# De Kolonisten van de Lage Landen

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2009
- **BGG Rating**: 6.5
- **BGG Rank**: #9644
- **Players**: 3-5 (Best with: 4)
- **Duration**: 75 min
- **Weight**: 2.43 / 5
- **Designers**: Klaus Teuber
- **Artists**: Geoffrey Cramm
- **Publishers**: 999 Games
- **Categories**: Negotiation
- **Mechanics**: Dice Rolling, Hand Management, Memory, Network and Route Building, Trading

## Verdict
If you love Catan and crave deeper strategy with a European twist, De Kolonisten is your next step.Engaging network buildingStrategic hand managementRealistic negotiationSturdy wooden componentsModerate complexity5-player limitHIGHLY RECOMMENDED

## Description
De Kolonisten van de Lage Landen is the standalone version of classic Catan that takes you straight to the heart of the Netherlands and Flanders. The map features islands, canals, and coastal towns, giving that lowland charm while keeping the tactical gameplay you know. You can play with 3 to 5 players, and a special construction phase appears with five players, adding extra strategy for those who want to stand out. The pieces are wooden, giving a rustic feel and a bit more weight on the board, while the monument markers are also wooden, keeping visual consistency. Resource production works with dice rolls, but also uses hand cards that require careful management. Additionally, the memory mechanic comes into play when you try to remember which cards have already been played, adding a mental challenge. Trading and negotiation are central: you can trade resources with other players or the bank, and coastal cities can produce fish, recalling classic The Fishermen of Catan. Component-wise, the game comes with a robust set of pieces, a detailed board, and a card set that blends strategy and luck. The complexity level is moderate, ideal for those who know Catan and want something new but not so advanced as to be intimidating. If you enjoy planning, negotiation, and an authentic European setting, De Kolonisten van de Lage Landen will offer you hours of strategic fun with that bargaining twist only a Catan game can provide.

## FAQ
### What is the average playtime?
Between 75 and 80 minutes, depending on the number of players.

### Who is this game recommended for?
Ideal for players who already know Catan and want something new but not too complex.

### What components are included?
Wooden pieces, wooden monument markers, resource cards, dice, and a detailed board.

### How does the special construction phase work with five players?
It allows each player to build more roads and cities, increasing competition and strategy.

### Does the game have language dependencies?
Yes, the cards and rules are in English, so a translation or localized version may be needed.

### How does memory factor into the game mechanics?
You need to remember which cards have already been played to better plan your future actions.