Can You Build Off a Broken Road in Settlers?
When playing the popular board game Settlers of Catan, understanding the rules of road building is crucial to gaining a strategic advantage. One common question that arises is whether you can build off a broken road. In this article, we’ll dive into the rules and provide a definitive answer.
Direct Answer
Yes, you can build off a broken road in Settlers.
However, there are some conditions and exceptions to keep in mind. We’ll explore these in more detail below.
The Basics of Road Building
Before we dive into the specifics, let’s review the basics of road building in Settlers. In the game, roads are built along the edges of the terrain hexes, and each road can only be placed on one edge of a hex. The goal is to build a network of roads that connect your settlements and cities, while also blocking your opponents from building.
Broken Roads and Building
A broken road is a road that has been interrupted by an opponent’s settlement or city. This means that the road is no longer contiguous and can’t be extended in a straight line. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you can’t build off the broken road.
Building Off a Broken Road
Yes, you can build a settlement or city on top of a broken road, as long as it is adjacent to your existing road network.
Here are some key points to keep in mind:
• The road must be adjacent: The settlement or city must be built directly adjacent to the broken road, either horizontally or vertically. You can’t build on top of a broken road that is diagonal to your existing road network.
• The road must be connected: The settlement or city must be connected to your existing road network. This means that the road must be contiguous and not interrupted by another player’s settlement or city.
• You can build a new road: If the broken road is adjacent to your existing road network, you can build a new road that connects to the broken road. This will create a new contiguous road network.
Exceptions and Conditions
While building off a broken road is generally allowed, there are some exceptions and conditions to keep in mind:
• Intersections: If two roads intersect at a 90-degree angle, you can’t build a settlement or city on the intersection point. However, you can build a settlement or city on either side of the intersection.
• Blocking opponents: If building off a broken road would allow you to block an opponent’s settlement or city, you can do so. This is a strategic advantage and can help you gain control of the board.
Table: Building Off a Broken Road
Here’s a summary of the key points in a table:
| Condition | Result |
|---|---|
| Road is adjacent | You can build a settlement or city on top of the broken road |
| Road is not adjacent | You can’t build on top of the broken road |
| Road is connected | You can build a settlement or city on top of the broken road |
| Road is not connected | You can’t build on top of the broken road |
| Intersection | You can’t build on the intersection point, but you can build on either side |
| Blocking opponents | You can build on top of the broken road to block an opponent’s settlement or city |
Conclusion
In conclusion, building off a broken road in Settlers is generally allowed, as long as it is adjacent to your existing road network and meets certain conditions. By understanding these rules and exceptions, you can gain a strategic advantage and build a stronger game. Remember to always pay attention to the road network and plan your moves carefully to maximize your chances of winning.