England Expects CORE RULES
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This simple set of card- and dice-driven "Fast-Play" rules is designed for use in re-fighting naval battles in the 'Age of Sail' (early 1700s to early 1800s)¸ involving small or large numbers of ships¸ in a tabletop situation.
The game is meant to be played by two or more players¸ each having control of one or more three ship 'Squadrons'. The whole 'Fleet' may comprise of a variable number of squadrons depending upon the battle being re-enacted and / or the particular Nations involved.
In these rules we are more concerned with the overall progression of the battle from a Commanding Officer's viewpoint. Therefore the rules allow for a loose and informal game treatment that can easily be resolved in an evening (two or three hours).
In keeping with this concept¸ we also only take account of the larger sized ships ‐ the Ships of the Line ("SoL") and the biggest Frigates. Smaller ships (of less than 30 - 50 guns) are generally assumed to be almost ineffective in relation to the main fighting vessels of the time¸ although historically they would have performed a service in relaying messages¸ harassment¸ etc.