The Settlers of Catan is Our New Family Game. What’s Yours?

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It’s summer time, and for millions of families that means more ‘family togetherness’ on vacations, lazy summer nights, and weekends.   More family togetherness qualifies as fabulous in my mind.  Even so, I have often found myself wondering  “what is something different we can do that is fun for everyone?”

My husband and I have been trying to establish traditions that bring our family closer together and we want these activities to exclude television, electronics or expensive entertainment.   Of course, we referenced our own childhoods for inspiration.  Some of my husband’s best memories include a card game called 66.  He learned it in Hungary from his grandmother using Hungarian cards, and then continued to play with his aunts, uncles and cousins into adulthood.  My family played games like Tripoli and Hand and Foot and the latter has even caught on with our kids and my husband’s side of the family. 

Even so, we decided we need a good, old fashioned, low tech, high thrill family board game that will allow us to bond in ways that only down and dirty family competition can.  When it comes to quality board games that foster family togetherness, quite frankly, we have been bored until recently when we discovered The Settlers of Catan. 

Photo Credit: www.boardgamegeek.com

The object of the game is for each player to stake a claim on the island of Catan and strategically secure resources like timber, ore, wheat and brick to build in order to build an empire that consists of roads, settlements and cities.  The first player to accumulate 10 points wins.   It’s that simple. 

Photo credit: www.gameboardgeek.com

Here’s what really happens–players relentlessly deploy complex strategies rife with deceit and cunning.  Along the way, they engage in bartering, begging, and sabotage.  Decency and decorum are often replaced with cutthroat negotiations and cursing.  Remove the plastic utensils and sharp objects from the table.  Designate and mediator.  Catan is not a friendly island.  When things get really ugly, some family members might remember empathy, compassion, and forgiveness.  Others will instead bask gleefully in their aspirations of power and domination.  Grudges are harbored and family feuds may linger well beyond the end of the game.  But mostly, it is good fun. 

At our larger family gatherings, we play two games simultaneously and the winners play a final tournament round.  With the excitement and intensity that this game provides for kids of all ages, it is clear that The Settler’s of Catan will be our family game for quite a while.  What’s your family game?   

Photo Credit: www.boardgamegeeks.com

P.S.  If you decide to purchase The Settlers of Catan, I recommend this that you purchase the bundle that includes the game and the extension kit that enabling you to play with 5-6 players instead of 4.  At a family gathering last week, I was introduced to the Catan Seafarer’s game which expands the game from land to sea and includes pirates and shipping routes.  I have not played Seafarer’s yet, but ordered both because of the fabulous reviews by my family.  To make a purchase, click on the link below.

http://astore.amazon.com/confabuliciou-20

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