The Settlers of Catan
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One of the most successful games of all time, Settlers of Catan is a trading and building game set in the mythical world of Catan. Players roll dice to determine which resources are generated each round and then must strategically trade those resources with other players to get what they need to build their settlements, cities, and roads. With multiple ways to gain victory points and a board that changes in every play, Settlers of Catan is a game that can be played hundreds of different ways. The base of a hugely successful franchise, with multiple engaging expansions, Settlers is the core game of many collections, and is a wonderful way to spend time with family and friends. For 3 to 4 players. Readmore
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By James C. Stoltz
Settlers of Catan is a highly addictive game. The robber usually prevents any one player from getting too far ahead, so no one usually loses by that much. This produces an “I almost had it!” feeling in the losers that make them instantly want to try again until they win.
For winners it is no less addictive, since the rush of winning is similar to scratching off a winning lottery ticket. There’s also a feeling of “Well I won, but was it luck or skill?” which makes them want to play again to prove to themselves that it wasn’t luck. Of course this is impossible really. There is no skill involved in Settler’s aside from an elementary understanding of probability and the realization that the city/dev card strategy is best (one notorious strategy guide online will say differently, but as a veteran of hundreds of games I know.)
One of the negative things about the game, and why I wouldn’t recommend it for kids, is that since people are competing with each other so directly through blocking with roads and the robber, and since getting blocked or robbed has such an impact, it can make people very angry and irritable with each other. I’m an emotionally mature grown man, and there have been games of Settlers that have frustrated me so much that I’ve went into a rage and broke things. It’s also not very educational. There’s nothing to be learned from this game except a simple math lesson on probability which you could teach to the average kid in ten minutes.
If you would like to play Settlers of Catan for free online against human opponents from all over the world, I’ve found that the best sites are […] and w[…]. The former site is down as of this writing but should be up again soon, the later is in Dutch, but simply click on “Aanmelden” and enter your username and email to register, select “default official island” for the original game board.
Overall Settlers is a rather mindless, sometimes frustrating, but fun and addictive game. Perhaps not the greatest choice if you want something substantial or that will require a lot of intellect, but it’s a classic, very well designed game for the masses that belongs in any board game enthusiasts collection.
By Robin C. Campbell
Great game, helps develop reasoning and sharing skills but is directed at an older audience. I enjoy it because it is different than traditional board games!
By A. T. Reynolds (NY)
Settlers of Catan is that critically acclaimed board game, and for a reason. Game play is intricate enough for adults, but simple enough that children can play and have a good time.
A short description: Settles of Catan centers around four “countries” attempting to settle the mythical island of Catan. Players build settlements and cities through the island, vieing for resources to build their civilization. To get these resources, players take turns rolling dice. If the number on the dice corresponds to location on the board you have a settlement built next to you claim one of that resource. Trading and long term strategy is critical to win in settlers, but there is a large dose of luck in getting good dice rolls as well.
The game is won when a player has achieved 10 “victory points.” Something determined by number of cities/settlements, as well as a few other special conditions.
This is a fun game for all, and requires a fair bit of strategic thinking, but it isn’t as intense mentally as a game such as chess. For true strategy fans I’d say this game might be simplistic. In fact, I am really not a fan of the dice rolling mechanic used to distribute resources, because it you can lose completely to unlucky dice rolls early in the game (the most critical stage).
If you don’t take it too seriously, and just want some fun, this game is great.
By Some Dude (florida)
Sort of like a continuingly varient, shorter duration Monop-like game without the fuss of money.
By Audra Jackson (Rexburg, ID USA)
There are a lot of pieces which will likely get lost when I have kids. I love this game though.
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