For the rules of off the rails, see GameHelpOffTheRails

Introduction

Off the Rails is a game where every move, every jewel deposit, every chasm collapse, has the potential to change your possibilities, so take your time considering them.

The following tips are for games with 2 players in mind, even though some might still be useful with more players.

Gameplay

During your turn, do your best to predict your opponent's possible moves, can you block or slow them or are you better off going your own way? Now put yourself in your opponent’s position and go through the same reasoning if you play as you plan.

If you manage to pick several valuable Jewels with your minecart, best course of action is usually to bring them to the surface as quickly as you can, especially if you complete a mission. Conversely, if your opponent is on course to score more points than you, if you can, consider colliding with them, especially if you aren’t close to their entrance.

Keep an eye out for missions, can you beat your opponent to one? Even if you can, don’t go out of your way trying to slow or stop an opponent from completing a mission, if you are better off scoring good points.

The Chasm Phase, this is when things get real! If it wasn’t bad enough before, now when the minecarts derail, you won’t get them back! Do you take a gamble and stay in the middle, or do you play it safe and stay away from danger? If your opponent has scored a lot more points than you, maybe you don’t have a choice! Keep in mind that even though you might not know where the chasm will fall, does it help knowing where it won’t?

With experience playing or replaying other games, you'll pick up some creatives moves, like several unconventional ways to use track tiles to your advantage, sacrifice or collide against your own minecart, even if you derail it. Or pinning down an opponent’s minecart, even with just one minecart. You just need to find the right time to apply these moves.

Nuances

The closer you get to the opponent’s entrance, the more likely you are to be involved in a collision. And your opponent will thank the extra gems dropped and track tiles near their entrance, as it is easier for them to pick up the pieces and use the extra track tiles.

Be careful not to mix up your colour.

Towards the end of the game, don't forget to check if there’s enough turns for your minecart to get back to the surface, and who's the last player to make a move.

On the rare occasion that you have spare actions, don’t waste them. Double check if you can put them to good use.