This is placeholder Text!
Before you read this article, you will need to know the following terms and definitions:
| Game(-s): | Noun. Singular or Plural. A standalone version of Settlers of Catan, which can be played right out of the box without making additional purchases. There is only one standalone (base) game of Catan. |
| Expansion(-s): | Noun. Singular or Plural. An Catan game that cannot be played by itself. It must be used in conjunction with a standalone (base) game. The 5 & 6-player expansions are a good example of this. |
| Scenario(-s): | Noun. Singular or Plural. A small set of playing pieces and instructions that can be added to normal Catan gameplay. It cannot be played by itself--it must be used in conjunction with a standalone (base) game. The "Oil Springs" scenario is a good example of this. |
| Variant(-s): | Noun. Singular or Plural. A set of instructions for using the pieces from a Catan game or expansion in a new way. Most variants are fan-generated and require printing and cutting out new pieces. |
With Other Players
Helper of Catan: Nassir
Nassir is a shrewd Catanian master merchant who always knows exactly what he’s after. His merchant caravans reach even the most remote places – provided, of course, that rich profits can be made there. His commercial skills are second to none. To minimize the entrepreneurial risk, he maintains a substantial mercenary force, which he uses not only to protect his goods transports from attacks but also to convince reluctant trading partners of the fairness of his trade offers. In this context, one of his favorite lines is “Trust me - I know what’s best for you.”
Forced Trade: Use this advantage only 1 time during your turn. First, declare a resource card type (wool, for example). Next, choose 1 or 2 opponents. Those opponents must each give you 1 card of the declared type (if they have it). Finally, for each resource card you receive in this way, you must give the player that gave it to you 1 resource card of your choice in return.
Domestic Trade
On your turn, you may trade resource/commodity/spice cards (but not tokens) with the other players (after resolving all of the previous phases of your turn). The other players may not trade among themselves: only with the player whose turn it is. If you decide not to trade during your turn, no one can trade. You may trade with another player when it is not your turn, but only if it is his turn, and he elects to trade with you. You and the other players negotiate the terms of your trades—such as which cards will be exchanged. Other players are not required to trade with you. During your turn, only you may initiate trade negotiations. Other players may request trade negotiations by asking, “Will you trade?”, but you are not required to do so. You may trade as many times as you can, using single or multiple cards. However, you cannot give away cards (without the card being received and you receiving a Favor Token), or trade matching resources (you can’t “trade” 3 ore for 1 ore, for example).
Important: While it is your turn, you must be a part of all trades, and the other players may not trade amongst themselves.
Example: It is Pete’s turn. He needs one brick resource card to build a road. He has 2 lumber and 3 ore. Pete asks aloud, “Who will give me 1 brick for 1 ore?” Beth answers, “If you give me 3 ore, I’ll give you a brick.” Cooper interjects, “I’ll give you 1 brick if you give me 1 lumber and 1 ore.” Pete accepts Cooper’s offer and trades a lumber and an ore for a brick. Note that Beth may not trade with Cooper, since it is Pete’s turn.
Even if it is not your turn, you should request trades from the current player!
Jump to the previous article!
Jump to the next article!