Catan: A Guide to Strategy

Catan (formerly called Settlers of Catan), the most popular and iconic of the Eurogames that have swept the world since the 1990s, has sold more than 35 million copies in 40 different languages. For the first time ever, Catan's mechanics and strategies are detailed in basic language and straightforward illustrations, for everyone from first-time gamers to tournament players.

Section I introduces the rules to the game, including those that are commonly disputed among players. Section II covers the mechanics of the game and discusses concepts like the Gaussian curve, production, power hexes vs. power intersections, inherent value vs. trade value, actual cost vs. opportunity cost, and total production value (TPV). Section III, the largest, is dedicated to advanced considerations to improve players' games. These include tactics and strategy; the three pillars of Catan (points, potential and power); assessing one's position during gameplay; hoarding; burst-building; roads, including, blockades, cutoffs, wasted roads, Y-junctions, circular roads and the race for the longest road; settlements, cities, and their placement; harbors and trading, with helpful tips about player-to-player and maritime trades and a ranking of the 2:1 harbors; development cards and how best to use them; early game strategy; and middle- and endgame theory. Section IV offers helpful, commonsense tips for players, including how to remain calm, talk at the table, and to play hardcore Catan. Section V discusses expansions, scenarios and alternate rules; supercards; and the fatal flaw of 2-player Catan.