Panamax

To set up Panamax, first place the 12 white action dice and 4 colored executive dice (one for each player color) on their designated spaces on the main board. Each player receives a company board, two captain cards (one is chosen, the other discarded), two stevedore cards (one chosen, one discarded), 18 money units, and one action token. Place the remaining captain and stevedore cards in their respective stacks. Place one ship of each type (military, cruise, cargo) on their starting positions on the board, indicated by their respective flags. Place administrative tokens on the administrative track, and convoy tokens on the convoy track. Each company starts with four dice in its warehouse and four in its reserve. Finally, deal two objective cards to each player, who keeps one and discards the other, and place initial contract cards face-up on the board.

The primary objective in Panamax is to accumulate the most personal money by the end of the game. While company money is crucial for operations and investments, only the money held by the player personally contributes to their final score. Players must strategically manage their company's finances, fulfill contracts, and invest wisely to ensure they have the highest personal wealth when the game concludes.

A turn in Panamax involves players performing actions based on the dice rolled at the start of each phase. Players can move ships through the Panama Canal, load and unload cargo, fulfill contracts, and invest in company shares. The dice determine the available actions, but players can strategically manipulate these dice by paying money to change their values or move them between action slots. Players must also consider the actions of other players, as many decisions have ripple effects across the board.

Scoring in Panamax occurs at the end of each of the three phases. Players earn money for successfully completed contracts, which are determined by the movement of ships and the loading/unloading of cargo. Additionally, players receive income from their company shares, with higher share values yielding greater returns. Administrative bonuses are also awarded to players who excel in specific administrative tasks throughout the phase. Only personal money is counted towards the final score, so converting company money to personal funds is a key strategic element.

The game of Panamax concludes after three full phases. Once the final phase's scoring is completed, players tally their personal money. The player with the highest amount of personal money is declared the winner. There are no additional end-game scoring bonuses beyond the regular phase scoring and the final personal money count.