The Settlers of Catan – A Contemporary Strategy Game

An oldie but goodie, in 2010, MayFair games released their fourth edition of the Settlers game series called The Settlers of Catan. Time and time again, these games are ranked amongst the top selling board games in the country.

A strategy board game, players must build roads, settlements and cities by collecting resources such as ore, wool, lumber, brick and grain. By building settlements and cities, players are awarded points.

Included in the board game are nineteen types of terrains, called terrain hexes, from which players can attain resources to build settlements and cities. Every terrain holds different resources.  Roll the dice and determine a particular terrain.  Should a player own a settlement on that terrain, resources can be extracted from that area.

A variable game board allows for an unlimited number of combinations to keep every game unique and fun.  The Settlers of Catan is ideal for three or four players ages ten and above.  More players can be accommodated with the purchase of extensions.

Typically, games can last anywhere from 45 to 90 minutes, but players have said that the game is so enjoyable, that they do not even realize how much time has passed.  Some people have said that the game is like a combination of Risk and Monopoly, but faster to play and more variety on the board.  Although easy to learn, the game has been touted as a board game that is difficult to master.

A four page rule book is included with The Settlers of Catan board game.  The booklet is easy to follow with many illustrations and map layouts intended for beginners.  Advanced layout instructions are also included for game veterans.