Instructions Die Siedler von Catan: Aufbruch der Händler

Objective of the Game

In Catan: Merchants and Traders, the goal is to build trade routes, upgrade settlements into metropolises, and fend off robbers to become the most successful trader on Catan. The player who first reaches a certain number of victory points wins the game.

Game Components

• Game board with hex tiles
• Number tokens
• Resource cards (Ore, Grain, Lumber, Brick, Wool)
• Development cards
• Plastic roads, settlements, and cities
• Robber piece
• Merchant markers, if applicable

Setup

1. Build the Game Board: Assemble the hex tiles randomly to create an island area.
2. Place Number Tokens: Place the number tokens on the hex tiles as directed in the rulebook.
3. Initial Settlements: Each player, in turn, places two settlements and corresponding roads on the board. The second set for each player is placed in reverse order.
4. Collect Resources: After placing the second settlement, each player takes resources from the surrounding lands.

Game Play

The game follows a turn sequence:

1. Roll Dice: The active player rolls the dice to harvest resources. The number rolled determines which fields produce resources.
2. Move the Robber: If a "7" is rolled, the player moves the robber to block resource production on one field.
3. Trade: Players may trade resources with each other or at a bank (3:1 or 4:1 exchange rate).
4. Build: Players can build roads, settlements, or cities and purchase development cards.

Building Costs

• Road: 1 Lumber, 1 Brick
• Settlement: 1 Lumber, 1 Brick, 1 Grain, 1 Wool
• City: 3 Ore, 2 Grain
• Development Card: 1 Ore, 1 Grain, 1 Wool

Winning Conditions

The game ends when a player reaches or surpasses a predetermined victory point count, commonly 10 points. Points are earned through settlements (1 point), cities (2 points), and specific development cards.

Strategic Tips

• Resource Management: Balance resource gathering from multiple sources. Being heavily reliant on one type of resource can be risky.
• Trade Activity: Be willing to trade with other players to get the resources you need—while also keeping a watch on your trade partner's strategies.
• Road Strategy: Roads not only open new settlement spots but also play a key role in the "Longest Road" bonus competition.

The game offers ever-changing challenges and experiences through its strategic resource handling, trading mechanisms, and variable game board.