Using the robber

How it works

When you roll a 7 or play a knight, you move the robber to any tile. That tile produces nothing until the robber moves again, and you steal one random card from a player with a building on it. On a 7 (not a knight), anyone holding more than 7 cards discards half first.

Who to rob

• The leader. Slowing down whoever's winning helps everyone, and the rest of the table approves. The rivals do the same thing.
• The best tile, not just the best player. Blocking a 6 or 8 that only one rival uses costs them roughly one card in seven rolls for as long as it sits there.
• Someone already angry with you. Their grudge is already high, so robbing them costs you less goodwill than starting a new feud.

Who not to rob

• Anyone you promised. Breaking a promise is the biggest single grudge in the game, and the whole table holds it against you.
• Tiles you share. Everyone with a building on that tile resents it, not only the person you steal from.
• Otto, without a good reason. His temper means a robbery hits harder and lasts longer.

Protecting yourself

• Keep 7 cards or fewer at the end of your turn whenever you can.
• Don't look like the leader. Hidden victory point cards help.
• Buy knights. Moving the robber off your own tile is the best defence there is, and three knights win Largest Army.
• Make friends. Rivals with low grudges against you look elsewhere when they roll a 7.