Systems Saturday - Le Havre (2008)

I've played Le Havre (2008) perhaps a dozen times in the last few years and still find this game fresh each time.  I enjoy playing with my regular chums but also with new friends whenever possible.  Naturally, jumping into a game at the Hoopla last weekend present an opportunity to do the latter.

The description from Board Game Geek is as follows:

In Le Havre, a player’s turn consists of two parts: First, distribute newly supplied goods onto the offer spaces; then take an action. As an action, players may choose either to take all goods of one type from an offer space or to use one of the available buildings. Building actions allow players to upgrade goods, sell them or use them to build their own buildings and ships. Buildings are both an investment opportunity and a revenue stream, as players must pay an entry fee to use buildings that they do not own. Ships, on the other hand, are primarily used to provide the food that is needed to feed the workers.

After every seven turns, the round ends: players’ cattle and grain may multiply through a Harvest, and players must feed their workers. After a fixed number of rounds, each player may carry out one final action, and then the game ends. Players add the value of their buildings and ships to their cash reserves. The player who has amassed the largest fortune is the winner.

I thought I would try the "No Ships" strategy out on some folks who haven't played with me before and I am convinced now that some ships are necessary even when it isn't obvious until late in the game that this is being attempted.  Too many actions have to go toward food production without a ship or two and if debt is accrued because of it, then it is simply too devastating.  In any event, the company was good and the gameplay was quick and fun, so I had a great time as usual.  Can't wait for the next time!

Systems Saturday on MFWARS.com 

A look under the hood of various Games, Rules and Systems.

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