In Broadhorns: Early Trade on the Mississippi, players take on the role of traders based in St. Louis, funding freight missions along the Mississippi River in the early 19th century. The game lasts one calendar year, with the seasons changing, each presenting its own challenges.

During the game, players will finance multiple trips, acquiring a boat (known as a broadhorn or flatboat) and purchasing cargo. The farther south they travel on the Mississippi, the higher the return on their cargo. Some cargo types are perishable, and delivery times are critical.

Players start with a small amount of gold and can initially afford only the smallest of the three sizes of broadhorns for their first mission. As they earn more gold, they can choose between smaller, faster boats or larger ones with more storage capacity.

They will load their ships with five available types of goods: apples, flour, pork, furs, and whiskey. Apples, flour, and pork are perishable, and players have limited time to deliver them before they spoil. They can stop at any town along the river to deliver cargo and purchase new supplies. The further south they sell their cargo, the greater the profit.

Additionally, players can embark on journeys with travelers from various towns and earn extra gold by transporting them to their destinations.

• Players: 2-4
• Age: 14+
• Playing time: 60-90 min
• Languages: English