Many players are unsure whether Locomotives can be drawn as a second card or if they must be taken immediately when seen face-up.
According to the Days of Wonder Official Rulebook, Locomotives are multi-coloured wild cards that can be used in any set of cards when claiming a route.
Ticket to Ride Official Rulebook, [edition not specified]
These rules correspond to the UK edition of Ticket to Ride.
Official Rule Breakdown
Locomotives are multi-coloured cards that function as wild cards, meaning they can be used in place of any colour Train Card when claiming a route. However, special rules apply during the drawing phase: if a player selects a face-up Locomotive card, it must be the only card they pick that turn. If a Locomotive is turned over as a replacement for a first card drawn, or if a Locomotive is available face-up but was not picked as the first card, it cannot be selected as a second card. Additionally, if three of the five face-up cards are Locomotives, all five are immediately discarded and replaced with five new cards.
Step-by-Step
- Identify the required colour and number of cards for a route.
- Select the necessary coloured Train Car cards from your hand.
- Substitute any required colour with a Locomotive wild card.
- Place the cards face-up next to the deck and place your plastic trains on the route spaces.
Example Play Situation
Alice wants to claim a blue route that is three spaces long. She plays two blue cards and one Locomotive card to complete the set. Bob then draws a face-up Locomotive, which means he can only take that one card this turn.
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking a Locomotive can be taken as a second card if it appears as a replacement card.
- Assuming Locomotives can only be used for specific colours.
- Believing you can draw two cards if the first card you pick is a face-up Locomotive.
Quick Reference
| You Can | You Cannot |
|---|---|
| Use Locomotives as wild cards for any colour set | Take a second card if you pick a face-up Locomotive |
| Discard all five face-up cards if three are Locomotives | Select a Locomotive as a second card if it appears as a replacement card |
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the official rule for Locomotive cards in Ticket to Ride?
- Locomotives are multi-coloured wild cards used to complete any colour set when claiming a route.
- Can I draw two cards if I pick a face-up Locomotive?
- No, if you pick a face-up Locomotive, it is the only card you may pick that turn.
- What happens if there are three Locomotives face-up?
- All five face-up cards are immediately discarded and replaced with five new ones.
- Can Locomotives be used for Ferry Routes?
- Yes, Locomotives are vital to claiming Ferry Routes in certain editions.