Game Profile: Catan

Classification Family
Strategy Game

Mechanics Route/Network Building, Modular Board, Trading

Publication Mayfair Games -1995, Catan Studios – 2016

Ages 10+

Time 90

Players 3-4

Description

Catan (aka Settlers of Catan) is now considered a classic.  Each player begins with 2 settlements and a road leading away from each of these settlements.  Settlements are placed at connections between hex tiles representing 1 of 5 resources.  Each turn dice are rolled and resources are earned by hexes with the corresponding number.  Use the resources to buy roads, settlements, cities, and development cards.  Trading is a big part of the game.  The active player can offer trades to other players and can make trades with the bank.  Occupying a port can make those trades with the bank even more enticing.


In Catan, the lucky #7 is not so lucky.  Roll a seven and anyone holding more than 7 cards must give half back to the bank.  The player who rolled the seven then places a Robber on a hex of their choice and takes a resource card from the player whose settlement or city is on that hex.  The Robber remains on the hex stopping the production of its resource until another 7 is rolled and it is moved.


Points are gained throughout the game and in a variety of ways.  Settlements placed are worth 1 point each and placed cities are worth 2 points each.  Having the largest army is worth 2 more points.  Constructing the longest road will give you 2 additional points.  The 1st player to reach 10 points wins the game and is The Ruler of Catan.

We have an open copy of Catan and Catan: Explorers & Pirate Expansion available in our Store Demo Library for you come in and try out.

Add Ons (not included but available):

 5-6 Player Extension
There are slight rule modifications that allow for the 5-6 player game to not get bogged down.

Catan: Seafarers Expansion  (1997)
Adds “gold” tiles, addition water, a pirate, and ships.