Shanghai Trader

About this board game

Shanghai Trader is a trading and negotiation game for 3–6 players, set in Shanghai, with a playing time of 300 minutes. You take the role of an adventurous trading baron seeking to build a fortune before civil disorder brings the game—and potentially your life—to an end.

The central challenge is knowing how far to push the economy. Establish a trading empire by hiring different workers, then pursue the largest international bank account possible. Wealth alone is not enough: you must also escape the city before the final turmoil closes in.

Shanghai is a dangerous place for ambitious traders. Players always risk being shanghaied to Old Chinatown, where skullduggery is part of everyday business. Rivalry and cooperation are closely intertwined as you make deals, form temporary alliances, and look for opportunities to disrupt competing barons.

• Trade and exploit the economy for as much as you dare.
• Hire different workers to establish your trading empire.
• Collude with other players and attend special events.
• Hire special contractors to “trouble” your rivals.
• Escape Shanghai with the largest international bank account before civil disorder ends the game.

Released in 1986, Shanghai Trader combines ambitious commerce with corruption, risk, and direct interaction. Every decision brings the promise of a larger fortune alongside the possibility of trouble, making the route to victory a tense race to get rich and get away.