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Carc Central Community => News and Events => Topic started by: kettlefish on February 23, 2016, 02:01:18 PM

Title: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: kettlefish on February 23, 2016, 02:01:18 PM
Spiel 2016

Friedhelm Merz Verlag - Internationale Spieltage SPIEL'16 in Essen

http://www.merz-verlag-en.com/index.html (http://www.merz-verlag-en.com/index.html)

when: 13. - 16. October 2016

where: Germany, Messe Essen

open times:
Thursday to Saturday, October 13 - 16, the convention is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.,
on Sunday, October 16, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Tickets will be available from August 2016 on
------------------------------------------------------------
The organization for the Championship - runs by HiG and Spielezentrum Herne

German Carcassonne Championship

Spiel 2016 in Essen
Saturday 15. October 2016
---------------------------------------------
Carcassonne World Championship

Spiel 2016 in Essen
Sunday 16.October 2016
---------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: Khonnor on February 24, 2016, 07:11:09 AM
Will ofcourse be going again this year, but because of a Holiday to Florida a couple days after Spiel, we'll only be going 1 day to Spiel this year, on Thursday.  :)
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: Decar on May 12, 2016, 06:39:09 AM
I've put a little thing together to get excited; a countdown clock!

(http://tehill.net/carcassonne/essen/)
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: dirk2112 on May 12, 2016, 08:04:24 AM
The local airport has nonstop flights to Frankfurt.  Right now they are only offering them through August, but if they do it in October, Essen is a possibility for me.
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: karkids on May 12, 2016, 12:09:39 PM
Ugh I'm going to Europe early August so I'll miss it  :-\. However, I do hope to be able to pick up some cheap mini expansions in Prague, which is near Germany.
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: jma03 on May 12, 2016, 12:43:25 PM
It would be a wonderful experience !!
but this would have to win the national championship in Spain , something difficult but not impossible...
 ;D
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: Decar on May 23, 2016, 02:39:25 PM
I found a new thing on BGG for the trip to Essen:

https://boardgamegeek.com/microbadge/3535
https://boardgamegeek.com/microbadge/20754
https://boardgamegeek.com/microbadge/20756
https://boardgamegeek.com/microbadge/33310

I wonder how many Ill earn!
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: kettlefish on August 03, 2016, 02:20:23 AM
Who will visit the Spiel 2016 in Essen - and at which days?

Thursday 13.10.2016:
- kettlefish
- maik63de
- PresetM
- Khonnor (NL)
- Fan
- Strix
- Safari
- MrNumbers (Latvia)
- Skane (Latvia)
- Benny
- Ratz65 (on Thursday or Friday)
- Käpt'n Konrad
- CARfirst
- BigBoss
- danisthirty (UK)
- Decar (UK)
- Arnold

Friday 14.10.2016:
- kettlefish
- maik63de
- PresetM
- danisthirty (UK)
- Decar (UK)
- Hermine1
- Fan
- Strix
- jungleboy (Swiss - not at the halls of the Spiel, but in the evening free for a game outside of the halls)
- MrNumbers (Latvia)
- Skane (Latvia)
- Ratz65 (on Thursday or Friday)
- Martin H
- Cobyhectic  (Ireland) (Friday or Saturday)

Saturday 15.10.2016:
- danisthirty (UK)
- Decar (UK)
- jungleboy (Swiss)
- MrNumbers (Latvia)
- Skane (Latvia)
- Benny (Saturday or Sunday)
- Cobyhectic  (Ireland) (Friday or Saturday)


Sunday 16.10.2016:
- danisthirty (UK)
- Decar (UK)
- jungleboy (Swiss)
- MrNumbers (Latvia)
- Skane (Latvia)
- Jéré (NL) (for CC-World-Cup: France)
- Benny (Saturday or Sunday)

What is with the other members - do you come to the Spiel'16?

Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: danisthirty on August 03, 2016, 03:58:15 AM
What about this post kettlefish? These people will all be around on the Thursday... ???

Following members (CarcF + CarcC) have already booked a ticket for the special members-fan-meeting:

- maik63de
- PresetM
- kettlefish
- Benny
- Safari
- Fan
- Strix
- CARfirst
- Avatera - 2x
- Martin H
- Ratz65

- Decar
- MrNumbers
- danisthirty
- JT Atomico
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: MrNumbers on August 03, 2016, 04:55:12 AM
Who will visit the Spiel 2016 in Essen - and at which days?

What is with the other members - do you come to the Spiel'16?
- MrNumbers

Yes, I definitely will be there for all 4 days, like I did last year. Vacation is booked, so does the apartment :)
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: jungleboy on August 03, 2016, 05:37:00 AM
I am likely to arrive only on the Friday night, so I won't attend the fair until Saturday (although I may be available for drinks and games on Friday night!).


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: Jéré on August 03, 2016, 06:51:38 AM
Well, I'll be there on Sunday for sure (you know why).

But it is still unclear when I will arrive as Filosofia (French publisher of Carcassonne) is responsible for booking the accomodation. Hopefully I can already be in Essen on the Friday evening but it will be confirmed later.
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: kettlefish on August 04, 2016, 01:17:50 AM
What about this post kettlefish? These people will all be around on the Thursday... ???

Following members (CarcF + CarcC) have already booked a ticket for the special members-fan-meeting:

- maik63de Thursday + Friday
- PresetM Thursday + Friday
- kettlefish Thursday + Friday
- Benny Thursday
- Safari Thursday
- Fan Thursday + Friday
- Strix Thursday + Friday
- CARfirst I don't know
- Avatera - 2x I don't know
- Martin H I don't know
- Ratz65 Thursday or Friday

- Decar Friday - Sunday
- MrNumbers Thursday - Sunday
- danisthirty Friday - Sunday
- JT Atomico I don't know
I have updated this list too. Please look at the colouring text - members at the Spiel.
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: Decar on August 04, 2016, 01:24:14 AM
I'm travelling up on Wednesday.  Wouldn't miss the event for anything else  :(y) :(y)
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: kettlefish on August 04, 2016, 01:35:21 AM
I'm travelling up on Wednesday.  Wouldn't miss the event for anything else  :(y) :(y)
Hi Decar - does it mean you are at the Spiel on Thursday too?
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: Decar on August 04, 2016, 02:01:12 AM
Hope so!
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: MrNumbers on August 09, 2016, 10:48:34 PM
Member Skane (http://www.carcassonnecentral.com/community/index.php?action=profile;u=3901) also will be in Essen, we will go by one car :)
BTW, he is the author of
this (http://www.carcassonnecentral.com/community/index.php?topic=342.msg2981#msg2981) and this (https://www.facebook.com/BrainGamesLV/photos/a.389695301224.157083.324210666224/10153750699761225/?type=3&theater) :(y)
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: Jéré on August 10, 2016, 06:11:23 AM
Member Skane (http://www.carcassonnecentral.com/community/index.php?action=profile;u=3901) also will be in Essen, we will go by one car :)
BTW, he is the author of
this (http://www.carcassonnecentral.com/community/index.php?topic=342.msg2981#msg2981) and this (https://www.facebook.com/BrainGamesLV/photos/a.389695301224.157083.324210666224/10153750699761225/?type=3&theater) :(y)

Rubik's Cube is REALLY cool! 
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: Cobyhectic on August 14, 2016, 03:58:37 PM
Hi Guys, what can I expect in terms of Carc at Essen? First time attendee, and only there for one day (either Friday or Saturday, don't know yet) and want to make sure I can pick up/see whatever I can.
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: Decar on August 14, 2016, 04:07:48 PM
It's a very important year for Carcassonne, so I think there will be more added to this list in September, but so far the announcements have been for:

The new around-the-world spin off:  The Amazonas.
A new mini expansion : The watch tower

The new star wars expansions and Abbey and Mayor are already available.
Speculation there will also be:  A new Big Box for the new artwork.  The Japanese monasteries.
You'll miss the gathering on Thursday night unfortunately.
No doubt there will be a gift box with a spiel tile like the previous 2 years.
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: Cobyhectic on August 14, 2016, 04:12:55 PM
It's a very important year for Carcassonne, so I think there will be more added to this list in September, but so far the announcements have been for:

The new around-the-world spin off:  The Amazonas.
A new mini expansion : The watch tower

The new star wars expansions and Abbey and Mayor are already available.
Speculation there will also be:  A new Big Box for the new artwork.  The Japanese monasteries.
You'll miss the gathering on Thursday night unfortunately.
No doubt there will be a gift box with a spiel tile like the previous 2 years.

Are other and previous mini expansions usually available too?
I literally have no idea what to expect: I've never considered it an option to attend but it's kinda fell into my lap this year.
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: Decar on August 14, 2016, 04:15:19 PM
I suspect the a lot of mini-expansions available on cundco will be available on the HiG stand.  It'll be my first time too - so it'll be very exciting!
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: Jéré on August 14, 2016, 07:43:47 PM
It's a very important year for Carcassonne, so I think there will be more added to this list in September, but so far the announcements have been for:

The new around-the-world spin off:  The Amazonas.
A new mini expansion : The watch tower

The new star wars expansions and Abbey and Mayor are already available.
Speculation there will also be:  A new Big Box for the new artwork.  The Japanese monasteries.
You'll miss the gathering on Thursday night unfortunately.
No doubt there will be a gift box with a spiel tile like the previous 2 years.

Are other and previous mini expansions usually available too?
I literally have no idea what to expect: I've never considered it an option to attend but it's kinda fell into my lap this year.

Cundco has its own booth every year. Spielbox too!

Everything that is available online can be purchased there, normally.
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: kettlefish on August 27, 2016, 05:32:34 AM
I've updated the list.
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: Decar on September 09, 2016, 03:34:04 PM
The Essen release list is available again:

http://www.merz-verlag-en.com/new-releases.html

Nothing obviously new on there from HiG - but Did notice that Schmidt Spiele is publishing a new game from Klaus-Jürgen Wrede:

Die Baumeister des Colosseum (https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/206928/die-baumeister-des-colosseum) - Looking forward to seeing this - best of luck to him!
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: toastytoast on September 12, 2016, 11:22:34 AM
It's a very important year for Carcassonne, so I think there will be more added to this list in September, but so far the announcements have been for:

The new around-the-world spin off:  The Amazonas.
A new mini expansion : The watch tower

The new star wars expansions and Abbey and Mayor are already available.
Speculation there will also be:  A new Big Box for the new artwork.  The Japanese monasteries.
You'll miss the gathering on Thursday night unfortunately.
No doubt there will be a gift box with a spiel tile like the previous 2 years.

I don't think I've seen the answer here but I asked Andreas Kramer at Cundco what edition of Carcassonne The Watchtower mini-expansions will be for.

'Hello Simon,

this will be the new 2nd edition.

best regards
Andreas Kramer
Carcassonne & Co GmbH '

I think it's fair to say that we have most likely come to the end of the line of Carcassonne 1st edition content!
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: Decar on September 12, 2016, 12:43:02 PM
either that or they are re-introducing the old farming rules.
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: Valheru on September 12, 2016, 01:22:36 PM


I think it's fair to say that we have most likely come to the end of the line of Carcassonne 1st edition content!

A moment of silence for this dreadful news  :-\  :'( :(
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: danisthirty on September 12, 2016, 04:46:35 PM
either that or they are re-introducing the old farming rules.

 :))
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: Safari on September 13, 2016, 06:31:43 PM
either that or they are re-introducing the old farming rules.
Wait? Did I miss something? They changed the farming rules?
And how would they want to reintegrate them via Watch Towers...
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: Decar on September 13, 2016, 06:43:01 PM
The Watchtower:

this will be the new 2nd edition.

The 2nd edition was printed in 2001.

Joke  :(y)
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: Benny on September 27, 2016, 08:08:27 PM
For those who will come to the SPIEL in Essen this year:
Link to the superb hall plans from user Alain Baum (DukeOfEarl) in the boardgamegeek-forum (https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/1639673/hall-plans-essen-spiel-2016-finished).
There are two versions: one A4- and one A3-version.

The best entrance (in my opinion) is entrance West. This will lead you to hall 3 and quickly to the Hans im Glück booth - right above the Kosmos booth.
This year the CundCo booth is in hall 7.


And additionally:
an overview with some helpful links with information about the SPIEL (https://boardgamegeek.com/article/23698012#23698012) (from user Daniel D.) .

Have fun with the preparations  ;D
Looking forward to meet you in Essen!  :(y)
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: Benny on September 27, 2016, 08:36:55 PM
By the way:
if you have questions about the fair, the town Essen, the public transport or something related with the SPIEL be free to ask me (post or PM).
I will try to be helpful.

A few months ago I had the idea of building carpools from the fair to the Fan-Meeting in the evening.

Perhaps you could write, if you are coming by car or with public transport and need a hitchhike.
Then we could build carpools or could drive in a convoi from the fair to the Fan-Meeting.
Are these the CarcC-members coming to the SPIEL and the Fan-Meeting this year: Decar, MrNumbers, Skane, danisthirty, JT Atomico?
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: Decar on September 27, 2016, 08:42:32 PM
Thanks for all the useful information Benny!

I think our hotel is 1/2way between the messe and the fanmeeting.  In theory it's walkable but not sure how easy parking a car at the hotel.
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: Jesusgcas on September 27, 2016, 11:39:49 PM
I am really jealous of you guys. I wish I could be there and come back with my hands full of things.

Enjoy the Spiel!!
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: MrNumbers on September 28, 2016, 07:43:20 AM
We (I and Skane) will go to the Fan-meeting by car, but we will start from our hotel, which is 17 km away from the restaurant (at first we need do bring at the hotel two other friends, which won't go to the Fan-meeting).
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: jungleboy on September 28, 2016, 10:40:49 AM
I am also coming to Essen, though not for the fan meeting on Thursday. I will arrive by train at about 8pm on Friday night and I'm staying at a hotel near Essen West station and about 45 minutes' walk from the fair. I am happy to walk to the fair on Saturday but if someone offers me a lift, I probably wouldn't say no! :) Especially on the way home when I might have lots of games with me! Saturday will probably be my only day at the fair, then I'll likely return home on Sunday at about 10-11am.

If anyone is keen to meet up and maybe play some games on Friday night or Saturday night, or at the fair on Saturday, that would be great!
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: Jéré on September 28, 2016, 02:32:34 PM
***TIP***

You can buy your ticket for Spiel at the Tourist Information office across the street from the Central Station. This way you can avoid long lines at the Messe.
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: Geordieracer82 on September 28, 2016, 09:52:17 PM
Despite all my efforts, I can't make it to Essen for yet another year :-(

Oh well if there is a special tile for Spiel I shall have to try and pick it up online.
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: Lobo on October 01, 2016, 09:08:53 AM

The new around-the-world spin off:  The Amazonas.
A new mini expansion : The watch tower

The new star wars expansions and Abbey and Mayor are already available.
Speculation there will also be:  A new Big Box for the new artwork.  The Japanese monasteries.

Has there been new expansions added to this list? Such as a mini Amazonas expansion?
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: aenima on October 01, 2016, 10:39:12 AM
ok... also this year it's impossible for me to come :( too much tto work (that is not a bad thing, but take too many time)
so... I'd be really really reaaaaaallyyyy happy if some of you could think to me buying for me the mini expansion watchtower end take the promo 16 tile (and other promo or gift stuffs off course...)
really really happy  :'(
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: Halfling on October 01, 2016, 01:15:47 PM
I'd love a spiel 16 tile too.  If anyone gets a spare.
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: jungleboy on October 02, 2016, 09:17:29 AM
***TIP***

You can buy your ticket for Spiel at the Tourist Information office across the street from the Central Station. This way you can avoid long lines at the Messe.

Good tip! You can also buy tickets in advance (http://www.merz-verlag-en.com/tickets--times.html):

Quote
Advanced Ticket sale:
All tickets for SPIEL can be purchased online via the ticket shop of Messe Essen or via Eventim.

Advanced Tickets sale via Messe Essen:
For the advanced ticket sale Messe Essen charges a fee of 2,-- EUR per Ticket, which is less than the advanced ticket sale fee of Eventim. For the Kombi-Ticket Messe Essen charges a fee of EUR 4,--. You can print out the ticket and pay with credit card or online banking.
Messe Essen Ticket Shop (https://host.convey.de/esop_es2/bin/iisclt.cia?n&OpenSession&esproject&20092&21639&303132016&TARGET_TOP_NAME=_top).

Advanced Tickets sale via Eventim
Those who don't have a credit card or can't wire by online banking, can purchase the tickets with Eventim. All tickets will also be available in 2,500 Eventim Shops in Germany.
For the advanced ticket sale Eventim charges a fee of 2,30 EUR per Ticket. For the Kombi-Tickets Eventim charges a fee of 5,30 EUR.
Eventim Ticket Shop (http://www.eventim.de/Tickets.html?affiliate=TUG&doc=artistPages%2Ftickets&fun=artist&action=tickets&erid=1640185&includeOnlybookable=true&xtmc=spiel_2016&xtnp=1&xtcr=1).
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: JT Atomico on October 04, 2016, 07:50:23 AM
Unfortunately, I am not going to be able to make it to Spiel after all. I don't have enough holiday left this year to make it work. :(

I hope you all have a great time. I look forward to seeing the photos and hearing the stories! :green-meeple:
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: kettlefish on October 04, 2016, 02:15:02 PM
Unfortunately, I am not going to be able to make it to Spiel after all. I don't have enough holiday left this year to make it work. :(

I hope you all have a great time. I look forward to seeing the photos and hearing the stories! :green-meeple:
Hi JT Atomico,
does it mean you can't come to the evening event on Thursday?
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: JT Atomico on October 04, 2016, 02:26:03 PM
Yes, sadly it does. Should I email Udo or someone about that?
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: kettlefish on October 04, 2016, 04:23:18 PM
Yes, sadly it does. Should I email Udo or someone about that?
I think it would be nice to inform Udo by email.
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: danisthirty on October 04, 2016, 04:47:34 PM
Yes, sadly it does. Should I email Udo or someone about that?
I think it would be nice to inform Udo by email.

Especially if you'd planned to pay him in Essen for your South Seas tile(s)! (like I had #wishidboughtmyeurosbeforebrexit :'()
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: aenima on October 04, 2016, 05:51:57 PM
ok... also this year it's impossible for me to come :( too much tto work (that is not a bad thing, but take too many time)
so... I'd be really really reaaaaaallyyyy happy if some of you could think to me buying for me the mini expansion watchtower end take the promo 16 tile (and other promo or gift stuffs off course...)
really really happy  :'(

sooo... noone? :) :(
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: JT Atomico on October 04, 2016, 06:46:24 PM
Yes, sadly it does. Should I email Udo or someone about that?
I think it would be nice to inform Udo by email.

Especially if you'd planned to pay him in Essen for your South Seas tile(s)! (like I had #wishidboughtmyeurosbeforebrexit :'()

Cool, I have emailed him now and am happy to still pay for my ticket if needs be (but I've already paid for the South Seas tiles).
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: Jesusgcas on October 04, 2016, 09:22:29 PM
ok... also this year it's impossible for me to come :( too much tto work (that is not a bad thing, but take too many time)
so... I'd be really really reaaaaaallyyyy happy if some of you could think to me buying for me the mini expansion watchtower end take the promo 16 tile (and other promo or gift stuffs off course...)
really really happy  :'(

sooo... noone? :) :(

Spiel 16 tile should be available on cundco on December right? At least I hope so.
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: Geordieracer82 on October 04, 2016, 09:32:37 PM
ok... also this year it's impossible for me to come :( too much tto work (that is not a bad thing, but take too many time)
so... I'd be really really reaaaaaallyyyy happy if some of you could think to me buying for me the mini expansion watchtower end take the promo 16 tile (and other promo or gift stuffs off course...)
really really happy  :'(

sooo... noone? :) :(

Spiel 16 tile should be available on cundco on December right? At least I hope so.

I hope it will be
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: kettlefish on October 05, 2016, 05:19:19 AM
At the Spiel '16 in Essen:

like each year we will meet us  at the Spiel a small fan-meeting to say hello.
at the HiG-Tournament  and CundCo booth: Hall 7 booth A113

on Thursday - 13. Oct 2016: 1:00 pm
We will meet us only for a short small talk - this year not for a game play, because most of us will also visit the fan-members-meeting at the special event in the evening.

on Friday - 14. Oct 2016: 1:00 pm
We will meet us for a small talk and then we will go to a place where we can sit down and play a game.
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: kettlefish on October 09, 2016, 04:20:16 PM
Here are some plans of the halls at Spiel:

Hall 7 - booth A113 - HiG-Tournament and CundCo booth

here we will meet us on Thursday and Friday each day at 1:00 pm (13:00 Uhr)
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: kettlefish on October 09, 2016, 06:44:59 PM
Here comes the Hall 3 as a pdf file.

I have marked some of the booths - for example the HiG booth

In the comments you will find some booth numbers and the names of the booth owners

example:
Halle 3 - Stand B113 (hall 3 - booth B113) = HiG

When you like to go easily and fast through the halls - from one hall to the other - then you can use the "FG = Freigelände (outdoor area)" - see the green line on the right side of the hall 3.
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: Decar on October 09, 2016, 06:51:12 PM
Thank you Kettlefish, very helpful!
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: kettlefish on October 09, 2016, 08:47:18 PM
Here comes the Hall 1 as a pdf file.

I have marked some of the booths - for example the booth from Brain Games

In the comments you will find some booth numbers and the names of the booth owners

example:
Halle 1 - Stand F139 (hall 1 - booth F139) = Brain Games
-----------------------------------------------------
All the other plans for the halls you can find here:
http://www.merz-verlag-en.com/hallplans.htmll (http://www.merz-verlag-en.com/hallplans.htmll)

also at BGG there are the hall plans:
https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/1639673/hall-plans-essen-spiel-2016-finished (https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/1639673/hall-plans-essen-spiel-2016-finished)
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: kettlefish on October 11, 2016, 01:57:16 PM
At CarcF I have posted some more information when you like to travel through Essen with metro, tram or bus.:

http://www.carcassonne-forum.de/viewtopic.php?f=249&t=3285&p=43718#p43718 (http://www.carcassonne-forum.de/viewtopic.php?f=249&t=3285&p=43718#p43718)

and here is a small map - marked the area of the exhibition halls and the fan-members-meeting event at the restaurant.
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: kettlefish on October 16, 2016, 09:13:09 AM
At Spiel - like each year we meet us at the HiG tournament booth - this year we met us on Thursday and on Friday - each day at 1 pm.

On Thursday we met us only for a short small talk from 1pm to 2pm. The members make appointments and organize the travel to the evening event and we all talk about this and that. I've met Arnold this year - a kind of never ending story - since 2012 he promissed me to meet us each year. So this year he was there too and all the other members of CarcC and CarcF.

Decar and danisthirty were very impressed about the Spiel. They told me that their UK games-expo is almost as big as one of the hall of the Spiel. At the Spiel we have 6 halls this year - some are a bit smaller and some are huge.

MrNumbers and Skane traveled around 2 days to visit the Spiel in Essen.

The members meeting is always a place where we change our pieces directly.

On Friday - we met us too - this time the group was smaller and this time we played our game - "CC-Amazonas".

I've organized the games from Herner Spielezentrum (at the HiG tournament booth). The players: kettlefish, danisthirty, Skane, MrNumbers, Günther.
MrNumbers had won the game - as usual...

On Friday it was not easy to get a place to play the game - all tables were full. So we had to wait a bit for a free table. Then we sit together around one table with 9-10 persons. Udo met us only on Friday this year.

Udo forwarded me this photo:
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: kettlefish on October 16, 2016, 12:28:02 PM
At the Spiel'16 had around 174000 visitors this year.

The next Spiel'17 take place from  26.Oct. to 29.Oct. 2017.
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: Geordieracer82 on October 16, 2016, 12:40:25 PM
Was there a promo tile this year?
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: kettlefish on October 16, 2016, 12:42:43 PM
Was there a promo tile this year?
Yes the Spiel'16 tile for the Carcassonne II - New Edition
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: Geordieracer82 on October 16, 2016, 12:44:13 PM
Well here is me hoping it gets a release on CundCo.
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: Jesusgcas on October 16, 2016, 03:02:22 PM
Well here is me hoping it gets a release on CundCo.

You are not alone..
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: kettlefish on October 16, 2016, 11:26:51 PM
Here are some impressions from Spielezentrum Herne at their facebook page:

Spiel'16 - day 1 - Thursday (https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1204384556288751.1073741901.379759658751249&type=3)

Spiel'16 - day 2 - Friday (https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1205901496137057.1073741902.379759658751249&type=3)

Spiel'16 - day 3 - Saturday (https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1206487446078462.1073741903.379759658751249&type=3)

Spiel'16 - day 4 - Sunday (https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1207403789320161.1073741905.379759658751249&type=3)

Spiel'16- day 4 - Sunday - included the CC-world championship (https://www.facebook.com/pg/spielezentrum/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1207403789320161)
Title: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: jungleboy on October 17, 2016, 06:28:00 AM
A brief Essen report from me:

I spent only one day at the fair, on Saturday. It was my first time at Essen and it was probably more of a spectacle than I had imagined in terms of size and crowds. I had two Kickstarter games to pick up (one via danisthirty - thanks Postman Dan!) and I bought three more games, as well as the German Cathedrals which I ordered from Cundco once upon a time but never received. I thought I showed pretty good restraint compared with Decar and MrNumbers who both went crazy! :)

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161017/86de6a1256add624840514323a30bf33.jpg)

It was great to meet Jéré, Grabushka, MrNumbers and Skane for the first time, as well as Andrew and Sue from Basically Wooden, and to see danisthirty and Decar for the third time this year! After visiting the fair on Saturday, I went to dinner with Dan, Decar, Jéré and Grabushka (and baby Viktor!), and then I went back to Dan and Decar’s hotel where we played Carcassonne: Amazonas (won by me thanks mostly to bad tile shuffling!) and Medici (won by Decar).

All in all, it was a short but very enjoyable trip!
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: danisthirty on October 17, 2016, 01:01:32 PM
Decar and I got back to my house at around 4pm today, and after packing his bags and new purchases into his car Decar then had to drive for another 2 hours to get back to his own house. We're both back safe and sound now though, and tomorrow I'm back at work... :(

I'm pretty exhausted at the moment and need to let things settle before I post about my first experiences of Essen. It was a pleasure to meet so many people from the forums though: kettlefish, MrNumbers, Skane, jungleboy, Jere (and his lovely family), Benny, Big Boss, Ratz65, Maike63 and many others as well as Udo and KJW himself. Getting to spend so much time with you all was certainly a big highlight for me! So I just wanted to say a big thank you all for that, before I go and get some much-needed rest.
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: Decar on October 18, 2016, 10:31:39 AM
Here is my report of Essen Spiel 2016!

It's safe to say, I wasn't expecting an event quite so big.  174000 people visited the Messe Essen over the 4 days!  It's hard to give an appreciation of scale, but I'll attempt to cover the highlights of the weekend.  There are many photos in this report, sorry if it takes some time to load!

Day 0: Wednesday

An early start for me.  I had to drive to Danisthirty's house, which is about 2 hours away:

(http://tehill.net/carcassonne/essen/spiel16/essen0_1.jpg)

I arrived at Dan's in good time, and took a sneaky photo of his boot/trunk.  A present for KJW:
(http://tehill.net/carcassonne/essen/spiel16/essen0_2.jpg)

I won't bore you with the details of the journey.  But a huge thank you to Dan for driving.  Our journey was almost uneventful and we arrived in Essen around 3pm local time.  Just enough time to go for a walk and find the Messe.

(http://tehill.net/carcassonne/essen/spiel16/essen0_3.jpg)(http://tehill.net/carcassonne/essen/spiel16/essen0_4.jpg).

Time for some dinner - we found the following restaurant on our way back to the hotel - we both thought it was very apt:

(http://tehill.net/carcassonne/essen/spiel16/essen0_5.jpg)

Once we got back to the hotel - time for our first game of Carcassonne.  First victory to Dan  :(y) (Victory Count: Dan 1 : Tom 0)

(http://tehill.net/carcassonne/essen/spiel16/essen0_6.jpg)

Day 1 - Thursday

We were lucky enough to meet MrNumbers & Skane in the atrium, with so many people in the hall, it was lucky MrNumbers is so tall!

(http://tehill.net/carcassonne/essen/spiel16/essen1_0.jpg)

First 'famous' person seen:  Nikki from Gamenight - she took a photo of all the people waiting.
The main halls opened a few minutes early.  I'll avoid the long story here, but I have been after a Japanese game, which was available at a booth in Hall 7.  Japanese games are notorious for: not shipping to Europe and going out of stock very quickly.  At 10:02 we were already 15th in line for the Shop.  I picked up Coffee Roaster & a meeple t-shirt.

Hall 7 was also home of the Cundco booth - so we grabbed the watchtower expansion and I picked up the Star Wars Expansion too.  I can't find a photo of the cundco booth, but they had a 'bar service' which was at least 2 rows deep the entire weekend.  Most of the cundco booth was demoing Stone Age Junior, there was a wooly mammoth, for children to sit on.
Next to the cundco booth was the spielezentrum booth, where the Carcassonne Championships would be played on Sunday,  Dan was told we were not allowed to enter, but other people did.  I think this was the HiG tournament.  Here's a photo:

(http://tehill.net/carcassonne/essen/spiel16/essen1_2.jpg)

Time for our first demo - Kumo:
This was a victory for me, although the rules were somewhat unclear.  The game was lavishly produced, but I think it was over-themed,  so decided to pass (Victory Count: Dan 1 : Tom 1)

(http://tehill.net/carcassonne/essen/spiel16/essen1_1.jpg)

We also spoke to Basically Wooden, they seemed to be doing very well and often had people asking them questions.  I picked up a Spiel16 box which is just the right size for transporting a few tiles.

At 1pm -  it was about time to meet all the fans from Carcassonne-Forum who made it to Essen.  It was very nice meeting kettlefish in person.  We also met with Benny, Ratz65, Maike63 and BigBoss.  A very big thank you was needed for BigBoss who kindly brought the following item to Essen to give me, so I could save on some postage money:

(http://tehill.net/carcassonne/essen/spiel16/essen1_4.jpg)

A big thank you to kettlefish too, for organizing everyone so we knew when & where to meet for the very special evening event and also the fan meeting on Friday.

Second Demo - GIPF.  The GIPF project has been on my radar for quite some time now, I like abstract games, so long as it's not clear who'll win.  It turns out I got a rule wrong, but we both really enjoyed it and Dan & I both purchased it later in the convention.  The booth we demoed it at didn't have it for sale and directed us to a shop that didn't sell it  :(y) :(y) (Victory Count: Dan 1 : Tom 2)

(http://tehill.net/carcassonne/essen/spiel16/essen1_3.jpg).

Within Minutes Dan earned another victory:
(http://tehill.net/carcassonne/essen/spiel16/essen1_5.jpg)
(Victory Count: Dan 2 : Tom 2)

The 'Evening of Carcassonne' started at 7pm, so we left the Spiel16 just after 5pm.  We didn't get back to the hotel until 6, and the estimate was another 50minutes.  Not wanting to be late, or risk it raining on Dan's picture, we  justified ordering a taxi from the hotel.

We arrived at the restaurant and were greeted by Udo and his daughter and we signed a guest book.  We chose a table and kettlefish was kind enough to sit with us.  A friend of Moritz Brunnhofer (Sören?) also sat with us.

Udo Schmitz had organized a very special evening for friends and fans of Hans im Gluck.  Before dinner, Klaus-Jürgen Wrede was very modest and wished to play a short piano concert to thank everyone for all of the support Carcassonne had received over the past 16/17 years.  I'm not very musical, but twice during Mr Wrede's performance the hair on the back of my head stood up on end.  The songs chosen were very important to him and that was clear in their wonderful performance.  Also, KJW's English was exceptionally good, I have always wondered.

I spoke to Klaus-Jürgen Wrede on Sunday and he was kind enough to allow for a few minutes of his performance to be shared with everyone, so over the next couple of days, I will clip the music into a slide show.

Klaus-Jürgen Wrede was a very talented, but humble person - he did not want to play all evening because he thought people would be hungry; however I think everyone in the room would have happily listened to another performance.  I believe kettlefish has a full list of the music played, 5 or 6 songs in total.  After the concert, it was time for dinner.

(http://tehill.net/carcassonne/essen/spiel16/essen1_7.jpg)

Kettlefish has already shared the menu of classical German food.  It was all very very very tasty.  So much so I went back for a second helping.  The kartoffelkloesse were most excellent, but the salmon and pork was delicious!

Once dinner had finished, Moritz Brunnhofer gave a short speech and thanks to kettlefish's intervention allowed Dan to present KJW with the gift we all helped to construct.
(http://tehill.net/carcassonne/essen/spiel16/essen1_8.jpg)
Dan will be able to cover this much better in his report, and I did video Dan's hilarious speech, so hopefully I'll be able to share it with you in the next few days.

(http://tehill.net/carcassonne/essen/spiel16/essen1_9.jpg)(http://tehill.net/carcassonne/essen/spiel16/essen1_9.jpg)
(http://tehill.net/carcassonne/essen/spiel16/essen1_11.jpg)
Dan did a brilliant job presenting KJW with his gift and it was gratefully received.

After the formalities we got to play Amazonas - the following games were available:
(http://tehill.net/carcassonne/essen/spiel16/essen1_6.jpg)

Udo explained the rules to us and helped Sören on his first turn and Udo's daughter explained things we were not clear on and kept score.  I lost this game and Dan won, so: (Victory Count: Dan 3 : Tom 2).
(http://tehill.net/carcassonne/essen/spiel16/essen1_12.jpg)
You'll notice we ran out of table, and have to continue a 2nd stream!

We then got to play a trick-taking card game that Sören was developing with Christof Tisch.  Neither Dan or I won any of those games, so the Victory Count remained the same ;)

Udo presented Klaus-Jürgen Wrede and Bernd Brunnhofer were presented with very special editions of Carcassonne that were made using medieval methods from a craftsman in Saxony.

(http://tehill.net/carcassonne/essen/spiel16/essen1_13.jpg)
(http://tehill.net/carcassonne/essen/spiel16/essen1_14.jpg)

Benny then showed us a prototype Magnetic Carcassonne he had been developing - like all good craftsmen he was never happy with the results.  I thought it was brilliant and no respecting Carcassonne Fan would be without one on their fridge:
(http://tehill.net/carcassonne/essen/spiel16/essen1_16.jpg)

If that wasn't enough for one evening, Willie Weber presented the Carcassonne Action-Quiz, a knockout multiple choice contest.  Mr Numbers won by answering some incredibly difficult questions and was presented with a South Seas tile.
(http://tehill.net/carcassonne/essen/spiel16/essen1_15.jpg)

What an amazing event!  This was by far the highlight of the 4-days being able to share time with very kind and hospitable friends, then take part in an event that was like no other.  It truly was was remarkable!  Big thank you to Udo for organizing such a brilliant event.

Dan and I took another taxi back to the hotel.  High on the enthusiasm  of the event, we cracked open Amazonas and played in the hotel lobby.  Plenty of space on the long tables ;)

Dan tried to steal majority of large city, but needed the one and only VVVR tile.  Instead he used his Spiel16 tile, Guess what the next tile he drew was :)
(http://tehill.net/carcassonne/essen/spiel16/essen1_17.jpg)

Another Victory for Dan, 140 plays 146 (Victory Count: Dan 4 : Tom 2)
(http://tehill.net/carcassonne/essen/spiel16/essen1_18.jpg)

Day 2 - Friday:

Dan and I were in the zone on Saturday morning, we knew how to get through the halls and went straight to a game Mr Numbers had recommended - Habitats.  The rules were very clearly explained, and I knew we were onto a winner before we even drew the first tile.  I did lose the game, but that didn't stop me purchasing it!
(http://tehill.net/carcassonne/essen/spiel16/essen2_1.jpg)
(Victory Count: Dan 4 : Tom 2)

During the day, Dan and I were at the cundco booth again, picking up assortments of bits and KJW popped over to say hello to us and thank Dan for his hard work on the picture again!

At 1pm, we met with kettlefish and Udo to play Carcassonne Amazonas in the Atrium.  The hall was very busy, but we managed to find a table.
(http://tehill.net/carcassonne/essen/spiel16/essen2_2.jpg)(http://tehill.net/carcassonne/essen/spiel16/essen2_3.jpg)
(http://tehill.net/carcassonne/essen/spiel16/essen2_4.jpg)(http://tehill.net/carcassonne/essen/spiel16/essen2_5.jpg)
(http://tehill.net/carcassonne/essen/spiel16/essen2_6.jpg)
It was a very close game.  But Mr Numbers won!  Most importantly though, everyone shook hands; even me and I wasn't playing!

(http://tehill.net/carcassonne/essen/spiel16/essen2_7.jpg)(http://tehill.net/carcassonne/essen/spiel16/essen2_8.jpg)
(http://tehill.net/carcassonne/essen/spiel16/essen2_9.jpg)
(http://tehill.net/carcassonne/essen/spiel16/essen2_10.jpg)

Dan also left a small gift for the next person using the table:
(http://tehill.net/carcassonne/essen/spiel16/essen2_11.jpg)

I went and got some more photos of the inside of the Special Edition Carcassonne Box:
(http://tehill.net/carcassonne/essen/spiel16/essen2_12.jpg)(http://tehill.net/carcassonne/essen/spiel16/essen2_13.jpg)

We then got to play GLUX:
(http://tehill.net/carcassonne/essen/spiel16/essen2_14.jpg)
This seemed to be the only photo I took, we were joined by a 3rd player, who shouted 'mit spiele' at Dan until I translated.  The guy explaining the rules wasn't particularly helpful here.  I wasn't too fussed by this game, but the mechanics were simple - Dan won again - I've got some serious work to do: (Victory Count: Dan 5 : Tom 2).

So I took Dan to play Cacao - an easy victory for me that time ;)
(http://tehill.net/carcassonne/essen/spiel16/essen2_15.jpg)
(Victory Count: Dan 5 : Tom 3).

On the way home we visited a place called MEAT and although the service was incredibly slow, I had an amazing burger!
(http://tehill.net/carcassonne/essen/spiel16/essen2_16.jpg)(http://tehill.net/carcassonne/essen/spiel16/essen2_17.jpg)
Look away if you're not a carnivore.

Here's a photo of my Day 2 Haul:
(http://tehill.net/carcassonne/essen/spiel16/essen2_18.jpg)
Dan and I were adamant we'd play a new game this evening, maybe Dice City or Habitats, but we realized we were both tired, so decided to stick with what we knew best and play with watchtowers:

(http://tehill.net/carcassonne/essen/spiel16/essen2_19.jpg)

I won't talk of the score.....(Victory Count: Dan 6 : Tom 3)

Day 3 - Saturday

By far the busiest day at Essen Spiel.  It didn't seem too bad though.
(http://tehill.net/carcassonne/essen/spiel16/essen3_1.jpg)
 
I forgot to mention Kettlefish was kind enough to take Dan and I to Spielmaterials on Friday.  They make all sorts of wonderful wooden game components.

(http://tehill.net/carcassonne/essen/spiel16/essen3_2.jpg)

First thing was to get to Schmidt Spiele's booth and  try Klaus-Jürgen Wrede's new game:  The Builders of the Colosseum.  Dan and I were joined by a very nice gentleman that explained the rules to us (they were in German).  We both really liked the game; I was particularly fond of the simple mechanics but relatively deep strategy and decision making process.
(http://tehill.net/carcassonne/essen/spiel16/essen3_3.jpg)

Dan: 47 points,  Stranger: 45, Tom: 40.
(Victory Count: Dan 7 : Tom 3)

Dan had all the victory points:
(http://tehill.net/carcassonne/essen/spiel16/essen3_4.jpg)

The gentleman we played with recommended another game: which I can't remember the game of: 'Arthruimancy'.
(http://tehill.net/carcassonne/essen/spiel16/essen3_5.jpg)
The game took too long to play and the demoer randomly set the game up as if it was mid-game, so we had no idea of how the game felt.  I think it would turn into a painful resource gathering game, that took ages to do anything.  Neither of us was taken with it.

We both liked GIPF from day 1, so decided to try out Tzaar, Yinsch and pffft:
(http://tehill.net/carcassonne/essen/spiel16/essen3_6.jpg) (http://tehill.net/carcassonne/essen/spiel16/essen3_7.jpg) (http://tehill.net/carcassonne/essen/spiel16/essen3_8.jpg) 
(Victory Count: Dan 8 : Tom 6)

Time for the Carcassonne Central Essen Meetup - Thanks to Jere, Jungleboy, MrNumbers & Skane for attending - look it happened!
(http://tehill.net/carcassonne/essen/spiel16/essen3_9.jpg)

Skane and Jere were set to play their World Cup game, so Dan and I went back to the halls.

I wanted to play Agamemnon, which is a tile/worker placement/area majority sort of game.  I really liked it, so decided to pick it up...(and was very tempted to throw it at the man who was asking inane questions before we could play a game).
(http://tehill.net/carcassonne/essen/spiel16/essen3_10.jpg)
I pulled victory out from under Dan's feet when I suggesting his last moved should be to secure a particular thread; allowing me to neutralize 6 or 7 points and take the game by a point.  I'm glad I did looking at the Victory Count :)
(Victory Count: Dan 8 : Tom 7)

We walked past the Cundco booth to see the German Carcassonne Championship final taking place.  The man with the tile won the game and got to represent Germany on Sunday.
(http://tehill.net/carcassonne/essen/spiel16/essen3_11.jpg)

Last chance to play a game before meeting Jungleboy and Jere and going for dinner.  We played Böhmische Dörfer with a couple.
(http://tehill.net/carcassonne/essen/spiel16/essen3_12.jpg)
Dan and I both lost this game, the winner had more than 20 points advantage.  I lost a lot of points before the glassworks and granary were completed.

Time for the second Carcassonne Central meetup of the day:
(http://tehill.net/carcassonne/essen/spiel16/essen3_13.jpg)

We were then kindly invited to dinner with Jere and his family at 'Vapiano' a very nice restaurant.  I had an epic Calzone - but I can't seem to find the picture now. :(

We headed back to the Hotel with jungleboy and played Amazonas - a solid victory for jungleboy and then played Medici - a victory for me there. (Victory Count: Dan 8 : Tom 8 )
(http://tehill.net/carcassonne/essen/spiel16/essen3_14.jpg)

Day 4 - Sunday

Dan and I started the day with Lembitu, a co-op tower defense game set in Estonia.  The mechanics were simple and we really enjoyed it, so we both grabbed a copy.  At 10:30 the biggest event in the Carcassonne Calendar began and 3 of our forum members were taking part in it, which is incredible!  I'm sure MrNumbers and Jere will give more detailed reports of the games, but I took some photos, which hopefully grab the intense atmosphere in the room!

(http://tehill.net/carcassonne/essen/spiel16/essen4_1.jpg)(http://tehill.net/carcassonne/essen/spiel16/essen4_2.jpg)
(http://tehill.net/carcassonne/essen/spiel16/essen4_3.jpg)(http://tehill.net/carcassonne/essen/spiel16/essen4_4.jpg)

While the first games were underway, Dan and I snuck into the booth and met KJW.
(http://tehill.net/carcassonne/essen/spiel16/essen4_5.jpg)
He signed our copies of Colosseum and was kind enough to sign some tiles for us to share on the forum.  He said we could come back at any time and speak to him and he was happy to sign anything else we could think of.  I'm still amazed at his genuine interest in his fans and he was very kind to let us speak with him.  :(y) :(y)

Some games were displayed on overhead screens:

(http://tehill.net/carcassonne/essen/spiel16/essen4_6.jpg)

(http://tehill.net/carcassonne/essen/spiel16/essen4_7.jpg)(http://tehill.net/carcassonne/essen/spiel16/essen4_8.jpg)(http://tehill.net/carcassonne/essen/spiel16/essen4_10.jpg)

Time for one last rematch:

(http://tehill.net/carcassonne/essen/spiel16/essen4_9.jpg)
(Victory Count: Dan 9 : Tom 8 )

and a game of Carcassonne iOS at the HiG booth:

(http://tehill.net/carcassonne/essen/spiel16/essen4_11.jpg) (http://tehill.net/carcassonne/essen/spiel16/essen4_12.jpg)
(Victory Count: Dan 9 : Tom 9)

I took some videos of the Semi-Finals and Final; hopefully I'll share these in the next couple of days.  I think I've waffled on for more than long enough now.  Here's a single photo of the final:

(http://tehill.net/carcassonne/essen/spiel16/essen4_13.jpg)

Summary

I've only been to the UK Games Expo once before Essen.  Many times I've heard about how amazing it is, but really I think the thing that made is amazing was all the people I got to meet.  The HiG team and Carcassonne-on-tour team were fantastic organizing the special event on Thursday evening.  I very much doubt I'll ever get to do anything quite so incredible.  Meeting KJW in person was an honour and hearing him play the piano was quite wonderful.  We were very lucky to meet Kettlefish in person too, and I'm sure none of the events or organization would have been the same if, she had not been so kind to do it.  It was especially nice to meet Benny too and see his wonderful magnetic creation!

Most of all though, I'm especially grateful to Danisthirty, for being my compadre during this adventure.  Very few people can put up with my wittering on for 5 solid days ( ;though I was asleep most of the way home).  Visiting Essen was a goal I'd have only dreamt of and having a like-minded gamer to share it with made it all the more special.

Having said this though, it looks like it's 9 games all.  I think we'll have to organize a decider in JCZ...but not tonight...I need to sleep...   :gray-meeple:
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: jungleboy on October 18, 2016, 10:49:21 AM
Epic report Decar! I was glad to share some of this experience with you and I was especially happy that Dan rigged the tiles in our Amazonas game so you drew all the rivers.  >:D
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: Rich_The_Fish on October 18, 2016, 12:51:50 PM
Wow, what a detailed report Decar. Thanks for sharing your wonderful trip, it's much appreciated (and I'm obviously rather envious that I didn't go and experience it for myself).

Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: kettlefish on October 18, 2016, 01:29:40 PM
Thanks for the great report Decar.

I have some questions:
Your 3rd day - Saturday - the CarcC meeting - at which time did you meet each other? And did you use the tables in hall 1 - the atrium - I always say a sort of a quite rest room - outside of the halls with all the booths and noise.

You used the outdoor way through the halls.

Did you visit the spielbox booth? And you visit the booth with the ceramic.
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: Decar on October 18, 2016, 01:49:18 PM
I think we met at 2pm on Saturday. Yes we went to the same tables we used on Friday.

The outdoor way kettlefish showed us meant we could travel between halls very quickly. They were less busy. A very useful tip!

We did visit spielbox, I picked up an extra copy of the HiG almanac!

The ceramic booth was very good. I hoped to find a present for my wife there. But they only had boardgame things.  I bought a meeple dish and candle light and a grey magnetic meeple.

I will take a photo of these things and share them here!
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: danisthirty on October 18, 2016, 02:11:10 PM
Thanks for this fantastic write-up Decar. And for that selection of photos too! I appreciate you not mentioning the cyclist who crashed into me on the first day as that would just have been embarrassing. Thanks for not mentioning the games of Go we played too, they were equally bad (for me)...

I intend to do my own write-up at some point but I have no doubt it will be much shorter. Hopefully I can just refer back to yours wherever I get lost or can't remember what happens next.
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: franks on October 18, 2016, 04:01:16 PM
Great photos and report Decar! Merit for your efforts on keeping us informed. Seems like it was a very fun time. I especially liked the account of Klaus-Jürgen Wrede's piano concert and the tide bit on The Builders of the Colosseum, which I hope to see more info on soon.
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: Decar on October 19, 2016, 12:16:53 AM
I appreciate you not mentioning the cyclist who crashed into me on the first day as that would just have been embarrassing. Thanks for not mentioning the games of Go we played too, they were equally bad (for me)...

I had forgotten about The two games of Go we played - but I don't think I could claim 2 teaching games for the win ;)
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: MrNumbers on October 20, 2016, 04:47:40 AM
I will not qualify for the longest report prize (as Decar did - very nice report, merit for that), just some photos of my haul.

Carcassonne things:
(http://www.carcassonne.lv/wp-content/uploads/P1260588.jpg)

Other games and promos:
(http://www.carcassonne.lv/wp-content/uploads/P1260596.jpg)

Plus I forgot to include in photo a game that my son requested:
(http://www.cliquenabend.de/images/db/37454.jpg)

So, tile laying and route/network building games rulez! O0

I am at Spiel fair for the 4th time already. But this visit was very special one, and many things made it special:
- meeting in person my online friends from CarcC;
- visiting special Carcassonne 15-anniversary event (and winning Carcassonne-Quiz);
- games were bought (and money spent) more than ever;
- participation in World Championship (and taking 6th place).

I can't imagine how next visits can be better than this, but I am sure they will!
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: Jéré on October 20, 2016, 05:00:17 AM
Merit for the report Decar. Wow!

It was great to meet you all in Essen!
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: dirk2112 on October 20, 2016, 06:13:07 AM
Great report Decar.  I have never done an awesome road trip through Europe, but your pilgrimage to Essen sounds like a blast.  I will have to read some more reviews of the Amazonas game.  It looks like a big enough departure from the original to perhaps warrant a purchase. 

Merit for the great read.
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: Decar on October 20, 2016, 06:21:27 AM
MrNumbers's haul looks significantly smaller than mine, he's shown much constraint :)

Thanks for the merits everyone.  It really was fantastic meeting everyone, I hope it won't be too long until the next one :)

Amazonas is a little longer to play than regular Carcassonne,  I the scoring is quite unusual, and there are few opportunities to steal-onto people's villages.  That can make it cut-throat.  It played well at 2,3 and 5 players.  I've yet to play with 4.
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: Decar on October 21, 2016, 05:21:56 AM
Here are the lovely ceramics I got in Essen. Thanks to kettlefish for drawing them to my attention!

(http://tehill.net/carcassonne/essen/spiel16/20161021_131109-1024x576.jpg)

Dan's reminded me that: 

We played two games of Carcassonne on our first evening. The second with river and abbey:

Victory Count: Dan: 9, Decar: 10

We both won lembitu:

Victory Count: Dan: 10, Decar: 11

Dan won Cacao:

Victory Count: Dan: 11, Decar: 10    >:(

Looks like we won't need JCZ after all.


I'd intended on taking a photo of my haul...it's too big...
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: jungleboy on October 21, 2016, 05:23:40 AM
You might want to double check your maths...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: Decar on October 21, 2016, 06:18:25 AM
Victory Count: Dan: 9, Decar 9

Quote from: Decar
We played two games of Carcassonne on our first evening. The second with river and abbey:

Victory Count: Dan: 9, Decar: 10
I won so +1 Decar

Quote from: Decar
We both won lembitu:

Victory Count: Dan: 10, Decar: 11
+1 Dan, +1 Decar

Quote from: Decar
Dan won Cacao:

Victory Count: Dan: 11, Decar: 10    >:(
Dan: +1 , Decar: -1
I originally recorded it as a win.
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: jungleboy on October 21, 2016, 06:45:26 AM
OK, got it.
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: danisthirty on October 21, 2016, 07:48:53 AM
 O0
Title: Re: Spiel 2016 - in Essen, Germany - 13.-16.10.2016
Post by: Decar on October 21, 2016, 10:51:18 AM
I like the way you count jungleboy!

You can do my TAX return  :D