Strategies and Tips for Settlers of Catan

Settlers of Catan is a board game designed by Klaus Teuber. In was first published in Germany in 1995 but has been translated and published in many languages and sold throughout the world. This article isn't going to teach the basics of the game and is written for people who already know how to play. The goal of this article is to teach you some helpful hints and strategies for Settlers of Catan, that will help you to win more often.

An earlier article I wrote focused on tips and strategies for the initial setup of your first two settlements. This article will give you tips and hints on aspects and game play that you'd use throughout the game, mostly focusing on trading.

Trading:
Trading cards an essential part of Settlers of Catan. It is a major way to get needed resources and can turn the tide of the game to your favor. Not all of these tips can always be used, but knowing them and using them when applicable will definitely help you out.

Trade often and early in the game
The beginning stages of the game are crucial. It's a race between you and the other players to the other resources/ports. If you don't trade with the other players, you'll be the one missing out on getting the resources you need to expand. But also be aware of what your direct competitors need to build; don't trade them that lumber so they can build the road and cut you off.

Trade on your turn or as close as possible to it
When you trade on your turn, you can immediately use the card you get to build. But if you trade and it's not your turn, you have the possibility of losing that card, via the robber, someone playing the monopoly card, or having over seven cards. The card you traded for could become worthless if you wound up producing that resource yourselves on that 2 you didn't think would be rolled. In the expanded version (5-6 player) of the game, this isn't much of an issue, because you can build between anyone's turn.

Break the trade embargoes
Sometimes when one person is in the lead, all the other players decide not to trade with them. If it's early in the game and the leader isn't going to be winning within the next couple of turns, make some trades with them. This presents a great opportunity to make some great trades with them, especially because no one else is willing to trade with them. Of course, make sure that what you trade with them won't make them win.

Trade with losers
If you have a choice of your trading partner, trade with someone who is losing or in no direct competition to you/your expansion plans. This is just commonsense.

Take their card if they won't trade
Sometimes you try to trade for a card that you desperately need but the other person won't budge. If it's your turn, you can play the solider card and try to steal it from them. This is most useful if they have only a limited number of cards in their hand, or more than one of the resource that you need. You can get the card that you need this way, but usually the other person isn't too happy about it.

Give in to the robber
It's awful when someone decides to draw a card from you and they pick the one card that you really needed. To prevent this from happening, it may be wise to ask the picker if there is a certain card they are looking for. If it's a card you don't have, say it, and they may go after someone else. If you do have that card and it's expendable, suggest they pick the card on the left (or wherever it is). This way, you save the cards you need and they are also happy with what they've acquired.

Under eight and doing great
If you're at nine points and you've got all the cards you need to build that last city, it might be wise to trade a card or two to keep your total number of cards under eight. It would be awful to roll a seven on your own turn and have to give up half of the cards that you needed.

Using these different ideas and tips, should give you more of an edge while playing Settlers of Catan. Good luck and have fun.