I just purchased my first copy of CC:E from ThoughtHammer.com. It is version 2008. I won't be home to play it for another 2 months (I'm in China at the moment) but before I get home, I was wondering if I should order extra containers or deck protectors. I know the 2008 version has a coutner tray, but do I need more? Also, If I want to buy deck protectors, how many will I need and does anyone have any recomendations? Currently looking at ThoughtHammer's GMT counter tray http://www.thoughthammer.com/gmt-counter-tray-single-p-1858.... and haven't looked for deck protectors. Thanks in advance.

I recommend having two counter trays, one to hold the US and Russia the other to hold Germany and the informational counters. For deck protectors, each deck is 72 cards and then you will have 4 additional doublesided info cards.

I matched the color of the protector to the color of the card, but that may be a bit more expensive. I'd recommend Ultra Pro or the Japanese brand (don't know the name) that is seems to be about as popular. The Japanese brand has completely blank fronts while Ultra Pro has a small logo on the lower right that is kind of annoying, but doesn't affect readability.

Two trays will be sufficient for CC:E if you combine some of the units. Four trays are absolutely perfect for CC:E and CC:M combined. GMT trays are the best.

I use Ultra-Pro Deck Protectors. They have clear front and back. They come in deck boxes with 100 sleeves. I bought 6 boxes and each one holds a fate deck. Not only that, but the boxes have a tiny window near the top that allows you to easily read the faction name (from the card list cards). The sleeves are the perfect size and not one sliver of the cards poke out of the top like with some other brands.

The deck boxes fit perfectly into the CC:M box while the four counter trays, maps, etc fit into the CC:E box.

Game stores that sell collectible card games ALWAYS have racks of the Ultra Pro sleeves. For CC, you want the same size as Magic: The Gathering - in case that helps.

You can also check them out at www.ultrapro.com to see what they have available. They not only sell sleeves - they also have a large variety of deck boxes with some slick artwork.

I'm super geeky, so I color-code my decks for every nationality. The sleeves I buy come in packs of 50, so 2 packs leave extras for the eventual replacement for damaged sleeves. Ultra Pros are pretty tough, but my decks see a lot of travel and a lot of play time.

Once you sleeve, you will need to learn how to shuffle differently, too.

Ok, so here is what I'm thinking of purchasing I purchased:

2 GMT Counter Tray's ($1.80 ea.)
http://www.thoughthammer.com/gmt-counter-tray-single-p-1858....

3 Ultra Pro Gaming Deck Boxes ($1.99 ea.)
Red:
http://www.gamesandcards.com/Ultra-Pro-Deck-Box-Red-p/4662.h...

Black:
http://www.gamesandcards.com/Ultra-Pro-Deck-Box-Black-p/4531...

Green:
http://www.gamesandcards.com/Ultra-Pro-Deck-Box-Green-p/4603...

3 - 100 pack Ultra Pro Deck Protector Colored Sleeves ($4.99 ea.)

Red:
http://www.gamesandcards.com/Ultra-Pro-Deck-Protector-sleeve...

Black:
http://www.gamesandcards.com/Ultra-Pro-Deck-Protector-sleeve...

Green:
http://www.gamesandcards.com/Ultra-Pro-Deck-Protector-sleeve...

$24.54 before shipping.

$41.56 after shipping. I've spent so much money on this game...

(Edit: Updated shopping list and added prices)
(Edit: One of the links died and I decided to move from clear sleeves to colored ones.)

Note those are the "penny" sleeves. Very flimsy thin sleeves that provide the minimum of protection and make shuffling the cards in any traditional method impossible. They are not the same as the deck protectors which are included with the deck boxes.

These are the exact kind I have, although they are not in stock here:
http://www.amazon.com/Ultra-Clear-Deck-Protectors-Pack/dp/B0...

Don't forget that you have THREE decks and a few miscellaneous reference cards. You will need 216 sleeves to cover the three Fate decks - I would recommend sleeving the reference cards and especially the Initiative card, as well. Other than that, you sound good to go!

Ah, ok! Thanks for the heads up! I found a site that has the ones that I think you're referring to and updated my shopping list. Does it look good now? I figure I will buy 2 100 packs should be safe after that. Are the sleeves I found the same ones that come with the boxes I bought? If not, I may need to buy 1 more 100 pack...

I've generally found my best deals on deck protectors on eBay. I recommend one counter tray per nationality and one "neutral" tray to hold all the informational markers that hit the table during the game. This speeds things up when units hit the table mid-scenario.

I've also replaced all the markers on the track display with pieces from Axis & Allies, chessmen, and couple of metal skull markers to show the surrender number. I use wooden Hnefatafl pieces for the time track.

Yes, the sleeves they include with the deck boxes are the same deck protectors.