reputation block

A term used in the popular board game known as Settlers of Catan, when one player blocks and steals from another player (using the robber) primarily because that player has a reputation for being really good at the game. It's typically most obvious this has been done when the player being blocked has been chosen over another player in the game who is a more immediate threat.

However, reputation blocks are not exclusive to the player's reputation. Some strategies have a reputation for being more effective than others in Catan. For example, a strategy known as OWS (ore wheat sheep) or SBS (side by side) can both be very effective strategies. If a player using one of these well known strategies is blocked, because of the strategy being used, instead of another person in the game who has a stronger position, this is also considered reputation blocking.

Reputation blocking is most commonly an action taken by novice player's who haven't yet learnt how to play Catan well. This move is also severely frowned upon by highly skilled, established players in competitive Catan leagues. Primarily because it is illogical and does very little to help the player performing block win the game.

Red Player: Why did you just block me? Orange is winning!
Blue Player: Because its you!
Red Player: That's a reputation block! You're going to make us both lose the game with moves like that.

reputation block by Citiz3n7 January 30, 2022