Catan Strategy: Settlement Placement (201806)

Let's practice one of the most important decisions in Catan: the initial settlements - this time on Catan Universe!
FAQ
Q: What site is this?
A: Prior to its closure on May 31, 2018, PlayCatan. Afterwards, Catan Universe.
Q: How do you calculate the “points” of an intersection?
A: The number tiles have pips beneath them that represent the frequency that number will be rolled (e.g. 6 and 8 have 5 pips under each representing a 5/36th probability of rolling that number). If you add up all the pips of an intersection, that is the productive value of that intersection. For example a 5/8/10, would be worth 12 points. 5 = 4 pips, 8 = 5 pips, 10 = 3 pips. 12 pips = 12/36 cards per turn, or 1 card every 3 turns. If you upgrade that intersection to a city, you would get 2 cards every 3 turns. I recommend memorizing the pips of each number to quickly recognize the best producing spots on the board. It also helps when you play craps!
Q: Where can I find a complete set of your “rules”?
A: Inspired by the movie Zombieland, I created these rules for Catan. They are a work in progress, but a way for me to say thank you to all the folks who have encouraged me along the way. Good luck!
Placements
Rule #1 Ore Wins
Rule #2 Production, Production, Production
Rule #3 No Wheat = Defeat
Rule #4.1 Get All Five Resources, if Possible
Rule #4.2 However, Ore/Wheat/Sheep Is Still Very Strong
Rule #5 Think About Ports
Rule #6.1 Good Ratio of Wood:Brick is 1:1
Rule #6.2 Good Ratio of Ore:Wheat:Sheep is 5:3:2
Rule #7 Point Roads to Coasts or Desert
Rule #8 Don’t Be Greedy (7-8pt Spots Will Be Contested)
Placements Cont’d.
Rule #10 When First, Check the Edges
Rule #11 When Third, Take Rare Resources
Rule #12 When Second, Predict Last Placement
Rule #13 Free Road? Yes, Please
Rule #14 Same Numbers Mean Feast or Famine
Trading
Rule #15 Trade Before Building
Rule #16 Trade Freely on Your Turn
Rule #17 Trade Freely for Resources You Don’t Produce
Gameplay
Rule #20 Track Who’s Going for Largest Army & Longest Road
Rule #21 Get to a Port
Rule #22 Largest Army is Better Than Longest Road
Rule #23 Table Talk Works
Rule #24 When Ahead, Buy Dev. Cards
Rule #25 Don’t Make Yourself a Target
Rule #26 Know Your Win Condition(s)
Rule #27 When Behind, Build Cities
Rule #28 Avoid Confrontations
Rule #29 Wood/Brick Player Should Take Risks
Development Cards
Rule #30 Use Knights Before Rolling (Except When Holding 7 Cards)
Rule #31 Save Monos for the End
Rule #32 Beware of Monos
Rule #34 Road Building? Plan Ahead
Rule #35 Use Invention for Rare Resources
Rule #36 Don’t Take Army Too Early
Rule #41 Track Dev. Cards Remaining
Robber
Rule #50 Block/Rob the Leader
Rule #51 Unfair Robber? Play Tit for Tat
Rule #52 Block Resources You Produce
Rule #53 Racing Someone? Rob Him & Block What He Needs to Win the Race

[@TonyJibster]

I would have taken the 5811 as first pick, but your reasoning talked me out of it = ). Thanks for another informative video! I was introduced to Catan a couple months ago and have enjoyed getting caught up on all your videos - some of them more than once :-)

[@NeonateGaming]

I had to triple check myself that passing up the 5/8/11 was a good idea. I'm glad the videos have been helpful. Good luck!

[@NeonateGaming]

Thanks! I'm not aware of any places to play Catan for money. It could get pretty ugly! :-)

[@matstornros7231]

I think where you messed up is with the third player's pick. In my opinion, with your suggested placements player 4 ends up a bit stronger than player 3. If player 3 instead placed on the 4 9 10 I think the placements would essentially be completely switched and player 3 would get the better pair of cities.

[@berikelson1275]

Welcome back!

[@NeonateGaming]

Thanks!

[@jrrivera3]

Ohhh wow you are back!!! What a time to be alive!!

[@NeonateGaming]

Lol, thanks!!

[@yigityargic2814]

Player 4 became overpowered in the final setting. I wonder if it would have been possible for the other players to avoid this "overpowered 4th player" result on this board...

[@AaronEH]

Glad you are back, really enjoyed your videos. This is an interesting board. You are right in that leaving the triple ore open for the 2nd player would be too strong, but I think that would leave you with too weak of a spot going last, with a high risk of having nowhere to go and no ability to expand. I would take the 8-4-3, taking the triple ore out of play, and getting at least some road material. Player 2 takes 8-5-11, 3 takes 8-5 ore, 4 takes 5-6-11 and 4-9-10 2nd, starting with free road and a half, while also taking two strong nearby spots out of play. Starting road should be pointing to the 3-5-10 which is likely to be left open given initial placements, allowing you to get some ore and connect for longest road. Player 3 needs wheat and sheep so they take 4-6-11 wood or 3-9-10 near bottom ore port. Player 2 takes whichever player 3 didn’t. Player 1 gets 6-9-12 and can contest ore port.

[@AaronEH]

Actually tried this board and player 4 won, the other players run out of space very fast.

[@NeonateGaming]

Thanks, and great analysis! Taking the 3/4/8 as Player 1 may be more viable than I gave credit. But, if Player 4 took the 5/6/9 (like I did) instead of 5/6/11, you're probably stuck with 3/6...

[@danielbeadle5417]

as purple, i would have pointed my road up towards the ore and sheap. I really don't like yellows possition. I think yellow should have tried to swap places with purble by picking the 4/9/10 with high brick as their first pick

[@SirSilicon]

I agree with you. Since purple ist the road player it should be fine for her to risk a road to grab the 3/11/5 spot.

[@elephantricity]

OMG I've been missing these videos! thanks for coming back!

[@NeonateGaming]

Thank you for the support!

[@tobias3593]

Love these videos they really help me in my Catan games. Thanks for coming back

[@NeonateGaming]

Thanks, that means a lot to me!

[@dylankirk7812]

NEONATE! Long live Catan coverage!

[@NeonateGaming]

Call me the postman because this baby will deliver!

[@yakon75]

Good to see another video from you, really enjoy thinking about this stuff

[@NeonateGaming]

Thank you, I enjoying thinking about this stuff too!

[@ian2877]

More videos please! I love this channel

[@NeonateGaming]

Will do! Thanks for the kind words!

[@amithicalbeest]

keep it up neonate. keen to see some full gameplay coming up

[@NeonateGaming]

Thank you so much! I'll post the full gameplay in the next video!

[@nghiacao4791]

Please make more gameplay video man ! Love your video so much. Welcome back!

[@NeonateGaming]

Thank you so much! I'll post the full gameplay in the next video!

[@josiahmoutray8926]

I would've taken the 3-5-11 on two ore with the first pick, gets me good ore and some sheep knowing I can get wheat later. Biggest bonus though is it takes away the two best remaining spots, the 3-5-8 ore spot and the 5-8-11. Force everyone else to get sub optimal ore spots.

[@crazycorey1313]

More gameplay videos!!!!

[@NeonateGaming]

Thanks, I'll post the full gameplay in the next video!

[@Bleckyyyy]

i would take 5 6 9 as first player and then i'd place 2nd settlement on wheat port with clay 9 2... With road pointing towards 2nd 6 wheat.

[@NeonateGaming]

Bold, very bold...

[@Bobz2112]

Welcome back! Missed these videos

[@NeonateGaming]

Thanks! I'll try to pump these out more regularly!

[@ashamael]

duuuuuuuude welcome back! I miss your vids!

[@NeonateGaming]

my maaaan, thanks!

[@deepman007]

Waiting patiently for your next video

[@osomuerte1]

For the third pick I think I'd go 4/9/10 realizing that the 6 or is a big target for the robber. With strong road production, that wheat port should be obtainable, with maybe the wheat from 4/6/11 or more brazenly the 6/9/12 feeding it (since I'm not sure 4th would leave the 5/6/9 available)

[@georgelove1010]

My favourite videos!! Keep them coming please you’re doing great :)

[@NeonateGaming]

Wow, thanks!

[@badplus0176]

Sweet 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@NeonateGaming]

Thanks!!!

[@robink6420]

Just found your channel a few days ago! Glad that new videos are coming!

[@NeonateGaming]

Welcome and thank you!

[@CiaranFi]

No way!!! Welcome back :)))

[@NeonateGaming]

Believe it! ;-) Thanks!!

[@mattlowder]

Bad ass! Hey man!

[@NeonateGaming]

Hey man! High five!

[@Dylan_Lu]

Hey Neonate I love your videos! I'm so glad you're back. You've inspired to do great Catan related things and have helped me improve as a player.

[@NeonateGaming]

Thanks for the kind words, and good luck in your games!

[@badplus0176]

Hey Neonate, just wanted to let you know that I played my first game of Catan months ago and got demolished by my friends. Then I found your channel and watched all of your vids. I have a way better handle on the game mechanics. Now, I’ve been beating my friends at Catan. Thanks for your help! 👍🏼 please keep the guides and gameplay rolling! Could you post a document with your Catan rules?

[@NeonateGaming]

Congrats! I'm glad the videos have helped! I posted the rules in the video description. Good luck!

[@popefrancis6932]

how about 8,5,3 and then (hopefully) the 12,10 with the wool and ore trade? Then mabye go for the 6,9,12 from the 12,10. If you then have the 8,5,3 and the 12,10, mabye go for the sheep trading? If 12,10 is taken then the 5,8 with the ?trade seems sollid. Im new to this game so plese give response!

[@NeonateGaming]

I prefer the 4/8 to the 10/12. Welcome and good luck!

[@GuruPrasanna]

Why couldn't the fourth player take the 3-9-10 instead of the 5-6-9? They would've got 6 points of wood, ample brick + a wood port, with enough grain and sheep to expand along settlements. Maybe get to the 6 wheat eventually, with the wheat port being free to take. That would give a great amount of wheat, wood and both ports to make up for the loss of ore.

[@NeonateGaming]

The 3/9/10 is a reasonable idea. I like the 5/6/9 better for +4 production.

[@austinpundit6321]

As the last player to put down, I would not have taken that spot. It doesn't, IMO, leave enough room for expansion. I would have taken the 6-3-desert spot, with good wheat and oodles of room for expansion. Of course, I hardly ever win, so....YMMV.

[@NeonateGaming]

You're right - it's very tight for Blue. I can't see taking the 3/6, however, because buying development cards will be difficult.

[@wave842]

OMG so glad you're back!!!

[@NeonateGaming]

Thanks!

[@josefrico]

Great to see you back! Any chance you'ld share your rules with us?

[@NeonateGaming]

Thank you sir! The rules should be in the video description detail. Good luck!

[@josefrico]

Neonate Gaming Omg that's gold!

[@Siggerou1993]

I believe the wood/brick player would have a great advantage because: 1. Monopolises the brick 2. Can expand to wheat port with 6/9 wheat and then get full autonomy (therefore get to cities MUCH faster), just by trading brick for sheep in the early stages (OWS players would most likely trade) 3. Yellow is very hard to compete for largest road, almost impossible. The 3/4 wood will only help in getting the extra too settlements a bit faster. 4. There are going to be 2-3 players competing for the largest army, therefore focusing less the W/B 5. Great production numbers, once the initial settlements are upgraded to cities he will be unstoppable and unblockable. 6. Close to 3:1 port for trading all this excess wood/brick after he has built the settlements. In my opinion, if the W/B player goes to the port then plays it a bit low key until he secures a city or the 4th settlement before the other players get to their port, it should be an easy win with his numbers.

[@scottyefird]

Glad to see you're back! You really should try Catan VR, I'm loving it myself.

[@NeonateGaming]

Thanks! The Catan VR trailer looks amazing! I don't currently have a VR rig...

[@mauricekooyman9893]

Aaaaand... He's back

[@NeonateGaming]

and here to stay! Thanks!

[@dRex002]

and he's back! yes

[@NeonateGaming]

yesh! thanks!

[@michaelpetrick]

If i was first i will put on 853 and the on the 2:1 ore and try to get the 2:1 sheep

[@dominicl5862]

been awhile

[@NeonateGaming]

i know! sorry!

[@ianwinter1713]

The king has returned!

[@NeonateGaming]

Thank you! Not the king, just a pauper!

[@Dough_Dough4]

As first pick I would have taken the 8-5-3 and then the 10-12 ore port. Sounds a bit crazy but I'm betting I would have hella ore to convert.

[@ianjohnson7583]

Hi Neonate! Great to see you back in action. You've made such a difference to my game! My Catan name is BorkoBorkoIamDoggo if you ever fancy a game :)

[@NeonateGaming]

Thanks for the kind words. I look forward to playing with you!

[@Ggdivhjkjl]

Tip for improvement: for the sake of colourblind viewers, please use more distinct colours. Never use both blue and purple. Grey is a good choice. Avoid green, not because it's hard to see but because other colours/shades are likely to be mistaken for it.

[@balex2290]

White's (second) should have built on 10-2. Getting all resources, beating purple to the 9 2 and the wheat port and building towards the 6 wheat at the bottom.

[@dylanroberts5944]

As blue I would have gone on the 10, 12 ore port in the bottom right corner. Decent sheep, port ore for hay. You could city up pretty quickly and challenge for largest army

[@Rofflemywaffle]

I hate to be that guy and have looked through the comments a bit but wanted to check directly: any plans for more videos or have you stopped playing online as much? Also, how is Catan Universe these days? I read some older reviews saying lots of bugs, crashes, etc. I've been watching ALL of your videos 1 by 1 and still have quite a few left but I do love this new UI via Catan Universe. Cheers friend!

[@anthonyjohnston2178]

I'm new to this, so would probably lose, but if I were purple I would : put my first settlement 8 ore coast and turn my road towards blue. 2nd choice would be the same 4, 9. 10. I would probably be the 1st to have a road (Already have 1 road in hand) and secure the road to 5 ore port. next priority I would do 1 more road( unless I could settle at that port) to block gray. after that I would be working for the hay port at 2,6 if not blocked

[@danielbeadle5417]

I haven't really played Settlers of Catan since i was 12, but i am usually pretty good at games. I recently played a game of seaferers with my mum and cusin an beat them 18-5-4. That inspired me to start playing it again. Think you can beat me? I'd love to play a game against you.

[@odomi121]

Whenever there is a concentration like 3,5,8 (especially if it's ore or brick) you better get the resource port. And then you combine the blue with 8 wheat, either you'll be partying or very sad the entire game, when 6s and 9s keep showing up.

[@justinlindfors8512]

Hey could you do an analysis on the statistics of a game? Like look at the player and dice statistics. and analyze how the dice rolls influenced the game !

[@איתמרשפיר]

Wow... that was humbling .... I thought I had a good grip and then came Polly ...

[@theat0mstomp]

I just want the 'i want more' button back...

[@soccerstudut]

the 3rd player on your board should should take the 4910 for lumber and brick pointing their road towards the wheat port and then their second spot should be the 569 for lumber and lots of wheat. This will make the 3rd player VERY heavy on wheat and also have a good ability to build roads. at the beginning of the game the 3rd player can ameritrade wheat to get what resources he/she needs and once the wheat port is attained the 3rd player should expand to the 6 for wheat behind the desert. The 3rd player may not have all the resources at the beginning, but it won't matter when they have so much wheat combined with a wheat port. plus they others will have ore that they may want to trade with the one person who has lots of brick. first city for the 3rd player should be placed at the 569 to increase wheat production more. It's better if your game strategy doesn't depend on trades with others because as you near the end of the game no one will want to trade with you. My suggestion is based on a 3 player game.

[@robertomacay2563]

For player #3 I would point my second road towards the rock port. I just don't see why you would point towards the wood port when you have a 4 wood vs going for the rock port when you have an 8 rock

[@schifferay]

Hi Neonate, I have a question, in the video you mentioned we should always point roads to coast or desert at the start. Could you explain the reason behind that please? Thanks!!

[@soccerstudut]

You keep suggesting locations that are ok, but they are not the most efficient choices. You are correct that a good spot will be close to the edge with a road leading to the water, but when expanding towards the water one should try to hit a port while getting a spot on 2 resources instead on just one resource. settling on the ore, lumber, lumber or the 3410 and expanding toward the brick and a 3 for 1 port is also a great option because you will be heavy on lumber and able to trade it for any other resource you need. you may even be able to increase your lumber with your 2nd spot to increase your ability to use your port to your advantage.

[@stanleybrowning9300]

Purple is in a bad way.

[@NeonateGaming]

I like her potential - she has a dynamic position.

[@soccerstudut]

Your suggestion that the 3rd player should expand toward the wood port seems bad to me because the 3rd player would already have a better location for ore than wood meaning they would get more use out of the ore port than the wood, plus settling on the ore port would give the 3rd player twice the probability of getting more resources than settling on the wood port where they only have a 3 for brick.

[@soccerstudut]

In this game, the 4th player will win easily because they have much more room to expand and as they will have plenty of wheat to use with their wheat port they will not be lacking for any needed resources.

[@christophercuomo4348]

I just started playing Catan and your videos are extremely informative and helpful. Thanks for helping me improve. Long live Catan and long live Neonate!

[@NeonateGaming]

Thank you and good luck in your games! Huzzah!

[@Ggdivhjkjl]

What happened to rules #42-49 & 37-40?

[@bbuuggzz]

Neonateeeee!

[@NeonateGaming]

Thankssss!

[@johnhenryb27]

Hello Neonate! Trying to up by beginner Catan game. The tip: "When First, Check the Edges" - could you briefly explain what you mean?

[@NeonateGaming]

When placing first, you can get screwed with your last pick. Therefore, I try to look ahead. I look for spots on the coasts (with only two resources) that might be a good complement to my first pick. These coastal spots also can't be next to "great" spots which will be taken. Good luck with your games!

[@mvilatusell]

Oh!! You are back! Me and my flatmates have learnt a lot with all your previous videos, thanks! Will you show this game in another video? Also, have you considered showing some strategies for a 3-player Catan game? I've learn a lot from your videos but we usally play 3 player games so things are a little different :)

[@NeonateGaming]

Thank you! I'm glad everyone learned together. Lol, but I guess in that case, it doesn't help you beat your friends at home. I don't play too many three player games. May I suggest you invite a friend for some cut throat four player action?

[@ArjanGroe]

Hey Neonate, how cool to see another video by you! Really enjoy your content/catan analysis. Please, if you can, keep posting these from time to time.

[@RookOfOnyx]

The player who goes second ends up with substantially more production as well as a better spread of resources, which suggests that the first pick was not the most rational pick. 5 8 11 really seems like the most rational pick for the first player. Then again I'm watching this video because I don't know how to play this game. :shrug emoji:

[@NeonateGaming]

I had to triple check myself that passing up the 5/8/11 was a good idea. Good luck in your games!

[@tyvick5976]

Please comeback with some catan gameplay if you get the chance. Love your videos

[@NeonateGaming]

Will do, thank you for the nudge!

[@soccerstudut]

I would take the 3511 and point my road towards the 3 for one trading port. this would make it difficult for others to get ore and it would almost guarantee you get a good shot at getting a port while getting a great spot for wheat and increasing your ore production. This would make it easier to build cities and it's unlikely that someone will block both routes from that point to the water as most people don't like to settle on the edge and limit their ability to expand. I play against the computers all the time and others and the value of ports can not be under estimated especially if you can load up on a resource and then get the corresponding port. Forcing others to make a decision that if they want to hurt you they also have to limit themselves usually leads them to settle elsewhere rather than purposefully limiting their ability to expand.

[@NeonateGaming]

In your scenario, the 5/8 (9pts) would be taken 100%.

[@dukes1993724]

Please come back to us Nate! And awesome to see you using Catan Universe, is can add you on there as a friend!

[@sergeykalashian7015]

Very nice to see you back man! Looking forward to seeing more videos from you

[@blackvr4tt]

Really like the settlement placement videos - keep them coming!

[@NeonateGaming]

Will do, thank you!

[@Calzonii09]

Hungry for more of dem sweet neonate videosauces! 🤤🤤

[@starwarsdonthugmeimscared8942]

why do worship ore?

[@HKS-Digital]

Neonate, where r u, we need more Catan! Please 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@jayds8]

why do you want to point roads towards deserts?

[@NeonateGaming]

If you follow rule #1, you won't produce much wood or brick. Therefore, you will not win (and cannot afford to lose) a race with other players to the best spots. You want to go for the uncontested spots.

[@jonassalk6906]

Hi Neonate-- question. I always see you putting in the rules you play by with #s. Are these something you have written out somewhere? Would love to get a glance at it if it is. Thanks!

[@NeonateGaming]

Take a peek at the video description. Cheers!

[@jonassalk6906]

@@NeonateGaming Thanks! Love your videos. Wish there were more! Cheers, mate.

[@Kvitnifr]

Welcome back man, I really like your videos

[@NeonateGaming]

Appreciate you. Thanks!

[@bw4500]

You're back !!! Welcome back Neonate, I've missed your tips. I've recently begun playing 5-player Catan as well as Cities & Knights, would you consider doing some tips/rules for those two game-modes?

[@NeonateGaming]

Thanks!! Look at you, Mister-Four-Friends ;-). My friends and I never advanced beyond the basic set, but I've heard Cities & Knights is great!

[@ravihammond]

Glad to see you back. I learn Catan binging all your videos. Please keep making them

[@NeonateGaming]

Thanks again - hope you're doing well in your tournaments!

[@mbigras]

Welcome back!! Subscribed!

[@NeonateGaming]

Thanks again!

[@pimp0613]

Hey NeoNate! There is no one else out there who’s as concise and thorough as you are with this game and I applaud you! I watch and re-watch your videos all the time! Please post more videos, more often! Thanks!

[@NeonateGaming]

Thanks for the kind words and your patience! Will do!

[@sebastiantruijens7176]

I just discovered Catan a week ago along with your channel and it’s been so much fun! Thanks for making these videos and helping people improve at this incredible board game!

[@NeonateGaming]

Thanks for the kind words, and I'm glad you're enjoying my favorite game!

[@avivlab]

Hey! I really like your videos! Do you plan on posting more games? I see that this is the only vid you posted from Catan Universe.

[@NeonateGaming]

Hey! Thanks for watching and analyzing closely! I've been mentally whipping myself to put out a new video. And I'll be honest, Catan Universe hasn't helped get me excited...

[@Vamikebrunelle]

Great videos. I started playing recently and have been trying to get some strategies going to up my game play. Your channel is one of the few I've watched every video.

[@NeonateGaming]

Wow - thank you! Good luck in your games!

[@thekurats]

When's the next video? i've been really enjoying all of the videos and interested to see what these look like on the new app. Thank you so much for helping me improve!

[@NeonateGaming]

Thank you! I've been raking myself over the coals to get a new video out. Thanks for the nudge and thanks for your patience!

[@SuperJonathanharris]

So who won!??

[@NeonateGaming]

I'll post the full gameplay in the next video!

[@iTzTiMeToJuMp]

You're back!!! Can't wait to see more uploads!

[@NeonateGaming]

Thanks! Will do!

[@KenAmro]

Would love to see more videos

[@NeonateGaming]

Thank you, me too lol! Gotta kick my butt into gear!

[@knightsbishops4510]

Pls upload again!

[@NeonateGaming]

Thanks, will do!

[@deepman007]

Welcome back!!

[@NeonateGaming]

Thank you, sir!

[@locomoco212]

Welcome back! Love the content

[@NeonateGaming]

Thank you very much!