"What rules set do you suggest?" Topic

Hello!

I was wondering what rules set you experienced gamers might suggest for someone trying to introduce new players to Civil War naval games?
I'm looking for something with low complexity, something that might come under "beer and pretzels" heading. I know that is a lot to ask for anything naval…

Thanks!

Jeff B.

For beer and pretzels type rules I'd suggest Peter Pig's Hammerin Iron set.

However, I cannot respond to any thread about ironclads without mentioning the best set of rules ever made for the period: Yaquinto's "Ironclads" (and also it's sister version "Shot and Shell" by 3W). Think Star Fleet Battles for ironclads warfare. And yes, I know there are flaws in "Ironclads", but I don't care I tell you!

2nd vote for Hammerin Iron – simple and fun, like the best opponents.

I've played both and like both of them much. I found that Hammerin' Iron ends up having much the same feel with 1/80th the detail and complexity of Ironclads.

Not that I would ever disagree with Hastati!

A free set of rules can be found on the Jackson Gamers web site providing fairly fast play and quite a lot of fun

link

"Not that I would ever disagree with Hastati!"

And certainly not if you want to be fed and housed in November!!!! Looking forwards to having the old gang back, even for one weekend.

Thanks guys!

I didnt not expect such a fast response, but I really appreciate it.

I know its off topic but doesn anyone have any thoughts for pre-dreadnought era rules? I have a senario in mind that makes it Civil War….

Regards,
Jeff

For pre-dreadnoughts I would recommend "Ironclads and Etherflyers" by GDW. It is in print from Heliograph and available via Amazon. It is a very good set of rules for 1870-1900 era naval.

We use "Smoke On the Water" rules. They used to cost, but now are free. I've run the game at numerous cons and its easy to learn and fun to play.

link

If you join the Ironclads Yahoo Group I have a lot of pre- made ship charts on there.

Steve

For pre-dread I like "Sides of Steel" by Ben King. I use it at conventions – very easy to teach.

For Ironclads "Victory on the Rivers" is a Victory at Sea variant worth a look. But darned if I can rememebr where you can download it (it's free). The Ironclads Yahoo group maybe?

I've had fun with "Beer and Pretzels Ironclads" ruleset for ACW.

I like Iron Clads and Shot and Shell as well. It playes on Hexes, makes movement easy, even for non naval gamers, such as myself. The rules are pretty easy depending on what you are going for. We use pretty basic stuff, there are two large charts to follow, and each ship has a piece of paper for keeping track of damage, which is not much work. We run these so0metimes on Sundays at HMGS cons waiting for the dealer hall to open in the morning, and have had young kids playing in minutes, so not really that hard. We dont do historical scenarios with this one, just smash em up's. We dont use a lot of rules, like boarding, running aground, shore batteries, wind, smoke, and all that stuff. They are there if you want the realism, but are more complex…

Andy

Schlesien is right. If these are inexperienced gamers, then Buck Surdu's 'Beer and Pretzels Ironclads' is the set you want. Get 'em hooked first. You can get into the 'hard stuff' later.

Victory on the Rivers is on Dave Manley's website

link

ought to get you close.

Iron Thunder (my take on Ironclads VAS) was released in several issues of Mongoose Publishing's Signs and Portents.
See the mongoose website and S&P archives from around issue 54 or so.

Thanks again guys.

I'm really interested in naval warfare, particularly the ironclad and pre-dreadnought eras. However, many games seem to have so much paper work attached that a lot of people I play with don't want to mess with it. Sounds like you guys have found some alternatives.

Andy – I really appreciate your comments. I'm a member of HMGS-South (I am the news letter editor) In the back of my mind, hosting an ironclad game of some sort at RECON '09 was hatching. Sounds like you've got the exact thing I'm after.

Thanks for all the advice,

Jeff Brown

Tahnks for the pointer to my site, Ray. Of course, hunting further around my site would take the casual reader to my ACW rules, "Iron and Fire", published by A&A Geme Engineering :)

David,

Is your game (Victory at Sea) the same one that was play tested at Game Towne in San Diego?

Thanks,

Jeff

Thanks for the link to "Smoke On the Water". I had considered buying the rules some years ago, unfortunately they were out of my price range. It's great that the rules are now available as a free download.

I know it's probably old school, but I still like the old Yaquinto Ironclads rules. We play it with 1/600 scale ships, and we've ditched the hexes for turning circles on large tables. The rules aren't real easy to find, but the copyright is held by Toby Barrett at Thoroughbred Miniatures. If enough people fuss at him, maybe we'll get a new edition.

Yes there is some paperwork and game management, but it plays more realistically than many other sets of rules. However, I would never use it for a large battle. For that I'd use Iron and Fire by David Manley.

I agree with rmaker

"Schlesien is right. If these are inexperienced gamers, then Buck Surdu's 'Beer and Pretzels Ironclads' is the set you want. Get 'em hooked first. You can get into the 'hard stuff' later."

That was the 1st miniatures rules I played. It got me into the hobby.

Then, move up to Iron and Fire. That is what I use now.

Victory on the Rivers is much better than a "beer and pretzels" game, but very easy to play.

our club are working on a set of acw ironclad rules which are quick to learn and fun to use and can be used from doing it at home on the dinner table to upto 6 ships or more each.you roll for the captains ability ie stubburn,wreckless,inteligent which can change how the ships do thier orders,which can be alot of fun and there are tides to take into consideration.you can run a historical game or even roll for the scenery for a fun game.When they are completed i will let you know or you can e-mail me on paulreid28@hotmail.com and i will see if they will e-mail a set to you.
regards
paul
maws uk

Anyone tried Thoughbred's Steam, Iron, and Tin ruleset?

From link
Steam, Iron and Tin is a combined arms set of rules for 10mm and 15mm figures and models that allows wargamers to play miniature battles of the American Civil War. Written by the authors of Slimeys and Limeys – now land, naval, and siege actions of the American Civil War can be played separately, or together in combined operations. It's easy to learn and fun to play. (Shipping note: postage for the rules alone add $1.00.) $12.00 USD