Settlers of Catan is probably one of my favorite games. It's fairly straightforward, fun to play, and a gateway to more complicated games. Plus, it's suitable for people of all ages, skill levels, and interest levels in to board games. I didn't know that it was first published in Germany, that's cool though, and now I want to watch that documentary. I don't know if anybody would be interested, but I found this site that seems to a be a good and free way to play Catan online. It might even be the site that Teuber plays on, since the official Catan site redirects there for online play. I'd be up for playing a game sometime!
First of all, I'm completely down with playing Catan online with you or anyone else. That sounds like it could be a really fun time. mk, I'll again thank you for the introduction to the game. My wife and I have been playing it for about 4 or 5 years now after mk and gq introduced us to it. It's a wonderful game and like you say, ButterflyEffect, it's pretty straightforward yet there is plenty of strategy involved. I always feel like I need to play the board and gain more properties but then also simultanesouly need a second form of points. This could be "longest road" most "knights" or "victory points." But the key is to pick which one I'm going for before the game even begins. Also, having a 2:1 port can be pretty kick ass. This quote is timely. I was at a party and talking with a guy that said he loves to play board games with his wife/friends. I asked if he played Catan, excited at the prospect of a new couple to play with. He said "no" but we love monopoly. Somehow to him it was in the same ball park. I don't think it is. (Catan is WAY better) Great game! Let's hit up that online Catan sometime for sure.Teuber himself is more sanguine. “I do not see that Catan will kill Monopoly,” he said. “But I hope that Catan will become a permanent classic game beside Monopoly.”
It's also a gateway to eurogames in general. I discovered Carcassonne after trying to find other games similar to Settlers, and I generally prefer it, because it is shorter but has just as much strategic depth, to me. Being shorter means it is easier to get people who have not played or are a bit skeptical to play, as well.