Frequently topping the lists of top-selling and most popular board games, Settlers of Catan is a favorite among many tabletop gamers and serves as great introduction into the world of more complex Eurogames (games with more abstract components and that tend to focus on strategy rather than luck). Part of this appeal comes from the fact that players are constantly involved in Catan, even when it isn't their turn, making trades or obtaining resources at any given moment. Still, when playing against seasoned veterans already well versed in the various tactics of trading and building settlements, it can be a bit of a one-sided match for newcomers. So here are a few tips and tricks to give any player, newcomer or experienced player alike, a more competitive and equal edge:
(NOTE: These tips apply to the standard, base version of Catan. For a brief overview of Catan and the general mechanics of the game, see the previous Tabletop Tuesday post on such here)
Count the Dots
Each tile in Catan produces resources whenever the number on that tile is rolled (with the exception of 7 which moves the robber). As probability would have it, this means certain tiles will be more fruitful than others, as "snake-eyes" and 12's are incredibly rare rolls. If you look closely at each number placed on each tile, you'll notice that they all have dots listed just below the number. The dots help dictate the likelihood of that number being rolled: More dots means more likely. So when trying to compare intersections of varying resources and numbers, use the dots as a means to help determine the productivity value of that intersection.
Befriend Bricks
While each resource to be found in Catan is important in different ways, brick and wood are especially important resources for those looking to gain early development. Both are resources used for constructing roads and settlements, which means you'll need these resources twice or even thrice as often early on. What makes bricks the more coveted resource is that there are only three brick tiles on the map compared to the four wood tiles. Factor in the possibility that some of these tiles may get poorly valued numbers, and the fight is on for claiming those bricks. And when the dust settles, whoever starts earning those bricks will be a favored prospect of trades, essentially making up for any resources you may be lacking otherwise.
Expand Early
While cities can certainly have their benefits for increased value on already good tiles, it's often best to consider expanding and building more settlements first. That's because space is limited (especially if you're playing with more players). As there can be no adjacent settlements and other players' roads may block your desired path, players will quickly compete to beeline and claim nearby territory. If you don't make this a prerogative, you may end up with the scraps in terms of value, or even worse, no means to expand at all, which would cost many valuable potential victory points and resources.
Pro Tip: Because there can be no adjacent settlements, the max number of settlements per tile is 3 settlements. However, if 2 settlements are placed at opposite ends of a tile, this essentially blocks a third settlement from being placed on that tile. This is a potential tactic for blocking opponents looking to join a tile, but beware the diplomatic ramifications with that player should you employ such an underhanded move.
Don't Tempt the Thief
Whenever a 7 is rolled, that player gets to move the robber onto another tile and steal a resource from any one player with a settlement touching that tile. While the steal is a valuable gain for the player using the robber, the more valuable gain perhaps is that the tile the robber ends up on blocks that tile from producing resources again until otherwise moved. If you should be leading the game in victory points, there is a good chance you'll be the target of this thief. As such, make sure to spread out your settlements in a way so that you won't be crippled if the robber blocks one of your tiles. Stacking all of your settlements around one tile is just asking for trouble. And if you should be trailing the leader in the game, consider carefully when / where to move the robber. Depending on the group of friends you're playing with, your actions can affect the swing / favor of diplomatic trades and actions to come, for better or worse.
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| Two cities on one hex - Please, do come in robber. |
Keep Track of Resources
This may be difficult to keep track of, especially if there are many players, but keeping a tab on other player's resources can be of considerable value. If you should know what resources players have obtained and what they are looking to gather, you'll then have a good idea what it is they are striving to build / accomplish. With this knowledge in hand, you can then try to slow their progress as able by means of selective trading or outracing them to their goal. This can also be very helpful should you get the Monopoly development card, allowing you to take all of one type of resource from every player.
Beware Hoarding
A simple, but important reminder: Don't hoard your resources. Whenever a 7 is rolled, should you have more than 7 cards, you end up having to discard half your cards (rounded down). Likewise, the more cards you have, the more tempting it will be for other players to use the robber and steal from you.
Hold Onto Development Cards
When you build a development card, you are required to wait a turn before such can be played, but you aren't required to play the card on the very next turn. In fact, it may behoove you to hold onto these cards until the ideal opportunity presents itself for it to be played. Wait to play Knights until the robber is blocking one of your tiles should you be a likely target for the robber. Trade all of your coveted resource with other players, then take it all back with Monopoly. There are many ways in which a little patience can deliver a bigger and better payoff. Just remember that you can only play one development card per turn.
Develop an End Game Plan
As the game unfolds and the settlements expand and grow, the avenues for earning victory points will begin to narrow down. If players only built all their settlements and cities alone (a challenging feat to accomplish), this still would only earn the players 9 victory points, one point shy of victory. As such, players must either earn the Longest Road (2VP), Largest Army (2VP), or obtain a development card worth one victory point. As Longest Road and Largest Army require very different resources, it's rare that a player should be able to earn both. As such, it is often better to instead focus your efforts on one or the other, depending on what your resource production ends up favoring. Don't wait too late in the game to understand what your end game plan is to be.
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Hopefully these tips and tricks will aid you in your quest for settling the greatest of colonies. And if you have any additional tips or clever tactics to share, be sure to post in the comments below! Thanks. And happy dice rolling!
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