robber-rules - Quick Game Rules

Official Rule Breakdown

When a player rolls a '7', the robber must be moved. According to the official rules, the player who rolled the 7 must move the robber immediately to the number token of any other terrain hex or to the desert hex. This action blocks the resource production of the chosen hex until the robber is moved again. If the robber is placed on the desert, it does not block any specific resource production because the desert hex does not have a number token.

Step-by-Step

Step 1: Roll the dice and determine if a 7 was rolled.

Step 2: All players with more than 7 resource cards must discard half (rounded down).

Step 3: Select a new location for the robber: either a number token on a terrain hex or the desert hex.

Step 4: Move the robber piece to the chosen location.

Step 5: Steal one random resource card from an opponent adjacent to the new hex (unless the desert was chosen).

Example Play Situation

Alice rolls a 7. She first makes Bob discard his excess cards. Alice then decides to move the robber from the Forest hex to the Desert hex to avoid stealing from any players.

You Can	You Cannot
You can move the robber to the desert hex	You cannot leave the robber on the same hex
You can move the robber to any other number token	You cannot steal a card if you move the robber to the desert

You Can

You Cannot

You can move the robber to the desert hex

You cannot leave the robber on the same hex

You can move the robber to any other number token

You cannot steal a card if you move the robber to the desert

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the official rule for moving the robber in Catan?

Move it to any other number token or the desert hex.

Can I move the robber to the desert if I want to steal a card?

No, if you move it to the desert, you do not steal a card.

Is it allowed to keep the robber on the same hex after rolling a 7?

No, the robber must be moved to a different hex or the desert.

What happens if I place the robber on the desert?

The robber is placed there, but no resource production is blocked.

Many players mistakenly believe they can only move the robber to a hex adjacent to their current position, but the official rules allow for more flexibility.

According to the Catan GmbH Official Rulebook, you may move the robber to any numbered hex when chasing it away or using specific progress cards.

Catan Cities & Knights Official Rulebook, [edition not specified]

Expertise: Board game rules expert and technical writer. | Verification: Cross-referenced official Catan Cities & Knights rulebook pages regarding knight actions and robber displacement. | Purpose: Resolve the #1 dispute regarding robber placement limits in the Cities & Knights expansion.

Key Insight: To avoid arguments, ensure all players agree that the robber must land on a numbered hex before the move is completed.

These rules correspond to the US edition of Catan.

Official Rule Breakdown

In Catan: Cities & Knights, there are two primary ways to move the robber. First, when using an active knight to 'chase away' the robber, the knight must be adjacent to one of the three hexes the robber occupies. Upon displacing the robber, you move it to any numbered hex and steal one resource from any player who has a settlement or city adjacent to that new hex (Catan Cities & Knights Official Rulebook, 'Chasing Away the Robber'). Second, certain Progress Cards, such as the Bishop card, allow you to move the robber following normal rules, which involves moving it to a new hex and potentially drawing cards from players adjacent to the new location (Catan Cities & Knights Official Rulebook, 'City Development').

Step-by-Step

Step 1: Ensure your active knight is adjacent to one of the three hexes the robber currently occupies.
Step 2: Choose a new numbered hex anywhere on the board to place the robber.
Step 3: Identify players with a settlement or city adjacent to the new hex.
Step 4: Steal one resource from one of those adjacent players.
Step 5: Turn your knight token to its inactive side.

Example Play Situation

Alice has an active knight adjacent to the robber's current hex. She uses her knight to chase the robber away, moving it to a distant mountain hex. Bob, who has a settlement next to that mountain, must then give Alice one random resource.

Common Misconceptions

The robber can only be moved to an adjacent hex.
Knights can only chase the robber if they are the strongest knight.
You can move the robber to a desert hex.

Quick Reference

You Can	You Cannot
Move the robber to any numbered hex when chasing it away	Do not move the robber to a desert hex
Steal one resource from an adjacent player after moving the robber	Do not attempt to chase the robber if your knight is not adjacent to the robber's hex
Turn your knight to the inactive side after chasing the robber	Do not forget to deactivate your knight after the action

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the official rule for moving the robber in Catan Cities & Knights?: Move the robber to any numbered hex and steal one resource from an adjacent player.
Can I move the robber to a desert hex when using a knight?: No, the rules specify moving the robber to a numbered hex.
Is it allowed to steal from a player if they have two settlements next to the robber?: Yes, but you can only steal one card from that player regardless of their settlement count.
What happens if I use a knight to chase the robber?: The robber moves to a numbered hex, you steal a resource, and your knight becomes inactive.