PWH
The standard game was great for 2 or 3 people, but got really cramped and unfair when playing with 4. Even with 3 people often one would have a extremely hard time competing. With the expansion to 5-6 it fixes all these problems. I haven't played it with more than 4 players, but with four, all players get an equal chance in the game. I recommend this expansion for anyone playing this game.

make sure you match editions
We LOVE to play this game and wanted to expand our current edition. However, we didn't realize that it would be much different from the previous version. You can play them together, just a little confusing. Just make sure if you are expanding that you get the same edition that you already have. This is honestly one of the most fun games we play. I don't even care that my husband always wins when we play - all of the interaction and bargaining makes it enjoyable for all!

Essential expansion to the 4-player game
The 5-6 player expansion set of "The Settlers of Catan" includes the following items:

1) Additional land and ocean tiles that increase the size of the island of Catan from 19 land tiles in the 3-4 player game to 30 land tiles [surrounded by water tiles] for the 5-6 player version.

2) A complete set of 30 numbered discs that matches the new, larger island.

3) More cards of each type of resource needed to accommodate more players

4) An addendum set of rules for 5-6 playes that introduces interesting new options for building not included in the 3-4 player game.

Oh, you probably know this, but you should be aware that the 5-6 player expansion is not a stand-alone game, you need the 3-4 player game in order to use this expansion.

OK, why buy the expansion? It, of course, allows up to two more players to join in. Also, the rules addendum includes an interesting twist... between-turn bulding. Because 5 or 6 players means longer times between an individual's turn, the between-turn "open building" arrangement allows players to build or buy things with the cards they hold in their hands (no trading with the bank or other players between turns though!). That not only allows players to get farther ahead when it's not their turn, it also allows them to use their cards so that they are less susceptible to "robber's" 7-card in-hand maximum limit if a 7 is rolled. Plus, 5-6 players in the game provides more player-to-player trade options, etc.

All in all an excellent addition to an outstanding game. It's fun, it's durable, it's interactive, and some say, "addictive."

5 stars all the way!

Fun with Catan
I bought this game for my husband during Christmas, and we played it with relatives everyday for about a week! Everyone had a great time.

Catan Rocks as usual
If you are a fan of Catan, the new edition will not disappoint you. If you are new to Catan, you will love it. My family spends a lot of time with this game. The game is complex enough for adults to be challenged and simple enough for your 8-10 year old to play with you. The expansion pack is a must if you would like to be able to play with more than 4 people. My suggestion, pick up the settlers, expansion pack, cities and knights, and the expansion pack for that and you are in for a lot of family fun!