Settlers of Catan Board Game Zone

settlers of catan 2 player settlers of catan 2 player
Puerto Rico or Agricola...which to buy?

My friends and I played a lot of Monopoly and Risk and so we decided to try out Settlers of Catan and we were instantly addicted to it. I'm thinking of buying one of the top 2 rated board games on boardgamegeeks.com but I can't decide which one to get. I hear there is less randomness involved in these games, and that's alright with me, but I don't want a game that's so strategic and stressful that it feels like I'm playing chess. So I have 2 questions...do these games involve interactions with other players and which game would you recommend? Oh and a 3rd thing...WHAT MAKES THESE 2 GAMES SO GREAT?

I think that you shouldn't get either. I pretty much agree with the person who explained boardgamegeek's mentality.
I think it will likely be too great a leap of complexity and put your friends off.
Carcassonne is great. I pretty much guarantee it's success.
Race for the Galaxy is good, but I don't recommend it. It could easily be baffling for a beginner (which you are I'm afraid)
You could get an expansion for Catan?
'The Lord of the Rings' is quite good but takes a few games to get into the swing of it. It's cooperative and friendly. You can get 2nd hand copies cheap.
Risk 2210 is a good step up from risk.
Tongiaki is one I'd recommend.
errm
'Hey! That's my fish'

Settlers of Catan - Two Player Catan After Action Report.mp4