OK, here's my story: I played Settlers of Catan and came in second place after staying up all night the day before. I probably was playing with no sleep in the last 24-30 hours. I'd say that was pretty good for the lack of
sleep. :) I was a little disappointed by the last game, but my semifinal game was rather exciting! There were three of us at 9 points (one was Ann who helped John GM Peurto Rico) and the winning play of the game occurred
when I made a trade with the other player who I thought could have won the game a turn before me -- he made me a trade 3 for 1 so that he could get the one card that would allow him to buy a special card, which, if it had been a victory point, would have won him the game. He didn't, and the number I needed was rolled, so that on my next turn I was able to place a settlement and win the game. It was really close -- my opponent took the gamble in trading me what he did, since he knew it got me that much closer to completing my settlement. We both took gambles, and I came out the winner. :)

But it was a great game -- fun to play and no one was a bad loser. :) I will definitely be playing in the settlers tournament next year and most likely will choose it as my team game instead of Ra or Carcassonne.

Michelle Hymowitz August 10, 2004 9:21 PM