Le Havre was the very first Eurogame I set out to organize. These games are amazing and took me from non-gamer to certifiable tabletop board game geek!
I am usually satisfied with placing game pieces in mini craft bags, but setting up this particular game takes as long as the game itself! Well, maybe that’s a bit of an exaggeration, but those of you who play LeHavre know exactly what I’m talking about. I have been on the search for the perfect plastics to contain the pieces. Here is what I’ve come up with…
I love these clear stack-able bead containers! You simply unscrew and place the containers directly on the game board, they fit in the spaces nicely, and hold the resources perfectly. The only rub is the containers fit better in the box in stacks of two’s as opposed to laying on it’s side in one large stack, so you will have to purchase extra covers. I purchased my containers at Walmart for $3 per 4 stack, but I know the Container Store also carries them online.
Creating Custom Tuck boxes
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I was like a kid in a candy store when the same friend who introduced us to Eurogames told us how to create custom tuck boxes for our games. He recommended this free tuck box generator to us. You provide the dimensions, and it provides the template. You can upload scans or pictures and design your boxes as you please. I opted to scan the back of one of the cards and add the desired text. I wanted my boxes to be a bit more sturdy than simply printing the template onto thin card stock, so I printed it onto an 8 1/2 x 11 full size shipping label, then adhered that to card stock too thick to go through my printer. A little superglue goes a long way to assemble sturdy card boxes. I suggest doing a practice version first to get the hang it and ensure you got your dimensions correct.
The hubby organized and stored the cards by number of players, and a box for special buildings. It makes it significantly easier to set up since the cards are already divided, plus it no longer scares new players just watching the setup process!
Never Played LeHavre?
It would be considered a “heavier” Eurogame if you are used to playing gateway games such as the more popular “Settlers of Catan”. The basic idea of the game is to “purchase” cards (buildings) that equal points at the end of the game and provide necessary resource functions throughout the game, the fun of the game is the process of collecting resources that allow you to make those purchases (not easy), and the challenge of having to feed increasing each round. I personally enjoy LeHavre’s dynamics, I love worker placement, and I like that there are so many strategic directions one can go. I find that the game play satisfies me, even if I do not win. If you are a fan of other Rosenberg games, this one is right up there with his best!
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