How to Play CATAN Junior: Rules and Setup Guide

Quick answer

CATAN Junior adapts the classic Catan experience for kids ages 6 and up. Setup is quicker and rules are simpler, but the core goal remains the same: be the first to build seven pirate hideouts.

How to set up and play CATAN Junior

1. 1. Assemble the island ring: Place the six island tiles in a circle, with the Spooky Island tile in the center. Each tile shows a resource icon and a number. Shuffle the tiles so the layout changes each game. Make sure the number tokens are face up and visible to all players. A common mistake is placing the tiles too far apart—keep them snug so the resource lines are clear.
2. 2. Distribute starting resources and hideouts: Each player chooses a color and takes two pirate hideouts, one ship, and the corresponding resource cards. Place one hideout on any island tile (not Spooky Island) and the ship adjacent to it. The youngest player goes first. Do not place hideouts on Spooky Island—it is only for the Ghost Captain. Also, remember that each player starts with only one ship, not a fleet.
3. 3. Roll the dice and collect resources: On your turn, roll the two dice. Every island tile with a number matching the dice roll produces its resource. If you have a hideout on that island, take one resource card of that type. If you have a ship on that island, take two. If the Ghost Captain tile is rolled, the Ghost Captain moves to an island of your choice and blocks its production until you pay one resource card to remove him. Do not forget to move the Ghost Captain—it is a common oversight.
4. 4. Build and trade: Use resource cards to build new hideouts (cost: 1 wood, 1 goats, 1 molasses, 1 of another resource) or ships (cost: 1 wood, 1 goats). You can also trade resources with other players or the bank (4:1 ratio). Building a new hideout requires a ship to connect it to your existing network. If you do not have a ship in the right spot, you cannot build there. Always check your ship placement first.
5. 5. Win by building seven hideouts: The first player to build seven pirate hideouts wins immediately. Keep track of your hideout count—it is easy to lose count during the game. If two players reach seven hideouts on the same turn, the player who built first wins. In case of a tie, the player with the most ships breaks it.

Product facts

• CATAN - Junior: Catan: Junior™ lets younger players experience the world of Catan by introducing a simpler playing style. Designed for 2-4 players as young as 6. This means you can introduce the strategic fun of Catan to kids without overwhelming them with complex rules or long play sessions.