My New Favorite Board Game: Settlers of Catan

Do you have a favorite board game? I grew up playing games like Monopoly, Risk and Life. They were synonymous with family and friends. I recently stumbled upon a new board game that I think is the best out of all of them, Settlers of Catan.

My wife let me open one of my gifts early this year. When I opened the box I was surprised and excited to see Settlers (our nickname for the game) on my lap. Thankfully it was an early gift, so I had time to play it with her family before Christmas. We set it up on the table and I went to work setting up the board and explaining how the game works.

The object of the game is to be the first one to ten victory points. By collecting and trading resource cards, building settlements and cities, and wielding the robber at opportune times, each player tries to out strategize the other players in the quest for ten points. It is a strategy game that makes you think not only about your next move, but also how the other player’s moves will affect your own strategy.

The game may seem complicated at first, but once you start playing it all makes sense. You’ll never get bored because every player has the opportunity to play no matter who rolls the dice. Every play there are resource cards to pick up, trades to be made, and things to build. The fast paced action makes the game go quickly, and someone often wins within an hour, unlike some strategy board games that can go on forever.

There is even an online version that offers free and paid memberships.

Over the holidays I have probably played almost 15 games of Settlers of Catan with family and friends. The fun and competitive nature of the game has provided hours of entertainment. If you are looking for a great new board game to spice up your family game night, I would highly recommend Settlers of Catan.

What game do you love to play with your family and friends?