‘Settlers of Catan’ tournament planned Jan. 9 in Richland

The back room at Adventures Underground in Richland will transform into the island of Catan on Jan. 9.

And “settlers” — up to about 30 of them — will trade resources, build roads and colonize the place.

It’s all part of a Settlers of Catan tournament, which kicks off at noon. Space is limited, so players are advised to show up early.

Settlers is a popular board game — one in which players use strategy and smarts to get ahead.

First released in 1995, “it’s kind of widely regarded as one of those games that shook the dust off the board game industry,” said George Mowry, the board game buyer for Adventures Underground.

The tournament is free. Winners will receive prizes, likely store credit.

At a Cards Against Humanity tournament Jan. 2, the back room “was bursting at the seams. It was absolutely full,” Mowry said.

That’s the Richland shop’s best-selling board game, followed by Settlers of Catan.

Adventures Underground is in the Uptown Shopping Center. It sells items such as books, comics, games and records.

It has regular open board game nights, at 6 p.m. on Thursdays, and also is moving toward holding more game demonstrations and tournaments — like the Catan tourney.

A demo of the party board game Codenames is planned for noon Jan. 30 at the store.

“We’re doing more community connecting,” Mowry said. “We want to have more connective events with gamers, people in the community.”

The Catan tournament isn’t for beginners. Players should be familiar with the game and its rules.

For more information on the tournament and other events at the Richland store, go to www.advunderground.com.

Adventures Underground is at 1391 George Washington Way.

This story was originally published January 6, 2016 at 9:05 AM with the headline "‘Settlers of Catan’ tournament planned Jan. 9 in Richland."