What is the best starting placement in Catan?

Prioritize settlements on 6 or 8 number tokens (5/36 probability each — the highest legal roll frequency). Combine high-probability numbers with access to Wheat and Ore, since Wheat enables Cities and Ore builds Knights, Cities, and Development Cards. Avoid settling on 2 or 12 (1/36 each).

When should I buy development cards in Catan?

Buy development cards once you have extra Wheat, Ore, and Sheep — usually after placing your second city. Victory Point cards win games silently. Knight cards build toward the 2-VP Largest Army bonus and let you move the robber before your turn ends.

How do you handle the robber in Catan?

When you roll a 7, place the robber on the leader's best hex (a 6 or 8 they depend on) and steal from the player closest to winning. Proactively play Knight cards to move the robber before opponents do — this both blocks their production and builds Largest Army.

Is Cities & Knights worth playing?

Yes — Cities & Knights is the definitive Catan expansion. It adds commodity resources, barbarian attacks, and city upgrades that reward long-term planning. Games run longer but the strategic depth is dramatically higher.