How to keep score in Catan

Catan is scored in victory points. Settlements are worth 1, cities 2, and the Longest Road and Largest Army cards 2 each, plus 1 for every victory point card. The first player to have 10 points on their own turn wins.

At a glance

• Players: 3 or 4, or 5 and 6 with the extension

• Who wins: First to 10 points on their own turn

• You start with: 2 points, from your first two settlements

• Hidden points: Victory point cards stay face down

Where victory points come from

A city replaces one of your settlements, so building one adds 1 point, not 2.

Longest Road and Largest Army

The first player to build an unbroken road of 5 pieces takes the Longest Road card. If someone else builds a longer road, the card and its 2 points move to them. A tie doesn't take it from you: you keep it until someone beats you.

A settlement built by someone else in the middle of your road breaks it in two, and only the longer part counts.

Largest Army works the same way. The first to play 3 knight cards takes it, and it moves to anyone who has played more.

Winning on your turn

You win as soon as you have 10 points during your own turn. Count them out loud and turn over any victory point cards you need.

If you reach 10 on someone else's turn, you don't win yet. You win on your own turn if you still have 10, unless another player gets to 10 on their turn first.

Expansions that change the target

• Cities & Knights: play to 13.

• The 5 to 6 player extension: still 10.

• Seafarers: each scenario sets its own target.

A scoring example

The moment Ana wins a four-player game. She builds her third city on her turn, which brings her to 8 points on the table, and turns over two victory point cards.

Ben held Longest Road and Cleo held Largest Army, but Ana's two hidden cards won it. Before she turned them over, the table showed 8, 9, 7 and 6.

Keep score in Tallynight

Catan is set up for you: a running score, first to 10 wins. Tap + for 1 when someone builds a settlement or a city, and 2 when they take Longest Road or Largest Army.

Give everyone 2 at the start for their first two settlements. When a card moves on, take its 2 points off with −, and Tallynight offers to end the game when someone reaches 10.

• Points per tap of 1 or 2

• A big tile for each player, in their colour

• Offers to end the game at 10

• The belt for whoever wins most, game after game

• Get Tallynight on the App Store: free, no ads.

• Print a Catan score sheet if you'd rather keep score on paper.

Questions

How many points do you need to win Catan?

10 victory points, on your own turn. Cities & Knights goes to 13.

How many points is a city in Catan?

2. Building a city replaces one of your settlements, so it adds 1 point to your total.

How many roads do you need for Longest Road in Catan?

At least 5 road pieces in one unbroken line, and more than anyone else. It's worth 2 points while you hold it.

How many knights do you need for Largest Army?

3 played knight cards, and more than anyone else. It's worth 2 points and moves to anyone who plays more.

Can you win Catan on someone else's turn?

No. You need 10 points during your own turn. Reach 10 on someone else's turn and you win when your turn comes, unless another player gets there first.

Do you have to show your victory point cards in Catan?

No. Keep them face down, and turn them over when they take you to 10 on your turn.

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