1822CA

1. The same engine as 1822, applied at a much larger scale
1822CA (Bob Lecuyer) shares 1822's base system: everything is bought at auction (privates, 2-share minors, and major concessions), with no free company founding like in 1830. See the 1822 explanation for the full list of these differences from 1830.

2. The biggest map in the whole 1822 family: all of Canada, coast to coast
While the original 1822 covers Great Britain, 1822CA spans the entire Canadian territory, from the Atlantic to the Pacific. It's the title with the largest geography in the 1822 family, supporting up to 7 players.

3. Noticeably longer games
A full game of 1822CA usually runs 6 to 9 hours — significantly longer than a game of 1830 (3-5 hours) and even longer than a typical 1822GB game, due to the larger map and the greater number of concessions and companies to manage.

4. Companies can acquire privates one phase earlier than in 1822GB
In the original 1822, companies (majors and minors) may acquire privates from consenting players starting in phase 2. In 1822CA, this window opens already in phase 1 — one phase earlier. 1830 has no concept of other companies acquiring privates in any phase.

5. Designed for large groups and all-day sessions
With up to 7 players and such a sprawling map, 1822CA is often framed as the "complete" weekend-length experience of the 1822 system, in contrast to 1830, which is built for an afternoon session.

6. 1822MX was explicitly designed as the short alternative to 1822CA
1822MX's own credits explain that the game aims to offer "the 1822/1822CA experience" in a shorter, snappier format. This confirms that 1822CA represents the reference, uncut version of the 1822 engine applied to North America.

7. More concessions and minors active at once than in 1822GB
The larger play area and higher possible player count mean 1822CA sustains, on average, more concessions and minors in play simultaneously than the British version, stretching out the gradual expansion pace typical of the 1822 system even further.

8. Higher complexity and learning curve
Players usually recommend 1822CA to groups already familiar with 1822 or 1822GB, rather than as a first entry point into the system, given how many simultaneous decisions need managing on such a large map.

9. Initial "L" trains, like the rest of the 1822 family
As in 1822GB, the game starts with special "L" trains that can be converted into 2-city trains before they become obsolete — an opening step with no equivalent in 1830.

10. Buying priority by cash on hand, not turn order
As in the rest of the 1822 system, and unlike 1830 (where priority cycles to the left), in 1822CA the turn order for stock rounds after the initial auction is set by how much cash each player has.

1822CA — Schematic summary (vs 1830)

SETTING

• 1822-system engine (auctioned privates, minors, and concessions); no free founding
• Map of all of Canada, coast to coast; up to 7 players
• 6-9 hour games: the longest in the 1822 family

DIFFERENCES FROM 1822GB SPECIFICALLY

• Companies can acquire privates already in phase 1 (phase 2 onward in 1822GB)
• More concessions and minors active at once, given the larger map
• 1822MX was created explicitly as the short alternative to this experience

MECHANICS SHARED WITH THE 1822 SYSTEM

• Initial "L" trains convertible into 2-city trains
• Stock round buying priority by cash on hand, not fixed turn order