[WadeF]

What makes Settlers fun is that there is a good deal of randomness (luck), but you can play the game in such a way that you more often than not luck is on your side.

For instance, having access to all five resources leaves you in a better position for trading and buying, having diversity of numbers guarantees more often than not you'll collect a card, and having access to ports means you can have favorable trading.

There's also a good deal of diplomacy involved, because if someone decides to shut down your resources with the robber or refuses to trade with you because of some ribbing you can really limit your chances to win.