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Setting Up Settlers of Catan
When it comes to setting up Settlers of Catan, there are a few important factors to consider. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, these tips can help you plan for a successful game.
Understanding the Production Value
Before you start placing settlements, it’s important to understand how much each intersection will produce. To give you a better idea, let’s talk about the distribution of numbers when rolling two six-sided dice. Take a look at the table below:
| Chance number comes up out of 36: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
As you can see, some numbers have a higher chance of being rolled than others. Understanding this distribution can help you strategically place your settlements.
If you have a settlement on a 3/5/10 intersection, there’s a chance it will produce something that turn. The probability is 2/36 for a three, 4/36 for a five, and 3/36 for a ten. That’s a total of 9 out of 36.
The ranking for this intersection is 9. Every intersection can be ranked based on the production value, ranging from zero (an edge of a desert on the water) to 15 (an intersection of three hexes with an 8 or 6).
It’s worth noting that an intersection ranked 14 or 15 shouldn’t happen in the basic game, as an 8 or 6 hex shouldn’t be next to each other. So, the effective range is zero to 13. The intersection with the highest rank will give you more resources.
Hey there! Let me break down how you can rank an intersection in the game of Mayfair. On the newer versions of the game, the number tiles have little circles on them, which represent the odds of that number being rolled. Count the circles on each tile and add them up to determine the rank. Simple, right?
If you don’t have the latest Mayfair edition, don’t worry! I’ve got you covered. Here’s an easy way to remember how to rank an intersection. Look at the number tiles surrounding the intersection and find the difference between each number and seven. Add up all the differences and subtract the total from 18. That’ll give you the rank.
In my opinion, the most important thing to consider in the initial setup is the rank of the intersections where you place your first settlements. All the other factors should only be considered after you’ve figured out how much they will decrease your overall production value and if it’s worth it.
So, what’s your strategy going to be?
So here’s the deal: having awesome production value is great and all, but it’s not gonna do much for you if you don’t have the right resources to back it up.
Let’s talk about hexes
Don’t just automatically place on a six or an eight hex because it has the highest production value, or because those chits are marked in red. Just because that particular hex has a good production value doesn’t mean the overall intersection does too.
Take a look at the rankings for all the good intersections. If two intersections both have the same ranking (for example, a 6/10/4 intersection and a 5/9/4 intersection, both ranked at 11), think about choosing the one without the six or eight.
Why? Sixes and eights can cause problems. First, the robber loves hanging out on those hexes. No surprise there. Second, when lots of people are building near sixes and eights, it gets crowded and harder to expand your territory.
When it comes to playing Catan, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, the placement of your settlements is crucial. You want to position them strategically around the board to maximize your chances of success.
One important factor to consider is the numbers on the hexes. The numbers six and eight are highly valuable because they have the highest probability of being rolled. This means that if you have a settlement on a hex with a six or eight, you have a greater chance of collecting resources when those numbers are rolled.
On the other hand, if your settlement is on a hex with a low-producing number, such as a two or a twelve, you won’t collect resources very often. These numbers are less likely to be rolled, so it’s not the best idea to rely on them for your resources.
Another factor to keep in mind is the placement of the robber. When the robber is placed on a hex, it blocks the production of resources for any settlements on that hex. Therefore, it’s important to avoid placing your settlement on a hex that is likely to be targeted by the robber.
Lastly, settlements with one good number and two bad numbers are not ideal. When the robber is placed on the good number, that settlement will become useless because it won’t produce any resources. So, it’s best to avoid these types of settlements.
Overall, when placing your settlements in Catan, it’s important to consider the numbers on the board, the probability of those numbers being rolled, and the potential placement of the robber. By keeping these factors in mind, you can increase your chances of success and come out on top in the game.
When it comes to choosing where to put a second settlement on a hex, it’s a big decision. If there’s already one settlement on the hex, you have a choice to make: should you build at the opposite corner and block off the hex from any future settlement, or should you build two spaces away from the first settlement and leave a third location open on that hex?
What you decide plays a major role in whether or not the robber pays you a visit.
Blocking off a hex can be advantageous if you can control who has access to that resource. This can give you a significant edge if the resource is rare or if everyone needs it for their strategy.
However, there are disadvantages to blocking off a hex. You limit your own potential for expansion, which is a big drawback. But even more importantly, by creating a monopoly, you become a target for the robber (see the issues with this in the Overall Strategies section above).
When you’re playing the game and you want to block off a hex, you need to be careful. The robber tends to show up more in the hexes that you control, so it’s best to only block off a hex when another player already has a settlement on it.
Another thing to consider is not placing both of your settlements around the same spot that produces goods. Not only will this limit your expansion options, but it also makes that spot a prime target for the robber.
An alternative approach is to place your second settlement two vertices away from the first one. This way, you leave a third location open for another settlement on that hex. Which approach you choose depends on your strategy.
For instance, let’s say you’re focusing on collecting Ore and Grain. If your neighbor is a Wood and Clay player who can quickly build a settlement, it might be better to let them get that third spot on the hex and block it off.
But hey, here’s the deal: if you don’t want to risk losing out on that third spot, you might as well claim it for yourself. Trust me, you won’t be too keen on having three of your cozy settlements crowded together on a single hex. It’s practically an open invitation for that pesky robber to come knocking at your door.
Now, let’s talk about a hex that already has two players vying for its lucrative real estate. If there’s still an opening for a third player, you better take it seriously. The robber won’t stand a chance against three determined players who want nothing more than to boot him off that hex. And let’s face it, not many players will risk placing the robber there in the first place.
The Other Players
If you’re the first to place your settlement on the lucrative eight Ore hex, don’t count on the six Wheat hex being available for your second settlement.
When you go first, your strategy may need to be more adaptable since everyone else will be placing their settlements before you. In this case, you might not be able to determine your strategy until you actually place your second settlement.
Similar to the stock market, there are significant advantages to being a contrarian. Personally, I enjoy being in a game where everyone else is focused on an ore-grain or card builder strategy:
- I have the advantage of choosing the best wood and brick hexes at the start for my wood/brick strategy.
- I can outpace them by quickly building roads and securing prime production spots.
- I have one simple job: get the longest road. No one else stands a chance.
But there’s more to it than just me. Other players play a part in determining how far I can expand. I need to make sure I don’t get cut off from future ports or resources that I might need. This is especially important on crowded boards.
I have to be cautious when placing my settlements next to other players or groups of players. The Wood-Brick players, in particular, could expand and block my way. However, if I’m a Wood-Brick player myself, it might not be a bad idea to place my settlements next to the Ore-Grain players.
I shouldn’t give up on higher-value spots just because someone else is already there. In fact, it can be beneficial to be on the same hex as someone else, especially if it’s a higher-value hex. It will be much harder for the robber to stay on those hexes.
When it comes to placing your initial settlements in a game, it’s important to remember that your main goal is to win, not to make other players lose. Some people may suggest placing your first settlement to optimize your production, and your second settlement to hurt other players by taking a port they need or disrupting their plans.
However, sacrificing your own production just to harm someone else is not a winning strategy. Sure, you may cause some damage to the person you target, but in the process, you’ll end up hurting your own chances of winning and potentially allowing a third player to take the lead.
If you can find a way to strategically place your settlements and also disrupt another player’s plans, then that’s great and you should go for it. But always prioritize your own success and focus on maximizing your own production. Remember, it’s not about making others lose, it’s about securing your own victory.
Friends, let me share a little secret with you. Instead of trying to beat the first player in a race, a much smarter move is to convince someone else to trip them up. Now, this is not to say that you shouldn’t also compete against other players, but it’s like starting a race with a broken leg – not exactly ideal (note to self: maybe I should stop with the metaphors).
How the Numbers are Spread Out
When it comes to settling in Catan, the numbers on the hexes play a crucial role. But have you ever wondered how the distribution of resources can affect your gameplay?
Let’s consider two hexes, each with a five, versus two hexes with a four and a six. On average, they will produce the same number of resources. However, the distribution will be different.
If you choose settlements on a smaller selection of numbers, you’ll find that resources are clumped together. This can be advantageous because you’ll have a lot of resources in one place. On the other hand, settling on a larger selection of numbers means your resources will be more spread out. This can have its own advantages and disadvantages.
It’s worth noting that when you have the same number on two resources that are commonly used together, like wood and clay, it can be very useful. You can immediately use these resources without relying as much on port trading.
I’ve noticed something interesting about having multiple production centers in the game. Sometimes, it can be a real advantage because you’ll end up with a lot of resources on some turns. But the downside is that there’s also a higher chance of getting stuck with more than seven cards when a seven is rolled. If you’re playing with five or six players and using that rule, you might even end up with over ten cards!
I have another tip for you. When you’re placing your settlements and cities, try to match them up with the numbers on the board so that your production aligns with your ports. Let me explain. If you have a 2:1 port, it’s a good idea to have two settlements or two cities on a hex that produces that resource. This way, you’ll be able to trade more easily.
Now, here’s something you might not have thought about. If you have a 2:1 port for a resource, you don’t necessarily need to have a settlement and a city on the same hex. Why? Well, because by just having a settlement or a city, you’ll already be producing three of that resource. Of course, if you actually need that resource for something, then it’s a different story.
Let’s Talk About Roads
So, here’s the deal: when you’re deciding where to build in the game, don’t make the same mistake I did. I used to put my roads near the high-value hexes, thinking I’d have first dibs on them. Boy, was I wrong! They always got snatched up before I even had a chance.
But here’s a little tip for you. If you want to play it safe, build your roads towards the sea and the ports. Not many people start there, so you’ll have a better shot at claiming some prime real estate. Plus, you’ll need a port anyway, and you might even stumble upon a few settlements along the way.
If you’re considering the risky move of constructing your settlements inland, there are a few things you should consider. First, take the time to assess the remaining available spots for settlements and try to envision where your opponents might place theirs. This way, you can strategically plan your own placements. Don’t feel rushed during the initial setup phase; there’s no time limit. However, keep in mind that if you’re the first player, building outward may be your only option due to limited placement options.
If you’d rather avoid the hassle of analyzing the board and having others impatiently urge you to make a move, then building outwards is a safer choice. This may not be possible for you if you’re going first.
It’s worth noting that players with Wood-Brick resources will be able to construct their settlements at a faster pace. Additionally, consider your road-building abilities, as well as those of your neighboring players. If you happen to be a Wood-Brick player in a prime position to build inwardly (you have plenty of wood and brick resources and your turn placement is advantageous), capitalize on your strengths.
Establishing Connections Between Settlements
If you want to build the longest road in the game, you’ll eventually need to connect your starting settlements. However, if you’re not aiming for that, no need to worry about it. It’s usually better to wait before connecting your settlements, if you have the option.
In either case, it’s best to start your first roads in two different directions towards future settlement spots. This way, you can beat your opponents there. Just remember, if you play it safe and point both roads towards your third settlement spot, thinking you only need one more road to connect them, you’ll end up being one road short for your fourth settlement. So, if you connect your two settlements, you’ll be two roads short for your fourth settlement.