Pipeline

2019

Step into the shoes of an oil mogul in Pipeline, a strategic board game. Outmaneuver your competitors, build efficient pipelines, and dominate the oil market!

120
minutes

2 - 4
player(s)

12+

Medium Heavy

About the game

Welcome to the world of Pipeline, an intriguing and immersive board game that will test your strategic thinking and business acumen. Step into the shoes of a business tycoon in the high-stakes oil industry, where you’re tasked with running a sophisticated network of pipelines to refine and sell oil. The game blends thematic depth with compelling mechanics to deliver an exciting gaming experience.

Pipeline takes you into a setting of intense competition in the global oil industry. You’re not just playing a game, but stepping into a dynamic world where market forces, resource management, and strategic planning play crucial roles. The game’s vibrant, realistic artwork further enhances this immersive experience.

Game components Unboxing the fun!

The board game ‘Pipeline’ involves a complex simulation of running an oil company, with players competing to refine and sell oil for the highest price. The game includes the following components:

1. Game Board

The game board features a grid with various actions, resources, and markets. The board is where players will place their workers, build pipelines, and interact with the game’s systems. It is also where the price of oil is tracked.

2. Player Boards

Each player is provided with a player board. This board is used to track the player’s resources, such as money, oil barrels, and pipelines. The player board also provides a space for players to plan their pipelines strategically.

3. Pipeline Tiles

Standard Tiles: These are used by players to build pipelines. They come in three colors, representing different types of oil: orange, silver, and teal.
Refinement Tiles: These tiles are used to refine oil. They are color-coded to match the three types of oil and have different levels of refinement.

4. Oil Barrels

There are three types of oil barrels, color-coded to match the pipeline tiles. These barrels represent the oil that players are trying to refine and sell. They are collected, refined, and sold by players throughout the game.

5. Worker Tokens

Each player has a set of worker tokens. These tokens are used to perform actions on the game board, such as buying and selling oil, building pipelines, and upgrading actions.

6. Money Tokens

Money tokens represent the game’s currency. They are used by players to pay for actions, buy resources, and determine the winner at the end of the game.

7. Order Cards

Order cards are used to set the market conditions for each round of play. They determine the price of oil, the available actions, and the special bonuses for that round.

8. Upgrade Tiles

Upgrade tiles are used to enhance the efficiency of pipelines or improve the effectiveness of workers. Players can purchase these upgrades throughout the game.

9. Valuation Cards

Valuation cards determine the conditions for scoring at the end of the game. They add an additional layer of strategy as players must consider these conditions when making decisions.

10. Turn Order Markers

Turn order markers determine the order in which players take their turns. This order can change throughout the game based on player actions and strategy.

11. Machine Tokens

Machine tokens are used to automate the oil refinement process in a player’s pipeline. They are a strategic investment as they can increase efficiency and productivity.

12. Contract and Purchase Order Cards

These cards represent agreements to sell refined oil at a predetermined price. They can be a risk, but they can also provide a guaranteed income.

13. Player Aid Cards

Player Aid cards provide a quick reference to the game’s rules and actions, helping players to make informed decisions during their turn.

14. First Player Marker

The first player marker indicates who starts the game. The marker can change hands based on certain game conditions or player actions.

Game flow Round and round we go

Pipeline is a strategic board game in which players take on the roles of oil company entrepreneurs. The game is played over a series of rounds, each consisting of several phases. The objective of the game is to earn the most money by building an efficient pipeline network and selling refined oil.

Here is a detailed breakdown of the game structure:

Setup Phase:

Each player is given a player board, some money, and an initial set of pipelines.
The main game board is prepared with a number of oil barrels and tiles placed in specific spots.
The order of play is determined randomly.

Work Phase:

Players take turns to perform actions. These actions can include buying and selling oil, purchasing new pipeline segments, or upgrading their pipelines.
Each player has three actions per turn, but they must be different types of actions. For example, a player cannot buy oil twice in the same turn.

Machine Phase:

After all players have taken their turns, the Machine Phase begins.
In this phase, players can buy machines to automate their pipeline networks. These machines can refine oil without the need for a player action, making them a valuable asset.

Restock Phase:

The game board is then restocked with oil barrels and new pipeline tiles.
This phase signals the end of the current round and the beginning of the next.

End of the Game:

The game ends after a certain number of rounds, usually determined by the number of players.
Players then calculate their total money. The player with the most money is declared the winner.

Note: The turns and rounds can vary in length depending on the decisions made by the players. For example, a player may choose to spend a lot of time refining oil, which will make their turn longer. However, this strategy may pay off in the end as selling refined oil can be very profitable.

End of the game All good games must come to an end

The game of ‘Pipeline’ ends after a set number of rounds. Usually, this is after 18 rounds in a two-player game, 16 rounds in a three-player game, and 14 rounds in a four-player game. At the conclusion of these rounds, the players proceed to final scoring.

Victory Conditions

The player with the most money at the end of the game is declared the winner. The money in ‘Pipeline’ is both a resource during the game and a measure of victory at the end.

The primary ways to earn money during the game are through the sale of refined oil and the completion of contracts and orders. Players can also earn money through certain upgrades and government pipelines.

End of Game Actions

Before final scoring, players must take the following actions:

Refine oil: Players can perform one final round of oil refinement in their networks. They cannot, however, sell this oil or use it to complete contracts or orders.
Assess penalties: If a player has any outstanding loans, they must pay a penalty equal to the value of the loan. If a player cannot pay this penalty, they are eliminated from the game.
Sell assets: Players can sell any remaining crude oil, refined oil, pipelines, and machines in their possession for half their purchase price (rounded down). They add this money to their total.

Once these actions have been taken, players count their money to determine the winner. In the event of a tie, the player who completed the most contracts and orders is the winner. If there is still a tie, the player with the most pipelines in their network is the winner. If there is still a tie, the player with the most machines is the winner.

Scoring Did you outsmart your rivals?

In the board game ‘Pipeline’, players earn points by refining and selling oil. The scoring system is divided into several components:

1. Refined Oil:

Each player earns points based on the value of their refined oil. The further the oil is refined, the more points it is worth. For instance:

Orange oil: Worth 10 points per cube
Teal oil: Worth 20 points per cube
Silver oil: Worth 30 points per cube

2. Pipelines:

Players also earn points for their pipelines. The length of the pipeline determines its value. The scoring for pipelines is as follows:

3-4 segments: Worth 10 points
5-6 segments: Worth 20 points
7+ segments: Worth 30 points

3. Upgrades:

Players can also earn points through upgrades. Each upgrade is worth 20 points.

4. Contracts and Orders:

Players earn points by fulfilling contracts and orders. The number of points depends on the specific contract or order.

5. Money:

Finally, players receive 1 point for every $50 they have at the end of the game.

Tie-Breaking rules:

If two or more players have the same score at the end of the game, the tie is broken in the following order:

The player with the most refined oil wins.
If there is still a tie, the player with the longest pipeline wins.
If there is still a tie, the player with the most upgrades wins.
If there is still a tie, the player with the most money wins.

If there is still a tie after all these tie-breakers, the game is considered a draw.

Particular Cases and Exceptions Wait… is that legal?

The board game ‘Pipeline’ is an economic strategy game that centers around the concept of refining oil and selling it at the highest price. While the basic rules are simple, there are several special rules and exceptions that come into play.

Pipeline Tile Placement Exceptions

When placing pipeline tiles, the player can rotate the tile in any direction. However, the tile must always connect to at least one other pipeline tile. The only exception is the first tile placed in a player’s pipeline network, which can be placed freely.

Valuation Phase Exceptions

The valuation phase happens in the last three rounds of the game, but it does not occur if the game is played with less than four rounds. In the valuation phase, players should have their pipeline networks valued – they receive money based on the length of their longest pipeline.

Machine Rules

Machines can be added to a player’s pipeline to automate the refining process. However, a machine cannot be added to a pipeline that is not connected to a player’s tank storage. Also, each pipeline can only have one machine.

Refinement Rule Clarifications

Crude oil can only be refined in pipelines of the same color.
Refining does not require an action, but it happens automatically at the end of a player’s turn.
Refined oil can be sold immediately or stored for later. However, each player’s storage is limited.

Government Contracts and Orders Rule Clarifications

A player can take a government contract or order only if they have the capacity to fulfill it.
Fulfilling contracts and orders is not an action and can be done at any time during a player’s turn.
Contracts and orders cannot be discarded or exchanged once taken.

End Game Rule Clarifications

The game ends after a set number of rounds. At this point, players calculate their final scores based on their cash on hand, the value of their pipelines, and any completed contracts and orders. The player with the highest score wins. However, if there is a tie, the player with the longest pipeline wins.

Tips and tricks Play smarter, not harder!

Pipeline is a highly strategic board game that requires careful planning, efficient use of resources, and timely execution of actions. Here are some strategies, tips, and common mistakes to avoid in the game.

Advanced Strategies:

Efficient Pipe Management: Focus on building efficient pipe networks that can refine multiple types of oil. A longer pipeline allows you to refine more oil, increasing your income.
Machine Purchases: Buy machines early in the game. These can run your pipelines while you focus on other tasks, increasing your efficiency.
Contract Fulfillment: Try to fulfill contracts as early as possible. This will provide you with a steady income and free up space for more contracts.

Beginner Tips:

Understanding the Market: Spend some time understanding the oil market and how the prices change. This will help you make better decisions about when to buy or sell oil.
Early Game Investments: Early in the game, invest in pipelines and tanks. This will give you the infrastructure needed to refine and store oil.
Use of Loans: Don’t be afraid to take loans. They can provide the necessary boost to make large purchases early in the game.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

Ignoring Valuation: Ignoring the end-game valuation can be a costly mistake. Always keep in mind the value of refined oil at the end of the game.
Overinvestment in Pipes: While pipes are important, overinvesting in them can leave you short on cash. Balance your investments wisely.
Not Adapting to the Market: The oil market changes frequently. Not adapting to these changes can result in lower profits.

Ways to Optimize Gameplay:

Planning Turns Ahead: Try to plan a few turns ahead. This will help you anticipate market changes and make better decisions.
Balancing Investments: Balance your investments between pipes, tanks, and contracts. This will ensure you have a steady income, storage space, and efficient refining capabilities.
Utilizing Machines Efficiently: Use machines to run your pipelines while you focus on other tasks. This can significantly increase your efficiency and profits.