Many players wonder if they can use a knight to manipulate the robber before the dice are cast, assuming standard Catan rules apply.
Yes, according to the Catan: Cities & Knights Official Rulebook, you can use a knight to chase away the robber before rolling the dice if you use the Knight-Errant Variant.
Catan Cities & Knights Official Rules, [edition not specified]
These rules correspond to the US edition of Catan: Cities & Knights.
Official Rule Breakdown
Regarding the ability to play a knight before rolling, the official rules include a specific 'Knight-Errant Variant.' This variant allows a player to use one of their active knights to chase away the robber before rolling the dice on their turn. Once this action is taken, the knight becomes deactivated. This mechanism functions similarly to playing a knight card before rolling in the base Catan game.
Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Declare the intention to use the Knight-Errant Variant.
- Step 2: Select one of your active knights to chase away the robber.
- Step 3: Deactivate the chosen knight.
- Step 4: Proceed to roll the dice for your turn.
Example Play Situation
Alice has an active knight on the board. Before she rolls the dice, she uses the Knight-Errant Variant to chase the robber away with her knight. The knight is then deactivated, and Alice proceeds to roll her dice.
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking the knight can be used to chase the robber during a standard game without the variant enabled
- Assuming the knight remains active after being used to chase the robber
- Confusing the Knight-Errant Variant with the standard turn sequence
Quick Reference
| You Can | You Cannot |
|---|---|
| Use an active knight to chase the robber before rolling | Use a knight to chase the robber if you are not using the Knight-Errant Variant |
| Deactivate the knight after using it in the Knight-Errant Variant | Keep the knight active after using it for this specific variant action |
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the official rule for playing a knight before rolling in Catan: Cities & Knights?
- Under the Knight-Errant Variant, you can use an active knight to chase the robber before rolling.
- Can I use a knight to move the robber before I roll the dice?
- Yes, provided you are playing with the Knight-Errant Variant rule enabled.
- What happens to my knight if I use it to chase the robber before rolling?
- The knight becomes deactivated immediately after the action.
- Is it allowed to use a knight to chase the robber during a normal turn without the variant?
- No, this specific pre-roll action is part of the Knight-Errant Variant rule.