When you think of competitive gaming, your mind might naturally go to esports arenas buzzing with energy or even high-stakes chess tournaments. But for Jacques Van Zyl, the battlefield isn’t digital or a chessboard – it’s a hexagonal board of Catan.
Last year, Jacques claimed victory at the Catan SA Nationals, securing his place to represent South Africa at the Catan World Championships in Stuttgart, Germany, this April. For Jacques, Catan isn’t just a game – it’s a way of life.
As any seasoned board gamer knows, the journey into competitive play often starts with something simple, perhaps even something that leads to more friendly arguments around the table.
Jacques van Zyl’s board game journey began just like that. He recalls, “As a kid growing up, we only had Monopoly in the house, and we stopped Monopoly because Monopoly was the cause of so many arguments.”
But, like many, he eventually moved on to games that balanced the thrill of competition with the joy of playing with others. Jacques’ introduction to Catan started humbly: gathered around a table with friends. “The first time I played Catan, I had no clue what I was doing,” he recalls with a chuckle.
“But by the end of that game, I knew it wouldn’t be my last. The blend of strategy, negotiation, and the unpredictability of the dice pulled me in,” he says. “It’s the kind of game that sticks with you long after the pieces are packed away.”
This shift to competitiveness really kicked off after 2023’s Cape-Town Comic-Con, during an event hosted by Unplug Yourself, where Jacques was introduced to Catan with the official rules for the first time. “I got hooked to the game, and I realized there’s a lot of mathematical components, a lot of risk management, and a lot of planning.”
He quickly became known among his friends and fellow players as “Jacques the Shark.” As Jacques puts it, “If I can block a person from advancing at some point, I will take the chance because I know later on, when it comes to points, I’ve prevented someone else from building points too fast.”
From casual game nights to competitive tournaments, Jacques’ skills steadily sharpened. “Joining Unplug Yourself was a turning point,” he explains. “They created a fantastic environment to connect with other players and really understand the nuances of the game.”
Catan: Strategy, Adaptability, and People Skills
For those who have tried their hand at Catan, the game can feel like a whirlwind of decisions. There’s strategy involved, but there’s also the all-important luck of the dice. So, does Jacques approach the game with a specific plan, or does he play by ear?
He describes his approach as a balance between preparation and adaptability. “When it comes to Catan, I think all of us walk in with a strategy. We all hope we can play at a certain board because when you play socially, you throw the dice, and the person who throws the highest number gets to start the game. But in a Catan league event, the computer determines your placement,” Jacques explains.
This makes adaptability critical. “A lot of people will tell you it’s all about the role of the dice, but your placement is still important. You want access to all five resources early on.” For Jacques, the expansion strategy is key.
“If you control a bigger part of the board, it really helps gameplay,” he explains. This involves focusing on roads and settlements, which make brick and wood essential resources. But, as with any competitive game, it’s crucial to be ready to adjust if others begin blocking your moves.
The thing that really sets top Catan players apart from casual players, he says, is a combination of risk management, business strategy, and people skills. “From a business perspective, I’m an industrial psychology major, and we learn a lot about business management skills. Catan is all about planning. Are you going to buy a settlement? What are the risks involved? That’s a key skill for top players,” Jacques explains.
However, he emphasizes that above all, people skills are just as important. “If you can’t engage with people and trade, you’re at a disadvantage,” he points out. “If you’re unfriendly or aggressive, people won’t want to trade with you, and they might block you off. Being nice, respectful, and maintaining a warm atmosphere is essential.”
Preparation for the World Stage
Jacques is now preparing for the ultimate challenge: the Catan World Championships in Germany. He’s been studying previous world-class players, noting that international players often bring a different dynamic to the table.
“People play differently across the world. I’ve been watching a lot of previous games to understand not only the players but also their playing styles,” Jacques says. This kind of preparation is essential, as the world of competitive Catan has its own rhythms and strategies that vary from region to region.
When asked about his competitive edge, Jacques admits that there’s a lot of pressure, but he’s ready. “It’s a huge honour to represent South Africa,” he shares. “I’ve worked with Unplug Yourself, teaching people how to play Catan. To now represent South Africa at the World Championships, it’s a surreal feeling.”
For those interested in entering the world of competitive Catan, Jacques has some advice. “Just start playing. Focus on the rules first; avoid house rules because they can change your perspective on the game. Once you’re comfortable with the rules, focus on strategy and figure out what works for you,” he advises. “And above all, have fun. Every game can end with a different result, and that’s what makes it exciting.”
The Thrill of Catan
One thing is certain, Catan’s enduring popularity stems from its ability to engage players in meaningful ways. Jacques believes it’s not just about the game mechanics but also the social aspect. “Catan forces you to talk. If you decide not to talk at the table, you’re missing out on opportunities,” he says. And then there’s the thrill of the dice. “It’s the same as a casino game. If your number comes up, you’re excited. That’s the fun of it, will your number come up and give you the resources you need?”
Whether you’re playing casually or aiming for the World Championship, the journey is just as important as the destination. “Just stay focused, stay strategic, and have fun,” Jacques concludes. “And if you lose? Cheer on your fellow competitors. That’s what it’s all about.”
Jacques also highlights the importance of community. “The friendships I’ve built through Catan are incredible,” he speaks highly of platforms like Unplug Yourself, which foster a welcoming space for players of all levels. “If you’re interested in competitive play, they’re a great place to start,” he adds.
As the World Championships draw closer, Jacques is a mix of excitement and determination. “Of course, winning would be amazing,” he says with a grin. “But more than that, I want to play my best and make South Africa proud. Just being on this stage is a dream come true.”
He hopes his story inspires others to dive into the world of competitive Catan. “There’s so much depth to this game,” he says. “Whether you’re a casual player or have your sights set on the big leagues, there’s always something new to learn.” From his first dice roll at Comic-Con to preparing for the international stage, Jacques Van Zyl’s journey is one of passion, persistence, and a love for the game that’s as much about the people as the pieces.
“Every game, every challenge, every victory, it shapes you,” he reflects. Whether or not he claims the world title, Jacques has already left his mark on South Africa’s board gaming community. We’ll catch up again with Jacques after he returns home from representing South Africa on the world stage to find out what his experience was like.
If you have any questions you’d like us to ask, leave them in the comments. Who knows, maybe a Catan World Champion will answer them!