Havana (2009) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Havana is a board game released in 2009, designed by Reinhard Staupe and published by 999 Games. It falls under the categories of bluffing and card games, with gameplay mechanics such as action retrieval, hand management, memory, set collection, and simultaneous action selection. The game is designed for 2 to 4 players, with a recommended age of 10 and up.

Game Components of Havana

80 building materials (including 10 colored materials each in red, yellow, blue, and brown, and 40 gray debris)

60 coins (36 1s and 24 3s)

15 workers

4 sets of 13 action cards

4 player aids

36 building tiles

1 fabric bag

How To Setup Havana

To set up Havana, each player starts with a hand of 13 action cards. Two action cards are laid out face-up in front of each player, and the remaining cards are kept in hand. Each player receives one building material cube and one Peso. Three building material cubes and four Pesos are placed in the center of the table. Building tiles are arranged in rows, ensuring at least one building with a value of 1, 2, or 3 on either end of the rows. The remaining building tiles are placed face-down as a draw pile.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Objective: Players aim to earn victory points by constructing buildings using workers, cash, and materials.

Action Selection: Players carry out two actions per turn based on the action cards they have laid out.

Resource Management: Players manage resources such as building materials, coins, and workers.

Turn Structure:
– Phase 1: Players carry out two actions and purchase buildings.
– Phase 2: New supplies (Pesos and building materials) are added to the table.
– Phase 3: Players draw a new action card.

Player Experience

Havana offers a dynamic and interactive experience with its unique action selection mechanism. Players must strategically choose their actions to maximize resource acquisition and building construction. The game’s setup ensures that the order of play changes each turn, adding a layer of unpredictability and requiring players to adapt their strategies accordingly. The game is praised for its easy entry point but also offers depth for more experienced players.

Pros

Dynamic Gameplay: The changing order of play and various action cards keep the game engaging and unpredictable.

Strategic Depth: Players need to balance resource management with long-term building strategies.

Easy to Learn: The game has a straightforward setup and rules, making it accessible to new players.

Cons

Limited Player Count: The game is designed for 2-4 players, which might be limiting for larger groups.

Complex Action Cards: Managing and understanding the various action cards can be overwhelming for some players.

Personal Thoughts on Havana

Havana is ideal for players who enjoy strategic planning and resource management. It’s a great fit for those looking for a game that’s easy to learn but offers significant depth and replayability. While it may not be the best choice for large groups, it is an excellent addition to any board game collection for small to medium-sized gatherings.

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