Robber Barons vie for dominance as they build railroads from Chicago across the vast plains of America's Midwest. Sales of stock raise the capital necessary for these fledgling railroads to drive west through the bountiful heartland in their quest for huge profits. Difficult decisions must be made, balancing future growth vs immediate income. Timing is critical, assessing the best moment to seize opportunities for their maximum value. Money management is crucial, there are no loans in this game to bail you out. Choose your actions wisely, discern your competitor's interests carefully, be prepared to act decisively when you must. There is no luck in this economic battle, you win or lose on your own abilities in this arena.

Chicago & NorthWestern is for 3-5 players for about an hour. Players start railroads, invest in railroads, and build track across the great plains of America in the late 1800s. Players decide when Dividends are paid to stock shareholders. Players decide where to build, how much to build and when to reap the benefits of opportunities presented. The player with the most cash at the end of the game is the winner. Ties are possible, but extremely rare.