Board Game Friday #1: Settlers of Catan

I decided I would like to start a weekly post called “Board Game Friday” where I showcase a different, awesome board game every post.  I’ve played lots of board games that aren’t very well-known because of an on-campus organization I’m part of called Gaming Guild.  Basically, every week we get together to play board games and relieve stress from classes.

Weekends are usually spent with family, outside, relaxing from school and work during the week.  But sometimes plans can be ruined by rainy days.  Other families have game nights.  Other people just love games!  I’m hoping to show families and anyone else that there are other great games besides Monopoly or Scrabble.

So for week 1, Settlers of Catan, one of my all-time favorite games!

Stats

• Ages: 12+
• Players: 2-4
• Playing Time: 60-90 minutes
• Expansions available

Concept

“Players are recent immigrants to the newly populated island of Catan. Expand your colony through the building of settlements, roads, and villages by harvesting commodities from the land around you. Trade sheep, lumber, bricks and grain for a settlement, bricks and wood for a road, or try to complete other combinations for more advanced buildings, services and specials.

Trade with other players, or at local seaports to get resources you might lack. The first player to achieve 10 points from a combination of roads, settlements, and special cards wins.” from the Catan website

My Thoughts

Excellent, excellent game!  Though the game has a lot to do with strategy, I think kids younger than 12 would have fun playing it.  There are very small pieces though, so watch out (there is a version called “Kids of Catan” for ages 4+)! The game is definitely more fun with more people. 

Thinkgeek.com basically sums up the pure awesomeness of this game on their website:

German board game that every geek should own

Seriously, you lose major geek cred if you haven't played Settlers

In short, I highly recommend this game to anyone!  Tell me if you’ve played it! What did you think?