Havannah
2 players • 30 min • ages 10+ • 1980
- First published
- 1980
- Players
- 2 players
- Playing time
- 30 min
- Age
- 10+
How it plays
Havannah plays 2 players, takes about 30 minutes to play, and is recommended for ages 10 and up.
Where to find one
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Where it came from
Havannah was designed by the Dutch mathematician and game theorist Christian Freeling in 1980. It emerged as part of a broader exploration into connection-based strategy games, developed within the context of the abstract games community which sought to create titles with simple, intuitive rules that nonetheless supported deep, complex emergent gameplay. The game is played on a hexagonal grid, and its core objective—forming one of three specific types of connections—distinguishes it from the more common two-connection structures found in similar games like Hex.
The design of Havannah is noted for its high degree of symmetry and mathematical elegance. Freeling intended to create a game that felt distinct from traditional board games, focusing on tactical spatial relationships rather than resource management or luck. Upon its release, it was well-received by enthusiasts of abstract strategy for its clarity and the intense pressure players face during the mid-game, eventually leading to its inclusion in various digital platforms and the World Mind Sports Games.
Generated by Pi, the collecto.rs collecting companion
Who's collecting this
Real games collectors on collecto.rs who have this in their public collection.
About Havannah
Havannah is a game in the Board Games catalog on collecto.rs. 2 players • 30 min • ages 10+ • 1980. Catalog data is sourced from Wikidata. No public games collectors track this one yet — adding yours would make you the first on collecto.rs.
How do you play Havannah?
Havannah is a board game for 2 players, running about 30 minutes. collecto.rs catalogues the game, not its rules — for the full rulebook, use the copy in the box or the publisher's own site.
How many players is Havannah for?
Havannah is built for 2 players. That count comes from this catalog entry alone — nothing from an expansion or a spin-off is folded into it.
How long does Havannah take to play?
A game of Havannah is listed at about 30 minutes. Real sessions run shorter or longer depending on player count and how well the table already knows the game.
What age is Havannah for?
Havannah lists a minimum age of 10. That's a recommended starting age rather than a hard rule.
How many collectors track Havannah on collecto.rs?
Havannah doesn't have any public collectors on collecto.rs yet. Sign up to add it and become the first.
Can I track my own copy of Havannah?
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Where does the Havannah catalog entry come from?
The catalog entry for Havannah is sourced from Wikidata. Catalog-level facts stay consistent across every collector; your own data (condition, edition, acquisition notes) is yours.
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