Though not as well-known as other board games such as Risk or Monopoly, the German import Settlers of Catan is beloved by those who do know it. Given its combination of chance and strategy, the fact that no one truly “loses,” and that it configures differently each time it’s played, it is little wonder why Settlers remains popular among its fans. For those who are looking for a cool “new” game to get involved with, this one is perfect for anyone who enjoys stratagem and the nostalgia of board games.
Designed by Klaus Teuber, the original German game was published in 1995 under the name Die Siedler von Catan. It was an instant success, winning that year’s prestigious Spiel des Jahres (Game of the Year) award. The following year, it made its way to the United States and was promptly dubbed the U.S. Game of the Year. Since then, Settlers has been translated into more than 25 different languages, spanning the globe and gaining new fans each day.
So, how do you play? The object of the game is to build up the newly-discovered island of Catan. To start, the board (or island) must be created. To do so, shuffle the land and sea tiles (hexes) and then arrange them randomly, with the sea tiles surrounding the land mass. Next, take the numbered tokens (2-12) and place them on the land tiles, with the exception of the desert hex.
Note: the closer a number is to “7,” the more likely it will be rewarded resources when the dice are rolled.
Next, the players (3-4 is best) establish two settlements each. The game then begins. As said, the object is to build up Catan. From the initial two settlements, players collect resources to create cities, roads, soldiers, and more settlements. Each time you “build” something, you gain points. For instance, a new settlement is worth one point; a new city, two. The first player to reach 10 victory points is declared the winner.
As for how resources are distributed, this involves the dice. Ea2ch turn, a pair of dice is thrown to determine a number. Whatever total is generated, that correlates to where on the board the resources go (based on the token). Thus, though it is “your” turn, it really is everyone’s. On each roll of the dice, all players are involved. The dice are the one random element that cannot be controlled.
Note: if a “7” is thrown, then the “robber” token is moved and resources can be denied on that turn and for players with too many stored resources, half will be taken away.
Strategy is key to Settlers as you want to try and develop your part of the island, while possibly denying other players from essential resources. A strategic road built to block access for example, is one way to gain an advantage on fellow players. Trading is also a big part in balancing power and can be done among players or “off the island.” Trading is also the main means by which players interact with one another and seems to truly mirror the cooperative spirit needed for success.
Suitable for ages 10 years and up, Settlers of Catan is a wonderful family game and given that it’s a new island each time, familiar replays are few and far between. Also, with every player having an equal opportunity to “win,” it keeps play interesting throughout the game’s length. What’s more, there’s no combat element. Settlers of Catan is a civil game, one that relies on strategy, cooperation, and compromise.
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