"The Settlers of Catan" – Game Instructions

Objective of the Game

The objective of "The Settlers of Catan" is to be the first player to earn 10 victory points. These points are awarded for building roads, settlements, cities, and other achievements such as the longest road or largest army.

Game Components

• 19 Terrain Hexes: Represent the Island of Catan and are separated into different types (Desert, Hills, Forest, Fields, Pasture, and Mountains).
• Resource Cards: Brick, Lumber, Wheat, Sheep, Ore.
• Development Cards
• Frame Pieces to create the game board boundary.
• Number Tokens: Determine resource production.
• Wooden Roads, Settlements, and Cities for each player.
• Robber Piece

Game Setup

1. Island Setup: Arrange the hexagonal terrain tiles in the middle of the frame to create a cohesive land area.
2. Number Tokens: Randomly place a number token on each hex except the Desert.
3. Initial Setup: Players take turns placing 2 settlements and 2 roads. The second settlement provides starting resources.

Gameplay

Each turn consists of three main phases:

1. Resource Production: The active player rolls two dice, and all players receive resources from adjacent hexes according to the rolled number on the number tokens. Rolling "7" activates the robber, with no resource production.
2. Trading: Players can trade resources with other players or engage in maritime trade. Trading options include 4:1, 3:1 (general ports), or specific 2:1 trades (specialized ports).
3. Building: Players can build roads, settlements, and cities or purchase development cards:
4. Roads cost 1 lumber and 1 brick.
5. Settlements cost 1 brick, 1 lumber, 1 wool, and 1 wheat.
6. Cities require 2 wheat and 3 ore, upgrading an existing settlement.
7. Development Cards cost 1 wool, 1 wheat, and 1 ore, providing various effects.

Special Rules

• The Robber: Moves when a "7" is rolled. The active player relocates the robber to a hex, blocking resource production there and allowing the player to steal a card from another player with a settlement or city on that hex.
• Longest Road: 2 points for the player with the longest unbroken road of at least five segments.
• Largest Army: 2 points for the first player to play three knight cards, having more than any other player.

Victory Conditions

The game ends immediately when a player reaches or exceeds 10 victory points during their turn. Strategic planning, such as maximizing resource collection spots and blocking opponents, plays an essential role in the race to victory.

Enjoy settling Catan!