – the spinning jenny and the water frame. The water frame version adds further elements to the game and turns Arkwright into a complex game that will last an evening.