Can You Block in Ticket to Ride? A Comprehensive Guide

The simple answer is yes, you can block other players in Ticket to Ride, but it’s not as straightforward as it might seem. Blocking, while a valid tactic, is not a foolproof strategy for victory. This article will delve into the nuances of blocking in Ticket to Ride, exploring its viability, limitations, and how it fits within the broader game strategy. We’ll also address several frequently asked questions to help you master this aspect of the game.

The Basics of Blocking

In Ticket to Ride, players collect colored train cards to claim railway routes on a map. The goal is to connect specific cities indicated on your Destination Ticket cards. Blocking occurs when you claim a route that another player needs for their objectives, thereby preventing them from completing their desired path. The game mechanics inherently allow for blocking, as there are a limited number of routes between certain cities. However, outright blocking as a primary strategy is rarely a path to success.

How Blocking Works

• Claiming Key Routes: By strategically claiming routes that are vital for multiple players, you can potentially hinder their ability to connect their cities. For example, capturing a key bridge or a pivotal route through the center of the board can be effective.
• Double Routes: In a 2 or 3 player game, if a double route exists between two cities, claiming one route effectively shuts off the other for all players. This is a form of blocking, even if unintentional.
• Limited Connections: Certain cities have limited connecting routes. If you control these crucial links, it makes it difficult for others to reach those cities.

Why an “All-Blocking” Strategy Fails

While you can impede your opponents, attempting to block them completely is generally not a viable path to victory. Here’s why:

• Opportunity Cost: Spending turns primarily blocking instead of working towards your own destinations often puts you at a disadvantage. You might fail to complete your ticket cards and fall behind in scoring.
• Flexibility: Players have other options. If they can’t go directly where they need, they may choose alternate, albeit longer, routes. The game board is often flexible enough to accommodate detours.
• Station Placement: Players can build stations on cities where they are blocked if there is a city where they are still able to get to.
• Destination Tickets: Players can choose new Destination Tickets if they cannot complete a route they already have.
• Focus on Self: A winning strategy in Ticket to Ride generally revolves around maximizing your own points, not impeding others.

The Right Time to Block

Blocking is more potent when:

• Late Game: As the game nears its end, it may be beneficial to block obvious key routes of your opponents if you are close to winning.
• Clear Targets: If you know a specific route is crucial for another player, it can be worthwhile to block. However, this requires careful observation and an understanding of your opponents’ destination cards.
• Double Routes (2 or 3 Players): In a smaller game, claiming one of the double routes early is a significant form of blocking.
• Forcing a Change in Strategy: You can use blocking strategically to force your opponent to take a longer route, thus delaying their progress and potentially forcing them to take another route card.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Blocking in Ticket to Ride

1. Can you truly prevent another player from reaching a city?

Yes, you can make it significantly harder for them, but it’s rarely impossible. Players can still attempt to build around blocked areas, use stations, or draw new Destination Tickets. A determined player can likely find an alternative route, though it may come with a higher cost.

2. Is it better to block or focus on your own routes?

Typically, focusing on completing your own Destination Tickets is more beneficial. Blocking should be a secondary tactic and used strategically rather than as a primary goal. It is a balance that needs to be found.

3. Can a player completely run out of trains?

Yes, that is possible. If you run out of trains you cannot play any more routes, and you can only draw train or destination cards.

4. Does it make a difference if I block early or late in the game?

Generally, blocking early can be a less effective strategy as players have more flexibility in their planning. Blocking becomes more effective in the late game when players have fewer train cars and less time to adapt.

5. Are double routes always the best to block?

Double routes are indeed prime targets for blocking in 2- or 3-player games. However, consider whether you also need these routes. Blocking them might be a win for you and a significant hinderance for opponents.

6. Is blocking more effective in different versions of Ticket to Ride?

The basic blocking mechanics remain consistent across most Ticket to Ride editions. However, specific board layouts and map features might make blocking more or less impactful. Some maps have more crucial bottlenecks, whereas others provide more flexibility in route options.

7. What should I do if I’m being blocked?

Stay flexible, consider alternative routes, and use stations if possible. If your original ticket becomes unachievable, consider drawing new destination cards and focus on achieving those instead.

8. What if the color I need to claim routes is blocked?

Try to focus on getting a selection of other colors as well, so you are not relying on one color. You can also use the wild card locomotives for routes of any color.

9. Can stations be blocked?

Stations themselves can’t be blocked. However, if the player’s only path to use a station is blocked, it does essentially render that station useless. Be mindful of the path that your station needs to take in order to use.

10. Is it considered “bad form” to block other players?

Blocking is a legitimate tactic in Ticket to Ride, so long as it is not a spiteful maneuver. Some players may find intense blocking frustrating, but it’s part of the game’s strategic depth.

11. Can a player claim both routes of a double route?

No, in 2 or 3 player games only one route can be used by a player. In 4 or 5 player games the double routes can be used.

12. Does blocking guarantee a win?

Absolutely not. Blocking can hinder opponents but it does not guarantee you success. A well-rounded strategy, focusing on completing your own tickets, is typically the most effective way to win.

13. How do you know which routes other players are trying to complete?

By carefully observing which routes other players are taking, you can deduce what their destination routes might be. You might also look at which route colors they are collecting and where their stations are on the board.

14. What is a ‘Ticket Block’ in the context of Ticket to Ride?

In the context of Ticket to Ride, a ‘Ticket Block’ is not a concept within the game itself. The term ‘Ticket Block’ usually refers to a block of event tickets for something like a concert or conference.

15. What happens when the train car pieces run out?

Once a player has placed all the train car pieces, they can no longer claim new routes, however they can still draw new cards if required.

Conclusion

Blocking is a complex tactic in Ticket to Ride. While it is a part of the game’s mechanics and has strategic uses, particularly in the late game or in two and three player games with double routes, an “all-blocking” strategy is ineffective. Focus on completing your Destination Tickets, be mindful of your opponents’ actions, and use blocking judiciously to maximize your chances of victory. A balance of offensive and defensive strategies is key to excelling at this popular board game.