FAQs

What is CATAN Board Generator?

An intelligent tool designed to create balanced CATAN board layouts by: - Optimizing terrain hex placement - Strategically distributing number tokens - Ensuring balanced resource distribution - Supporting both standard and seafarers maps - Following official CATAN guidelines

What Makes a Board 'Balanced'?

A balanced board layout is determined by: - Strategic distribution of high-probability numbers (6 and 8) - Proper spacing of red numbers - Equal access to all resources - Optimal harbor placement - Strategic desert positioning

How to Use the Generator

Simple steps to generate a layout: - Choose between standard or extended map - Click generate for a new layout - Check the balance score - Save or share the layout - Regenerate if needed for different options

Understanding Layout Scores

Our balance score considers: - Resource distribution evenness - Number token probability spread - Harbor positioning effectiveness - Overall map strategic potential - Starting position opportunities

Sharing and Saving Layouts

How to preserve your generated layouts: - Screenshot the layout - Share via unique URL - Save to your device - Print the layout - Access layout history

Standard vs Extended Maps

Key differences between map types: - Standard: 19 hexes for 3-4 players - Extended: 30 hexes for 5-6 players - Different resource distributions - Varied harbor arrangements - Adjusted number token placements

Technical Requirements

What you need to use the generator: - Modern web browser - JavaScript enabled - Screen resolution of 1024x768 or higher - Stable internet connection - Mobile or desktop device

Common Issues and Solutions

Troubleshooting guide: - Layout not loading: Refresh the page - Score not showing: Check browser compatibility - Can't generate: Clear browser cache - Display issues: Adjust screen zoom - Mobile viewing: Use landscape orientation