<p>I'm not sure Lance Roberts' answer is correct. For the Mayor, the rules say this: "If there is at least one colonist on a tile, it is considered occupied. Only occupied tiles may use their functions; unoccupied tiles <em>never</em> function!" (emphasis theirs).</p>

<p>Given that emphasis on the word 'occupied' on the residence card, and the word 'never' in the mayor description, it could be interpreted as island spaces without a colonist do not contribute towards the residence card's ability, as they are not occupied and do not function.</p>

<p>This ambiguity could be fixed by changing the word 'occupied' in relation to the island tiles on the residence card.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-11-13T15:14:56.313Z
The other answer is definitely correct, but your reasoning is reasonable given that the rules don't use the clearest language. The difference is that the rules you are quoting are discussing the definition of an "occupied tile", while Residence deals with "occupied island spaces". And while unoccupied buildings "never function"; they DO count for points at the end of the game.
GendoIkari
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-11-13T08:38:24.127Z
2016-11-13T11:09:34.707Z
2016-11-13T11:09:34.707Z
Adam Millerchip
<p>It means just a plantation, no colonists are required.</p>
<p>From the rules:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Residence The owner of the occupied residence earns, at game end,
additional victory points for the plantations and quarries he has
placed on his island. For up to nine filled island spaces, he earns 4
VP, for ten filled island spaces, he earns 5 VP, for eleven filled
island spaces, he earns 6 VP, and for all twelve spaces filled, he
earns 7 VP.</p>
<p><em>Example: at game end, the owner of the occupied residence
has filled 10 of his 12 island spaces with plantations and quarries:
he earns an additional 5 VP.</em></p>
</blockquote>
<p>No requirement for colonists.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2011-08-11T17:25:21.233Z
I just find it odd that it specified that the "occupied residence" means a colonist on the residence but the "occupied island spaces" does not mean a colonist on the island spaces.
Alex B
CC BY-SA 3.0
2011-08-15T17:38:11.747Z
@alex, they definitely could have been clearer, this question comes up a lot for new players.
Lance Roberts
CC BY-SA 3.0
2011-08-10T22:18:55.607Z
2011-08-10T22:18:55.607Z
2020-06-17T09:01:24.697Z
Lance Roberts
<p>When playing Puerto Rico and using the residence building it states that it is based on the number of "occupied island spaces".</p>

<p>Does this mean plantation spaces with a farm and a colonist? Or does this mean plantation space with or without a colonist?</p>

<puerto-rico>
In Puerto Rico when using the "residence" how is "occupied island spaces" interpreted?
Alex B
# In Puerto Rico when using the "residence" how is "occupied island spaces" interpreted?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2011-08-10)

When playing Puerto Rico and using the residence building it states that it is based on the number of "occupied island spaces".

Does this mean plantation spaces with a farm and a colonist? Or does this mean plantation space with or without a colonist?

**Tags:** puerto-rico


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## 2 answers

### Answer by username_3 on 2011-08-10. Score: 14 | Accepted answer

It means just a plantation, no colonists are required.

From the rules:

> Residence The owner of the occupied residence earns, at game end,
> additional victory points for the plantations and quarries he has
> placed on his island. For up to nine filled island spaces, he earns 4
> VP, for ten filled island spaces, he earns 5 VP, for eleven filled
> island spaces, he earns 6 VP, and for all twelve spaces filled, he
> earns 7 VP.
>
> *Example: at game end, the owner of the occupied residence
> has filled 10 of his 12 island spaces with plantations and quarries:
> he earns an additional 5 VP.*

No requirement for colonists.

> **Comments:**
> **username_0**: I just find it odd that it specified that the "occupied residence" means a colonist on the residence but the "occupied island spaces" does not mean a colonist on the island spaces.  
> **username_3**: @username_0, they definitely could have been clearer, this question comes up a lot for new players.  

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### Answer by username_1 on 2016-11-13. Score: 0

I'm not sure username_3 username_3' answer is correct. For the Mayor, the rules say this: "If there is at least one colonist on a tile, it is considered occupied. Only occupied tiles may use their functions; unoccupied tiles *never* function!" (emphasis theirs).

Given that emphasis on the word 'occupied' on the residence card, and the word 'never' in the mayor description, it could be interpreted as island spaces without a colonist do not contribute towards the residence card's ability, as they are not occupied and do not function.

This ambiguity could be fixed by changing the word 'occupied' in relation to the island tiles on the residence card.

> **Comments:**
> **username_2**: The other answer is definitely correct, but your reasoning is reasonable given that the rules don't use the clearest language. The difference is that the rules you are quoting are discussing the definition of an "occupied tile", while Residence deals with "occupied island spaces". And while unoccupied buildings "never function"; they DO count for points at the end of the game.  

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