I was just introduced to the Settlers of Catan Board Game, a favorite among gamers for the last ten years. I had seen the game in local stores for years but for some reason never picked it up. But after playing it with friends a weekend back, a had to go get my hand on it.

The game is a perfect mixture of novelty, skill, randomness, negotiation and foresight. Your object is to be the first player with 10 points in the game by building settlements, cities, roads and armies with resources gleamed from the game. The rules are straightforward, and I even taught my three oldest kids (8,9 and 12) how to play the game. Even they loved it immediately--which is saying a lot considering they have been brainwashed by the video game era.

It takes one to two hours to play; the game accomodates up to four players, but an expansion set sold in game stores expands that to 6 players.

Settlers of Catan is a board game I recommend for any family or gaming group. I give it a 10 out of 10!