[Matt Drake]

Yes, there is that luck of the draw with the cards. I failed to mention that because we didn't use them - we felt it added a random element to a game that was already just about perfect. They are described as optional, and since we chose the 'don't use the random cards' option, I just sort of forgot they were there.

And it is true that you can get unlucky with an urbanization cube draw. That's kind of a slight element, but it is definitely more luck than is in chess.

Good catch, guys. Sorry for this oversight, but I still love Railroad Tycoon more than any other game I own.