Objective of the Game

The Settlers of Catan: The Card Game is a strategy game for two players. Each player takes turns playing cards to build settlements and cities, expanding their influence on the island of Catan. The objective is to be the first to reach a certain number of victory points by building settlements, cities, and playing expansions.

Game Components

• Card Deck: Includes settlements, cities, landscapes, roads, and expansions.
• Dice: Used to determine resource production.
• Resource Cards: Clay, wood, grain, wool, ore.
• Markers or chips: Used for scoring.

Setup

1. Each player receives 1 settlement card and 1 city card, laid out openly.
2. The landscape cards are aligned in a series starting with clay, wood, grain, wool, ore.
3. Each player draws 3 random cards as their starting hand.
4. The remaining deck serves as the draw pile.

Gameplay

The game proceeds in alternating rounds; each player performs the following steps:

1. Production

• The active player rolls the dice to determine resource production.
• The result dictates which resource types are received based on their landscapes.

2. Trade and Build

• Players can trade resources: trade ratios are 2:1, 3:1, or 4:1 with the bank or the opponent.
• Players can play cards from their hand, spending the appropriate resources to build:
• Settlements (requires 1 wood, 1 clay, 1 wool, 1 grain).
• Cities (requires 2 grain, 3 ore).
• Roads (requires 1 wood, 1 clay) to expand their territory.
• Expansions (enhance the abilities of settlements and cities).

3. Draw Cards

• Players draw from the draw pile to replenish their hand (usually back to 3 cards).

Special Features

• Development Cards: These offer one-time bonuses or permanent effects and should be used strategically.
• Robber: A specific roll can introduce a robber card, blocking particular resource types.

End of the Game

The game concludes when a player reaches the agreed-upon number of victory points (usually 10). Points are accumulated through settlements, cities, and specific expansion cards.

Strategy

• Resource Balance: Having access to diverse resources is crucial. Aim to secure resource trade advantages.
• Speed: Expanding early with roads and settlements can be critical.
• Risk Management: Maintain a balance between short-term tactics and long-term goals.

The flow of "The Settlers of Catan: The Card Game" is rich in strategy and rewards both tactical maneuvers and long-term planning.