Take the 2-minute tour ×  By "building," I refer to those
activities such as roads and settlements that are heavy on wood
and brick requirements.  By "development," I refer to those
activities that require the other three commodities, ore, grain,
and wool, such as buying cities and development cards.  Is it
possible to be "too good" at the building phase of the game, to
the detriment of the development phase of the game? Conversely
is it possible to be so focused on development that you fall
critically behind in building?  How do you avoid these pitfalls?
Is there a transition/balance between building and development,
and if so, how do you manage it?  share|improve this question
Your "building" phase is more commonly referred to as
"expansion" –  bengoesboom Sep 21 '13 at 5:30 This question
should really probably be at least 2 questions. –  bengoesboom
Sep 22 '13 at 4:08 @bengoesboom: "It should be at least 2
questions." Under other circumstances I would agree with you.
But this is a comparison/contrast quest