[2] It is set in the city of Abilene during 1870, which at the time was considered the main transshipment point for the herds of the Texan cattle barons.

As the game progresses, each player tries to drive their herds across their pastures to the city of Abilene in the middle of the board.

When a herd arrives in Abilene, its owner declares it healthy, and the other players decide whether they believe or disbelieve this.

[4] The game ends when 21 herds arrive in Abilene, and the winner is the player with the most money.

[3] In 1984, Abilene was one of four finals of the German Board Game Team Championship [de].