How to Teach Kids to Play Settlers of Catan

My three oldest kids (ages 7, 10, and 11) all play Settlers of Catan and its expansions. Settlers is by far our favorite family game.

I have been surprised at how easily the kids picked up the rules and strategy. We started them out on the travel version of Settlers of Catan seen at left. It is slightly simplified because the numbers are in static positions. Our son had just turned 6 when he learned to play the travel edition while watching his older sisters. After they had mastered the travel edition, they moved on to the standard version and then to Cities & Knights and Seafarers.

We are all looking forward to trying out Barbarians & Traders if it will be compatible with our third edition sets.

The youngest just turned 5, and she isn't always interested in the game. Sometimes she wants to be the "banker", and other times she wants to run the barbarian ship.