How to win at Catan

There are different ways to reach ten points in Catan, the number of points required to beat your opponents and taste sweet victory. Whether you earn points via the Longest Road, the Largest Army, building settlements, cities, or through victory points, the trick is to find the right combination to reach your end goal.

Below are seven tips from Stefan Roets, board gaming enthusiast and avid Catan player.

1. Analyse the board: at the start, assess high-value hexes and predict where others will go. Use this insight to plan smart settlement placements and future expansions, especially where scarce but valuable resources are present.
2. Prioritise key resources: secure access to wheat and ore for city-building and development cards, and wood and brick for early expansion. Adjust your resource strategy as the game evolves through early, mid, and late phases.
3. Play the numbers: focus on high-probability hexes (6s and 8s) to maximise resource income. Combining these with corresponding ports can lead to powerful trading advantages.
4. Use ports strategically: ports offer reliable trade routes and can compensate for missing resources. Coastal expansion can also unlock new building opportunities when the board gets crowded.
5. Exploit the robber: use the robber tactically—target the biggest threat and block the most impactful hex. Use misdirection and social tactics to avoid being targeted yourself.
6. Be social and observant: leverage conversation to influence decisions and deflect attention. Gather information during trades and pay attention to others' Development Card behaviour for clues.
7. Stay flexible and active: be ready to change strategies mid-game if needed. Always try to make a move on each turn—trading, building, or gathering intel—to stay engaged and influence the game flow.

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