Group meet up for cards and boardgames

ShellAndrews and a friend will also be coming.

Sorry girls, we have to find another venue for our games night on Wednesday.
I had clarified with Finnegan if there were any sports games on, he said no, now he just informed me that there will be friendlies shown.

So - where are we going?

edit: I will contact the Irish Rover later today, if they are not showing the games it would be a good option I think. Would like to keep it in city centre as planned.

Hello girls,
Too bad about Finnegan's, but I did think that maybe it would be too dark in there for playing games. Hope a new venue can be found. What about Cafe May where you met previously?
I have some suggestions for games that I could bring along.
Boardgames: Ticket to Ride (a popular and fun train game, 5 players), Royal Turf (a horse race, with betting, 6 players), Hase und Igel (race game with a twist, 6 players), Diamant (exploration game 8 players)
Dice game: HeckMeck
Cardgames with special deck: Bohnanza (cute trading and collecting game, 7 players), Wizard (bidding and tricktaking, 6 players), Tichu (chinese style trick-taking, 4 players in partners).
Cardgames with a regular deck: Klegg (similar to Wizard but better with fewer players), Hearts.
Party games: Apples to Apples.

I thought of these because most of them play up to 6-7 players and they are pretty easy to learn.

Like I said, these are just suggestions, if anyone thinks any of these would not be appropriate or has other suggestions...I have, for example, more party games but they tend to be noisy...I'll play just about anything.

I love Wizard! So I will put in a vote for that. Also wouldn't mind learning Ticket to Ride.

I know I am the one who pushed for going to the city to play, but if we are stuck, Cafe May would be fine.

See you all Wednesday.

If we do end up going to Cafe May (I'm assuming its the one on Lappenbergsalle?) I would be driving (I also assume there is parking nearby) and I would be happy to pick up anyone along my route (Blankenese, Othmarschen, Altona).

I like Wizard too, but I also love to learn new games, so I am cool with whatever. I would also be fine with Cafe May.

if it does end up being Cafe May and you happen to hang around for a while, I'd be able to join you later (which I'd love), as I'm working right next door until 9pm...

Yesterday evening I booked a table at the Irish Rover.
I asked for a quiet table, there will be space for abt. 8 people.
They only show sports games on demand, and if they do, they turn off the noise.
Food is also very nice there.

Here's the address:
Irish Rover
Großneumarkt 8
20459 Hamburg
phone 35714663

Perfect, thanks Hammonia! See you all tomorrow at 6.

I know a few of us are coming to the Irish Rover straight from work or errands. I am planning on having dinner when I get there at 6. Those of you who don't want to eat, could come later or join us at 6 for a drink before the fun begins.

I'll have dinner, too.

Just got a mail from Tish saying she can't make it. Schade!

So we'll be 6 I think. I brought the Mah Jong set anyway

I just got an email from Steph saying she won't be making it either. Double schade! A German friend of mine might be coming tho. I'll see you all at 6!

It was only four of us in the end, but nevertheless a very nice evening.

Hope to see you all soon.

Hi ladies,
A suggestion for the next board/card game meeting: Bürgertreff Altona Nord has an open games night every 2nd Thursday from 7pm. It's located by the Breitengrad Cafe/Restaurant behind the "Dirty Dancing" theatre at Gefionstr. 3 in Altona. Very near Holstenstr. S-Bahn station. Approximate translation from the pamphlet: "Open games meet for people looking for others to play with. Current board and party games or classics like Malefiz, Chess, and card games." It appears you bring your own games or they may have some there as well. Playing games is very popular in this country. Germany is the boardgame capital of the world and they have so many good games here. If we go as a group we can have our own english-speaking table.
If you want to look at the website its www.altonanord.de.

I only suggest it as a possible venue because I would imagine it has a good set up, i.e. adequate tables, light, quiet, and it's close to S-Bahn and there is parking. For me I find the pubs rather dark for playing games, and then you have to find a night when there isn't sports or a noisy crowd.

The next one is this week, but it's Valentines day, so that's out. The next one would be Feb 28th.

Is anyone interested in giving it a try?

Hmm. I checked the site and am a bit confused now. Is it at the Café Breitengrad, or is it in one of the seminar-rooms (they looked rather cold and univiting to me).
Think the scrabble meeting organised by Robert Berridge is also there?!?
Anybody been at the location?

You are right about the pubs, we should go back to a Café type place.

I'm quite sure it is in one of the seminar rooms. I think the scrabble meetup is in the restaurant.
In any case, we could check it out at least once, and if turns out to be "cold and uninviting" (which is a possibility) we just wouldn't go back!

Is the purpose of the open games night to meet new people/gamers or to come with your own group? Would we all stick together or make it known that we were an English speaking table and encourage others to join us? If so that sounds like a good place to find more members for our meetups. But if it's just a place for us to go, it seems that we could go any number of places. I really enjoyed the food and ambience at the Irish Rover last time, but it wasn't the best place for a game because of the lighting. What would you guys think about trying Cup & Cino on Colonaden? It's near a few different stations, both U and S lines, and it's big with lots of tables. It's not very cosy but maybe that's a good thing. (I love Cafe May but the short tables and couches aren't always good for a game.)

@Figgy, I'd be interested in going with you to check it out on the 28th. We could see what it's like and then decide if we'd like to have the girls meetup there.

I really don't know anything about the open games meet, so not sure if the purpose is to meet others or come with your own group. Probably a bit of both. The problem for some of us might be the language issue, especially since we are an english speaking group. So maybe it's not the greatest idea for a venue. You are probably right that a couple of us should check it out first.
I would actually rather meet at a cafe (or similar) if we can find one.

I'm willing to try the Cup & Cino Cafe. I think I live farthest from the city center, and going downtown on a weeknight is a long trip for me, but if it is better for everyone else I will go with the majority. I may not be able to come as often if it is downtown. I'd prefer not to have to go farther than Altona if possible. I'm the new one, so don't feel like you have to accomodate me!

We actually want to accommodate to everyone's needs and would like to meet in different areas each time. We thought about the area around Jungfernstieg because it's close to both an S and U station, so it would be easy for anyone to get there. I would not mind meeting up in Altona as long as it's not too far a walk from the station. We have met at the Cafe Reise Bar once or twice, which is especially nice now that there is no smoking downstairs! There aren't a lot of big tables but if we had a big enough group we could split up into two groups. Cup & Cino was just a suggestion, we could do Reise Bar or any other number of places. Anyone else have suggestions?

Hi, I am Caroline from Perth, Australia. I lived in Hamburg for 3 months last year and am coming back for 3 weeks on Monday, then coming back again for the second half of the year. I love the city very much but as I am not yet speaking German it was difficult to get to know people. I am new to this website so I don't really understand how it works yet, but I would like to join in if possible?

Sure, you're welcome, to both the site and our meetings.

I don't know Cup & Cino, looks nice from the pic on the hp, not sure about the tables though, do they have some square one with enough room for a board game? Think that's the main thing: tables that are big enough, and enough light ('twas a bit too dark in the Irish Rover).

Generally about the location: I liked Café May very much, and for most of us it seemed a good place, so we should not completely dismiss it. As you said we want to accommodate to everyone's needs, but that also means that EACH of us should be willing to travel the extra mile from time to time. If the games meetup is a regular thing, there should be no problem with that. For me personally Altona is not a good venue, as it is more difficult to reach from where we live than Eimsbüttel or city centre, but I wouldn't mind to play in Altona sometimes.

I'll see a friend today who works in a restaurant at Gänsemarkt, he knows many people who work in catering, so he knows a lot of good places, will ask him for a few recommendations.

If that's not too far for everybody to travel we could also think about the Barmbek area. There's U-Bahn, S-Bahn and different buses, and quite a few bars/restaurants near the station.

Two other suggestions for Eimsbüttel area (sorry, but that's the area I know well): Backatelle at Heußweg, 1 min. walk from U2 and metrobus no. 4, smoke free, food OK, some squashy sofas, tables can be put together according to number of people.
Maybach at Eichenstraße, over the street from Backatelle, so 2 min. walk from U2 and metrobus no. 4, great cocktails, nice food, enough room and light, very nice beergarden for summer
For both places: parking places practically not existing...

OK, extra post for everyone that couln't be bothered reading my tirade above.

Anybody in for next Tuesday, Feburary 19th?

Yes, I would be interested in next Tuesday.

I don't mind going a distance as long as there is parking so I can drive. So Cafe May would be fine with me as long as there is parking nearby.
The thing about downtown is parking is difficult and otherwise its a long train/bus ride and I'm not keen on travelling alone late at night in the city.
If Altona is difficult we can just forget about that idea.
Maybe we should just meet at Cafe May and talk about future venues then?

Happy Valentine's Day !

I'm in for Tuesday as well. Let's meet up at Cafe May! What time is good for everyone?

Shall we say 19:30 at Café May?
I can make a reservation.

Please let me know if there's anybody else in so I have an idea about numbers. Thanks.

7:30 is OK for me.

Perfect. It will be me and my German friend Stefanie.

Hi! I'm brand new to this sight and to Hamburg as well. I just wanted to check and see if the game night is still happening and if it's still open for more players! I don't have any games to bring, but I would love to meet some people. My husband is working here and I haven't found a social network yet. Please let me know.

Of course we're still open, jump on in
Welcome to Hamburg.

Thanks for the reply! Just to be clear, the meeting is tomorrow, 7:30 at Cafe May at this address: Lappenbergsallee 30, 20257 Hamburg. Is that correct? I'll probably just have my husband drop me off and pick me up...about how long do the get togethers usually last? And how will I know who you are? Do you have a regular area where you sit? This will be fun!

It appears there will be 5 of us. I have several good 5-player games I will bring, and perhaps a few that will play 6 or more if others come too.
How big are the tables there? If the tables are small I'll leave the big board games at home...

@Figgy - The tables are pretty big depending on which one Hammonia reserved. If it's in the room with couches, the tables are big. In the other room the tables are smaller but two can be pushed together.

@Adrianw - We usually hang out for a few hours. I think last time we went home close to 10:30. So you'll know who we are: I'll have a pack of cards on the table if Figgy hasn't arrived yet, or if she has there will be a big pile of board games!

Made a reservation for 7:30 p.m. for 8 people (to be on the safe side).

Reservation is for the left side next to the entrance/window (if they DO reserve that particular table) near the bar.
Last time I had reserved for the other side with the squashy sofas, but it was too dark there so we moved to the other side

Looking forward to seeing you guys

Good, thank you, that's where I wanted to sit too! See you soon!

Last night was great. There were 4 of us and we learned to play a new game called Zug um Zug. Good fun!

For next week we were thinking about opening it up and letting some of our boys come play. (My husband has been feeling a little left out.) Any boys out there interested, or any ladies think their men might like to come along?

I am available on Wednesday and Thursday night. Venue ideas?

Sounds like a great idea. I think I can get my husband to join us. Thursday would probably be best for us, but I'll have to get back to you on that.

By the way...
If anyone is interested in learning more about some good eurogames, there are some really good video reviews done by Scott Nicholson. You can see them at www.boardgameswithscott.com and also on www.youtube.com.
He has one about the game we played last night - look up the english title "Ticket to Ride" , boardgames with Scott, on Youtube.

A good general intro done by Scott is "Board Games 101".

If you see one you'de like to play, I may (probably, actually) have it in my collection.

ps he also did one on Mah Jongg

I also mentioned to Mat that we were thinking about a mixed games evening. Think I wouldn't have to twist his arm.

Thursday is fine for me.

Oh, and I ordered Zug um Zug from Amazon

Hammonia, just to let you know, the erweiterung for Zug um Zug with the larger cards (and a few extras as well) is called "1910 USA". However it seems to be sold out at amazon. It is available direct from the publishers site www.daysofwonder.com (you can also play an on-line version there). Not cheap though at 15€ plus shipping! If you ordered the europe version, it already has large cards.

Thanks, I was going to ask you about the larger cards as I couldn't find anything.
Will try ebay
I ordered the USA version, but am checking ebay for the European, too.

Really liked that game, although I lost big time

Has anyone been to Kemp's English Pub? Would it be a good place for a Game Meetup? I've read some reviews on here that said:

An authentic English pub in Hamburg. Really good food - limited menu all food prepared fresh, good curry. Great beer selection and good company. Check it out, definitely worth the trip.

Kemp's doesn't show any sports. They are a small, very cosy and welcoming pub in Hamburg centre.

Mittelweg 27
20148 Hamburg
Tel.: 444 512

I've been there a few times, it'd be nice for another meetup, but I think not good for the games (parking REALLY bad).

Search will have to go on

Has anyone been to the Schach Cafe?
www.schachcafe-hamburg.de
It's located at Rübenkamp S-Bahn. There are lots of pictures on the website, including a "Rundgang". Looks like it has good light and tables.

btw Schach=Chess, so maybe they welcome boardgame players?

Just spoke with hubby, he's available next Thursday, so count us in.

Ha! Funny that you post this I checked it online the other day.

It's lovely there in summer, haven't been in winter though. Am not sure about the parking, think in the evening it's a problem. Will try and find out.

I opened another thread asking people for possible venues (I thought there might be people who didn't read the thread as it said "Girl's boardgames"...

Mat's also in for next Thursday, so up to now it's

Figgy + Hubby
Laurel + Matt
Karin + Mat

Anybody else in?
What time?

My German friend wants to come and may bring her boyfriend if he is free. I've also invited Steph's hubby since she's out of town. Will let ya know what the number comes to.

As for time, I've available at any time. How about 6 or 7 pm?

Here's another idea, if we will be 8, 10, or more persons, maybe we could get a party room in a restaurant. We could go a bit early and have a meal then after play some games.
???

Laurel and I talked about that yesterday great minds think alike (or, as the Hamburgers say: zwei Doofe, ein Gedanke).

We have a nice Greek restaurant round the corner, it's abt. 6 mins. walk from U2 Hagenbeckstraße, abt. 1km from S 3/ S21 Stellingen, 1 min. walk from bus stop Stellingen Rathaus (buses 22, 281, 39), and there's enough parking available. Since the majority of us come from Eimsbüttel or Stellingen, shall we give it a go there?
Say at abt. 6 / 6:30 p.m., for food, and later games? They have a room that is a bit off the bigger part of the restaurant, could ask for a table there.

I checked out another place that seems like it would be a good possibility.
Frieda am Park Cafe website: www.friedaampark.de Bernadottestr. 20

I spoke to the lady, who was very friendly, and she said our Spielgruppe is welcome any time to play there.
The atmosphere is quiet, the lighting is good, the tables small and square (decent for a card game) but 2 or more could be put together for a large board game.

I was there during the day and it was quiet. I don't know how busy it gets in the evening. But it would probably be best to reserve tables if we were going there.

They have a large patio which would be nice in the summer.

The food on offer seems to be good, but I haven't tried it yet.

I forgot to ask what they have for drinks. Wine I suppose, but I don't know about beer.

They do have a regular gaming night every first Friday of the month. The lady said that is for people who would like to come and meet others to play with as well as those who come as a group. But like I said, we are welcome any other time as well. However, I did notice that they do occasionally have the cafe booked out for other parties.

I didn't have too much trouble finding parking. It isn't near a train station but the bus 115 goes right by there. It would be a short taxi ride from Othmarschen station.


The Greek restaurant sounds like a good idea for next week, since there is parking for us coming from afar...I have no objection if you want to go ahead and book it.