North Sea Oil (1974)

Overview

Also known as Le Pétrole de la mer du Nord.

There are 28 oil tiles that will be eventually placed on the 28 spaces. They vary in depth (three levels) and productivity (zero, small, medium and large deposits). Deeper deposits require bigger drilling rigs; the more expensive rig can go all the way down but could also be used in a shallower plot.

The players can explore up to three plots per turn, and can open bidding on up to three plots per turn as well. Once purchased, a plot may be put into production by buying a rig for it or moving a rig (which costs money) from another plot --there is a limited number of rigs overall.

Production is affected by weather (weather cards in a winter/spring/summer/fall cycle); the northern plots are more likely to be shut down by bad weather. Weather causes no production, half production or full production.

Next, there are the fluctuations in the price of oil. Most of the time it is 4 $/bbl, but it can occasionally rise to 20 $/bbl.

Finally, the party in power changes every turn and sets three rates: the interest rate on your debt (you have no money at all at the game outset and must borrow; roughly 5% to 20%), the tax rate on your income (zero to 75%!) and the tax rate on sales (moving rigs, selling rigs and plots to the bank or other players; also zero to 75%). You know which party is coming next turn, which does give you a rough idea of what to expect. A couple of the party cards cause nationalisation, which is bad news for you.

First player to net $5 Million wins.