Group meet up for cards and boardgames

Yeah, bring them, it'll be fun

I cant come : ( as Joe is in Moscow til Thursday.

Hi again,

sorry to say this, but tomorrow actually won't work for us. Hopefully I will see you all next week.

Thanks so much for letting me include my family though.

shame Steph, maybe next week then, latest at the cinema
so it's going to be a quite small group this time:

Figgy
Marymanu
Hammonia

???
Poppins
Jeppjess
Frank

Laurel, what about Matt?
Mat is prompting, but might join us for a beer if he's finished early (unlikely tho)
And what about Megan?

Oh, and about next week (will also post it in a new thread) on Friday 30th there's the cherry blosson festival at the Alster. If the weather is decent we're going to be there with some friends, might even be a bigger thing with BBQ, don't know yet. Maybe you guys wanna join us.
Also that means most probably no games for me next week as I'm still quite busy at work and can't make too many nights out, also have to work this Saturday, so really short weekend. Better go get some sleep now...

Matt and I will be there at 7pm.

Cats play poker!

http://icanhascheezburger.files.wordpress...-poker-face.jpg

http://icanhascheezburger.files.wordpress...bout-to-win.jpg

erm. will anybody be there at 6?
don't want to sit there alone...

Hammonia, I don't want you to sit alone either! Matt and I were coming at 7 because we're not eating out this week.

I've just spoken to Matt and he has to stay at work until at least 8. I'm feeling tired and considering staying home. It really seems like hardly anyone is coming tonight. Should we maybe just postpone it to next week, or in your case the week after?

no problem. you get in touch with figgy?

please let me know by text if i should cancel the table now, dont want to do that in the last minute and cant check all the time here.

Not yet but I will call her, and I'll change the date on the thread. So, next question: when should we have our next meetup?

Mat and I will be at the Rover at 7 for dinner.
In case anyone wants to join us, feel free.
I've got the car there and have some games in the boot if someone IS interested in a game (Mat is not going to stay after dinner tho).

conc. next games night: cannot make any commitment until beg. June due to lots of work. Go ahead planning, I will have to join on short notice (or not).

Well Tuesday didn't work, but would anyone like to meet on Wednesday or Thurdsay night for a game? Cafe May? I don't want to be out too late those nights so would prefer not to be in the city centre (long trip home). I know those aren't good nights for some, but maybe we could get a small group together? Anyone?

I don't think I'm available this week.

Regarding next week, since Hammonia is unavailable, why don't we plan for a mid-afternoon game? Perhaps we could do it at someone's home if there are just a few of us.

The afternnon thing sounds like a good idea. The only day I could do it at my house would be Wednesday. I could do Monday at someone else's place. All the other days I already have appointments.

I'm happy to do it one afternoon next week...sounds great!

My place is available anytime, although it's not particularly big...
so a max of probably 6 people around our kitchen table...

if more were coming and were happy to congregate around our coffee table,
we could have two games going.

I'm in Ottensen...so fairly central. 10 min walk from Altona station and on bus line number 1.

But would be more than happy to travel to someone else's place too...whatever you guys think!

also meant to mention it's up alot of stairs...so those who don't like stairs...probably won't like coming to my place.
I'm used to them...but we're on the 4th floor without a lift...just thought I'd let you know...

@Jeppjess - I don't mind stairs. Your place sounds like a nice place to meet, nice and central. I am available at 1 pm any day next week. What day would you prefer?

If it would be a warm sunny day my back garden is a nice place to sit, it's private and quiet (except for all the chirping birds!). Also, I don't mind driving people to and from the Blankenese S-Bahn station.
I'm willing to come to your place as well, Jess. What's the parking situation near your place?

Jess thank you for offering your place, that would be great...have we decided what day yet?

I am not available Tuesday mornings or Thursday next week. I hope I will be able to make it.

No worries guys!
What about Wednesday next week at 1pm?
I hope I have taken into account everyone's availability...am trying to pick a time that suits you all...
I can do any time, so if it doesn't suit, we'll change it.

The parking isn't too bad Figgy, but I would leave some time to find one...people come and go alot...
you don't need a parkschein etc...but I don't drive, so haven't had to find a park.
Will PM you about streets near by that would be worth looking in...

The other thing is, once we're here, we can always head out for a coffee afterwards...there's a great cafe a stones throw away,
with a lovely hinter garten...we could probably take games there too!

They make a great coffee, have exceptional cakes and to top if off...they have really cute spotty pillows in the window! *wink*

That sounds nice Jess. Maye I'll just take the train. Do you have games or should I bring some? Anybody have a request for a particular game?

@Jess, 1pm on Wednesday works for me. Maybe we could do this Wednesday at your place and the next one at Figgy's? Both sound really nice. I'm liking the sound of that little cafe for cake a bit later in the day...

@Figgy, I'm still looking forward to learning some of the Siedler expansion packs.

A question to everyone who plans to come to Jess's - have you played the original Siedler von Catan? If so, I'd love to play the next level up.

@ Figgy: We have some games...but you're very welcome to bring some too!
We have Turn und Taxis, Carcassonne (and a few expansions), Articulate, Pictionary, Make 'n' Break Extreme and Perudo...

I don't mind what we play...

@ marymanu...yes cake and coffee later in the day would be great! They're open til 7pm!

so could everyone planning to come to my place this wednesday at 1pm, let me know and I shall PM you guys my address...

Looking forward to it guys...
xx

I am coming for sure.

I'll be there too Jess. Would you like me to bring anything?

I'll be there. I'll bring Settlers with the expansions.

Excellent Ladies...
Will see you on Wednesday with bells on!
Will PM you all with my address...

Thanks for hosting the game afternoon Jess. It was a fun game of Setter's with Seafarer's. I won! hehe

I'm jealous

I was sitting in the office fighting with stupid files...

So, what about next week? I can do Monday and Thursday...?

Can host at our place if you like.

Thursday night sounds good, especially if it's at Hammonia's house! Monday isn't good for me, but if it's better for everyone else I don't mind skipping a week.

I'd actually prefer Thursday

You're welcome Figgy, great to have you guys here!
I am prolly out for next week...birthday celebrations and international visitors...you know the drill...
but count me in maybe after next week!

So far, I think I am free any day next week.

If it's a warm sunny day it might be nice to sit out at a pub/cafe.

Since we talked about splitting the meetups into 'casual gamers evening' and 'serious strategy gamers meetings', which would we want this to be?

Also, since next week has the first Friday of the month, it is suppose to be game night at the Frieda am Park cafe. Just thought I'd mention that if we were wanting to check it out.

Sorry, I most probably can't make the Friday.

Since it seems to be only a few, shall we go for the serious games this time? Say half an hour chatting, and then get going?

We could sit on our balcony if it's not more than 4 people. Or maybe you have a garden, Figgy?

Shall we say Thursday then?

I was thinking maybe we could do an every other week thing. One week, serious games at someone's house, next week party games at a cafe. What do you guys think?

Thursday is great for me, as is Hammonia's place as a location. Sitting on the balcony sounds nice too.

So, serious games! What should we play? Id' love to play another round of Settler's Seafarers, and Hammonia hasn't even played Settlers yet! (This is a tragedy...)

If you guys want to play at Figgy's place that's also fine for me, can give you a lift, Laurel.

Abt. the serious and not so serious thing: maybe we should decide that from week to week, based on the interest / time schedules of the people who want to join?
Or do you think there should be a (serious ) system?

Imo there's so many new people joining, that we might even have two games nights in one week and/or have one "serious players" table, and one "chatty" table at some point...?

edit: as for the games: Siedler is fine for me. Maybe we can also fit in a round of Mah Jong if we have the right amount of people.

Next week my son has exams so I prefer to keep it quiet around here in the evenings, but I don't mind hosting other weeks. Frank and I talked about hosting the 'serious gamers' on Saturday Jun 21 if anyone is available that day.

Although I would play Settlers again, and I think Hammonia would get addicted to it, I have played it so many times that I would probably prefer something else. Someone had previously suggested putting game suggestions in a hat and doing a random draw...

Maybe we should determine how many players for sure first, because some games work better with a certain number of players.

Thursday works for me as well and I would just need directions to Hammonia's place. I am also a little siedlered out and since it seems like there are so many great games which other people have which I have never played I would love to try something new. Was a time decided on?

If we are going to do a 'serious' (gotta find a new word for that) game night at Karin's this Thurday, I'd like to make a few game suggestions.

These are all strategy games with minimal or no luck involved (no dice). They take about 2 hours to play and may take a bit longer with rules explanation. They are all very highly rated games.

These ones play up to 6 players:
Antike - Civilizations compete to create cities, build temples, armies and navies, and advance in science and technology. Uses a 'Rondel' like the one in Hamburgum to determine available player actions.
Power Grid - The object of the game is to develop your electricity supply network and to be able to supply the most cities with power. Players bid for various different types of power plants and then purchase fuel to run them (coal, oil, garbage, nuclear) on the market where prices are constantly changing. Involves a lot of managing of limited funds.
Pillars of the Earth - a game based on the novel. Players send workers out to gather resources and earn money. They hire craftsmen and deploy master builders in an effort to contributing the most to the building of the great cathedral.

These ones play up to 5 players:
Notre Dame - players represent Parisians in the 15th century attempting to improve the neighbourhoods around the Notre Dame Cathedral. Players must make tough choices as to which buildings and areas to invest in while avioding the dreaded plague.
El Grande - Players must draft knights into their courts and send them to the various provinces in Spain hoping to get points for controlling them. Players choose cards which determine their available actions. Many touch choices to be made.
Rail of Europe - players issue stock to get money to build up their rail networks. They earn income when they deliver goods from one city to another. This one has a very large game board (needs a big table).
Container - just like Hamburg Harbour! players manufacture, buy and sell containers, then deliver them to an off shore island. Players bid on lots of containers delivered to the island and get points at game end for the containers delivered to their area. The different coloured containers have varying values for each player which is kept secret by each player until game end.
Vegas Showdown - Players are each building their own hotel-casino and must bid against each other to acquire slot machines, lounges, restaurants, and other pieces for the contruction which will help increase their revenue, services, and fame. Whoever can build the best hotel-casino is the winner.

I've played all of the above games except Notre Dame and Container. The ones I've played are excellent games. The other two I have read the rules and watched video demos of them and they seem to be very good games as well.

They all sound nice, can't decide on one-

Some more suggestions:

Hase und Igel (Hare and hedgehog) - aim is to win the race (based on the fable, don't know if you know the fable of the hare and the tortoise, in Germany it's a hedgehog) by eating as many carrots as you can win, you can win carrots by certain strategies. Easy to learn, up to 6 players, takes about an hour.

Mah Jong
Mahjong (also called mah-jongg by the American association, Traditional Chinese: 麻將; Pinyin: májiàng) is a game for four players that originated in China. Mahjong involves skill, strategy, and calculation, as well as a certain degree of chance. Depending on the variation which is played, luck can be anything from a minor to a dominant factor in success. In Asia, mahjong is also popularly played as a gambling game. In the game, you are given either thirteen or sixteen tiles for a hand (depending on the variation being played). When your turn comes, you draw a tile and discard one. Your goal is to make four melds and a pair, or "head". (Note that a winning hand contains fourteen tiles. You win by drawing a tile that completes your hand, or off of someone else's discard.)
(source: Wikipedia)

Unfortunately I won't be able to make it this week. Husband has a work BBQ thingy that we are going to.

I would like to suggest that we try meeting up at NOX one evening, surely they wouldn't object to us playing a game on the table and those tables would be perfect!

I would be thrilled to play any of the games Figgy suggested, as they all sound really good. Plus I am always looking for non-war boardgames to play with Thomas and his friends and a few of these have definitely been games that we have browsed online but been to chicken to buy without playing first

Do any of these incorporate trading? Since they all sound good I would prefer one that encourages a little interaction with the other players in the form of bartering or what have you.

To answer the questions from Poppins regarding player interaction in games:

None of the games I suggested have trading (like in Settlers) but there are some other player interactions.

Power Grid involves auctioning. Each player gets a chance to choose a power plant from those on the market and auction it off. Players are competing to buy the best power plants with limited funds. Players are also competing to build connections to various cities blocking out other players from building there or at least making it much more expensive for the others to expand their networks. Players are also competing for the cheapest fuel on the market. The board is double sided. You can play on a map of Germany or a map of the USA.

Vegas Showdown involves simultaneous bidding on several items at the same time. There is a selection of things the players can bid on. When a player is outbid she can up the bid or bid on something else, perhaps outbidding someone else who would then have to up their bid.

In Container there is a lot of buying and selling between the players. Also, when a loaded container ship reaches the foreign island everyone gives a secret bid for the lot.

In Notre Dame, each round there are three cards which offer players various actions. The player chooses one and passes the other 2 to his neighbour. That player chooses one and passes the other to his neighbour. So you end up with three actions to do, one that you choose and 2 from other players.

In El Grande players bid for player order with cards. Players who go first get to choose from several available actions, others must choose what's left. There is also secret simultaneous selection: the game has special wheel thingies that show all of the places on the board and players move the arrow to point to the province that they want to do their actions in. This is done secretly and all revealed at the same time. So there is a bit of guessing what your opponents are going to do.

In Pillars of the Earth there is competition for resources and craftsmen as well as other actions that can be taken. There is money in the game that can be spent to take actions or hire craftsmen.

I've played Hase und Igel before, the player interaction is that one is mostly jockying for position in a race to the finish. Sometimes you have to go back to be able to go ahead. A clever game.

Rails of Europe doesn't have bidding or auction or trade, but there is competition to get the best delivery routes constructed.

Antike involves some conflict where armies and navies can move and fight thereby taking out the enemy and destroying temples. It's not a war game but there is a small element of war in it.

If anyone is interested in learning more about some of the games (and has some time to kill), here are links to video reviews.

Mah Jong, Pillars of the Earth, Power Grid, Antike, Vegas Showdown, Notre Dame,
Container (for this one click Play and choose episode 14)

Just for fun sometime we should play this one, it playes max 4 players: (there are two different video reviews)
Galaxy Trucker, Galaxy Trucker (click play and choose episode 15)

With Hase und Igel the tricky thing is, that on some of the fields you have to estimate on which position you will be in the next round to win carrots. Of course the other players don't always move the way you are expecting them to, sometimes they rain on your parade...

Hase und Igel also holds the distinction of being the very first winner of the German Game of the Year award (Spiel des Jahres) in 1979.

What time are we meeting for games on Thursday?

7 p.m. ok for you?

The ones that sound the most interesting to me right now are Power Grid ,Vegas Showdown,Notre Dame, and El Grande although they all sound good. Plus it looks like we might only be four people so then it would make sense to maybe play the four player game which Figgy suggested (I already have forgotten the title, was it Space Truckers?)

Anyways I am really looking forward to a good strategy gaming session- although I agree serious sounds so well serious LOL. But I haven't thought of a better word yet

Ooh Figgy thanks for posting those video clips. I wasn't able to watch them to completion but I was able to get more of an idea of all the games and so now I can say that Galaxy Truckers looks really fun, Pillars of the Earth looks gorgeous, and Vegas Showdown also seemed fun. So those are my favs now.

I also really liked the obsessed board gamers reviews