Game Trade Magazine - GTM #208

GTM #208 - Catan Strategies

by Catan Studio, LLC

~ Basic Strategies ~

You’ve played base Catan - you won a few games, but lost the rest. So, what can you do to raise your level of play?

In general, the best way to approach Catan is to be flexible and react to the situations that arise during play. Also, lighten up! Don’t be too serious or intense; it’s only a game. People are more inclined to trade with and assist someone they like and enjoy playing with.

For winning though, generally, if you have the lead, don't mention it. And, certainly, don’t play it up. If you're viewed as the current leader or as the player in the best position to win, your opponents will stop trading with you. You'll also more often be the target of the Robber.

~ The Start ~

Take your time choosing your starting locations - don’t let anyone rush you. This is when many games are won or lost, as there are a number of complicated factors to consider. When they conflict, only your wits and production are going to see you through. For all Catan is a game, and all the men and women merely players; they have their exits and their entrances... Insist that you get to play your game as you see fit.

Analyze the Board – Identify any unusual features of the board. For example, what resource types are produced in abundance and which are scarce.
Maximize Production – Always be aware of the chance that a settlement has of producing. Look at the dots under the numbers. The more dots the better. If you are stumped, look at each group of three resource hexes adjacent to each other (i.e., each intersection) and add up the dots. That will give you an idea how likely an intersection is going to produce. When all else fails, it’s better to have resources you may not want than none at all.
Diversify Resource Types – You should aim to produce as many of the five resource types as possible. But, you can forgo producing a type if you have a good port or if that resource type is produced in abundance.
Harbor Synergy – Look for a 2-1 harbor near an intersection that produces the corresponding resource. A harbor is also worth more consideration if there's a resource that's scarce or if you can’t access a resource.

~ Trade ~

Catan isn't primarily a game of conquest - you're taming the bountiful island of Catan. To expand, you need resources. But, you’ll never produce all the resources you need - trading is very important! So, trade often and trade well! Don’t give up something for nothing. And, remember, it's a four-player game. So, if trade helps you and one opponent, you both gain relative to the other two players.

~ During Play ~

Increase your production as much and as fast as possible. The effects of early resource production increases can pay dramatic dividends as the game progresses. Watch out for opponents attempting to block you from prime building sites or trying to cut your road network.

~ Advanced Strategy ~

After you feel comfortable with the factors presented above, you might want to try to some more active, aggressive approaches. These can include the expansion strategy, the concentration strategy, the effects of duplicating production numbers, and playing the meta game. More on that later...