Weekly summaries of our group's Wednesday night Catan games

Spring standings:

(1) Scott: 1 (2) *Steve: 0 (3) *Pat: 0 (4) *Kristen: 0 (5) *Fifth Player: 0 (6) Kim: 0 (7) Kevin: 0

*Denotes status as a regular

Summer Champion: Pat

Fall Champion: Fifth Player

Winter Champion: Pat, Steve

Winter Points Champion: Kristen

Last Wednesday night was a wistful one as the group -- in full force for the first time in weeks -- looked back on the exciting winter season, looked forward to the new spring season format, and then gazed maybe too far in the future to a day when Wednesday could become just another weekday with no redeeming qualities (not even any good T.V. shows unless you're into "Workaholics").

By June, two fifths of the core group may lose their *status as regulars. As previously noted, player number five recently took a demanding new job which has already stolen her for weeks at a time. (Not only has she missed sessions, but her skills have suffered for it if Wednesday's long road blunder is any indication.) Something you haven't read about yet is my rumored departure. If things go to plan, I'll be enrolling in a two-year "Natural Catan" program, which disperses some of the most ambitious players around the country to learn the game "from the seeds up." I won't play a single game during the program (luckily I'll have summers off to play in Bethpage). Rather, I'll study to become an actual farmer of grain, a true herder of sheep, an overseer of a rock and brick quarry, and, for the last semester, a lumberjack of the region's wood. My assignment area is the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, near the border of Mexico. The goal is to understand the game on a more intimate level. The guarantee that it will actually help me become a better player hasn't been made. Like settling on a 10-10-10 hex, it's a big risk.

What will become of the group in the meantime? It may depend on who responds to something resembling this craigslist ad rough draft below:

personals/casual encounters/mw4mw/Bellmore, Long Island:

Seeking Settlers of Catan player -- or someone willing to learn "the game of our generation" (it's a board game) -- for every Wednesday night from 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm. Must always be on time, dependable, and serious about the game. Must be the time of person who always calls days in advance when making or breaking plans.

Punctuality aside, we're a lively group of players who haven't missed a Wednesday game for over a year. Gradually, we've learned to balance our Catan playing and regular life. Thus, play amongst our group is restricted to Wednesdays. If you develop the type of Catan fever we hope/expect, we have no problem with you seeking outside games until you also develop the same type of balance.

We're not your typical set of board game players, which doesn't mean we won't like you if you are. In fact, someone closer to the dungeons and dragons mold might be just what we need. Of course, if you're just a regular dude/gal who happens to be into games, you may find yourself getting social invites outside of Wednesday night. Of course, no promises.

If you agree to our games, you'll have to agree to alter, manipulate, but never break the written rules of Catan. In our view, the game is structured to be tweaked so if you're a rules monger this may not be the game for your. However, if you're a rules monger who doesn't mind some healthy debate and a new direction, this could be exactly your group.

Must be able to take verbal punishment (we'll be kind at first, but not so much if mistakes are recurring) for questionable decisions, including trades, road directions, and robber positions. Of course, you're always free to fire back as long as you have a good point.

You may bring your marriage partner/significant other to games, but understand, we now have a bevy of hand-crafted jewelry dishes -- meaning marriage rings and other "promise" jewelry are to be taken off at the door. Every player for themselves.

As intense as games are, please always remember there's a reason we haven't missed a Wednesday in over a year. It goes (slightly) further than our love of the game. We all enjoy each other's company. Still, if you're an intense, capable player, that'll probably be enough. If you're not, make sure you're at least likeable.

Spades skills are a plus as are fans of Budweiser/PBR/Genesee/Early Times. Must like dogs.

Must be able to drive/bike/run to Bellmore. 

Please reply by email. We'll set up further arrangements from there.

Wheat, sheep, brick, wood, rock,

-Scott (on behalf of Pat, Kristen, Steven, Player Number Five)

I'll be sure to post any replies in next week's entry.

New spring format: So far, it looks like we're going to play a super-short spring REGULAR season. Based on those results, we'll set set up a tournament, with the winner of the regular season gaining a first round bye and perhaps other advantages. More details to come next week.

Order analysis: Pat forgot to conduct his analysis of order as they relate to wins, which he had intended to do last week. He's got a bus trip to A.C. this weekend to pull together that data for next week's entry. Hopefully, we'll see what he has to say from his own keystroke.