Exercise 5.1: Objects and Properties

Part 1: Choose a board game and identify its objects and properties

One of my favorite board games is Settlers of Catan. This game contains many objects and properties. The first are the board pieces. The outer ring is made of the ocean and ports. The location of the ports impacts the game because the player may want the opportunity to exchange resources more easily. On a 3:1 port, a player can exchange three of the same resource cards for one other resource card. Other ports allow players to exchange two of a specific card for one of any other resource card. These ports can make an exponential difference in game play.

Another game object is the inner hexagonal resource spaces. These spaces determine which resource the player who builds on the space will receive when the corresponding number is rolled. Depending on the location of these resource spaces, certain resources may be close together or far apart. These spaces change location each time that the game is played, which creates variety.

One of the most important game objects is the number pieces. These are placed on top of the resource spaces, and are also reshuffled each game. Each piece has a number on it, which corresponds with the number that must be rolled in order for players to collect resources from that space. The location of these pieces impact where players build. A number like six, that has a high probability of appearing when two dice are rolled would be more appealing than a number like two.

Resource cards are also important game objects. Players get them when a number of a resource that they have built on is rolled. The cards signify what resources each player has, and allow players to trade with other players and build. Without them, game play would be impossible.

Development cards are cards that give players special advantages. They are secret from other players, which adds to the suspense of the game. These cards add a twist that can make the game stay interesting.

Roads, settlements, and cities are the player's game pieces. They show where a player has built and what resources they can earn. These pieces are also the main way to see how close a player is to winning the game, and they are ultimately how someone wins.

The robber is also a twist that occurs when a seven is rolled. The person who rolls the seven is able to block one resource space with the robber until the next seven is rolled. They can also steal a resource card from one player on that space. Anyone holding more than seven resource cards must also discard half of their cards. This keeps players from holding too many cards.

Part 2: Usual Monopoly Setup

I have a very specific Monopoly strategy. My piece is usually the thimble, but if it is taken, I use the iron. Usually I am an aggressive player, and I buy as many properties as possible. However, I do my best to keep as much money as I can. I try to get the most expensive buildings and the railroads, but my main goal is to form complete sets of properties. I win relatively often with this setup, and if I lose I try to improve my setup for the next game.