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Writer's pictureDarshika Singh

Taking Your Catan Skills to the Next Level: Strategy Tips for Players of All Experience Levels

Greetings fellow Colonists! Whether you're just stepping onto the hexagonal landscape or have already claimed victory more times than you can count, this blog is here to guide you through the intricacies of Catan strategies at three different skill levels: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced. Let's embark on this journey together!


Beginner

1. Let’s Talk About Winning!

In the world of Catan, winning is all about smart choices. Where you put your settlements matters, and it's not as tricky as it seems. Just follow the numbers!


Remember: High Numbers are Good!

Even though there might be a weird game where the dice love 2s and 12s more than 5s and 9s, in the long run, the dice usually play fair. The more games you play, the more normal the rolls become. Look at the dots under the numbers to find the best spots. The 5/6/9 spot is like a gold mine – it has the best chance of rolling.


Tip: Catan is a game about getting lots of stuff. More is always better.


2. Be a Sneaky Robber!

If someone is winning by a lot, be a bit sneaky. Put the robber on their special tile to slow them down. This gives you time to catch up and maybe even win.


Beginner's Tip: Learn the basics of getting lots of stuff and being a sneaky robber, and you'll be a Catan champ in no time!


Intermediate

1. Get All the Goodies!

To be a Catan superstar, you need access to everything – all five resources. This helps you be flexible and handle whatever comes your way. Check out this example:


Don't Guess, Plan Ahead!

Look at Blue’s plan. They want development cards and a big city. But they might struggle to get wood and brick. Always plan where you put your settlements so you have access to all the things you need.


2. Block the Leader and Trade Smart

Knowing who's winning can be tricky, but there's a trick. Count points, check what people are making, and see who has the longest roads and the biggest armies. Then, block the person who's doing the best.


Trade Smart with WHEAT:

  • W - War: If people are fighting, you can get good trades from them.

  • H - Hold: Don't trade away stuff you need soon.

  • E - Enemy: Be careful not to help someone who's against you.

  • A - Abundance and Scarcity: Ask for a lot if you have something rare, and don’t offer much if you want something common.

  • T - Turn Trade: Trade during your turn for things you need right away.

Intermediate Wisdom: Being a Catan star means planning your settlements smartly, knowing your opponents, and trading like a pro.


Advanced

1. Ports are Your Friends

Now, things are getting serious. If you want to be a top-level Catan player, you need ports. When you put your first settlements down, think about the ports you can use later. No good ports, no win – it's that important.


2. Spy on Your Friends’ Cards

Knowing what your opponents have is powerful. It helps you steal the right things and make great trades. Keep an eye on their cards!


3. Don’t Get Blocked – Trade Instead

Getting blocked is bad news. Convince other players not to block you by giving them good reasons. If that doesn’t work, offer them a card if they don’t block you. It’s better to give a card away than to be stopped from getting more stuff.


4. Play Nice – It’s Good for You

Catan isn’t just a game of strategy; it's also about feelings. Don’t be mean – it won't help. Sometimes, it's better to let someone else have a good spot, so they like you more.


Advanced Trick: If someone is having a tough game, help them out. It’s a secret way to make everyone like you more.


Advanced Wisdom: Now you know about ports, spying, smooth talking, and being a nice person – that’s how you win at Catan!


Conclusion

So, fellow Catan adventurers, there you have it! Use these tips, but remember, there's no one-size-fits-all for Catan. Each game is an adventure. Enjoy the ride, adapt to the twists and turns, and may your roads be long, your settlements wise, and your victories sweet!

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