"Introduction to Naval Warfare" Topic

I am interested in trying my hand in Naval Warfare in the age of sail and I am looking for a good introductory game. My interest is for a game centering on the actions of single ships to small squadrons. My plan is to built small forces and try the genre out before deciding if I am going to spend more money on it (I am currently entering the world of war games after many years in fantasy and I am in the phase of try and see before focusing on a couple of periods and systems). I also would like rules that will

a) Introduce me to some of the concepts crucial to warfare in the age of sail.

b) Are easy or moderately easy to teach someone for a pick up game. (Since I can't press gang people :))

c) The game is fairly quick (1 to 2 hours)with little preparation needed.

I know this could be a hard balance but I would be interested if people think their is a game or a set of rules that succeed in getting it.

The game can be miniatures oriented or a broad game. As far as miniatures are concerned, while I do consider myself an adequate miniature painters, I have zero experience with sailings ships. I enjoyed detailed models that reward good painitng, but I am not confident to try some of the more complicated types (Like Langton if the posts I reviewed gave me a good inclination). I would also like to save money if possible (Think of an overall 50$ starting investment).

Two last points

I do not want a computer moderated game( So probably no Close Actions)

And while I find Pirates of the Spanish Main interesting, I tend to like lead or resin:)

I also reviewed previous posts but couldn't understand which games would be best as an introduction. HoO seems to give the period feel, but it seemed, from reviews, to be a little too complicated for an novice. I have downloaded BtQ and skimmed it, but I am not sure if it is what I want.

Any advice or help will be appreciated.

Thank You
With Respect
KTravlos

I would reccommend using the classic Avalon Hill "Wooden Ships, Iron men". I use the 1/2400 scale figurehead age of sail range. with that scale you can use the boards provided by the AH game or you can measure it out with a ruler. The figurehead range is inexpensive enough for you to explore the era.

hope that helps

Beat to Quarters is fun, fast playing, and provides reasonable results.

Try 1/2000th scale minis from Valiant – made of metal, and just the right tradeoff between size and price. They are also small enough to look okay unrigged, but with enough detail to still look nice.

Just a note that Close Action is not computer moderated. The rules come in a box set with 2 hex grid map sheets and a set of cardboard counters to get you started. I found the rules fairly easy to pick-up. However they tend to run more that your 1 to 2 hour time range, and you need to manually fill out each ship log to prep a game (a computer program is available now to generate log sheets, but not marketed by Clash of Arms).

Wooden Ships and Iron Men is a good place to start and may fit more of your criteria to start.

Mark

Heart of Oak is avalable from Drive Thru RPG for about $4.00.

Heart of Oak is great. Another good one is Nelson's War from Titan Military Miniature Products.

titanmmp.com

He also makes 1/1200 resin ships that are adequate in detail and easy to paint. They are not GHQ or Langton, but they run about 1/2 to 1/3 the price. So you can buy the rules for $12 USD and a few ships and see if you like them for a reasonable price.

Since you have a fantasy background. Have you thought about trying Uncharted Seas? The ships are resin.

Brian

I have Close Action and am selling it for $15 USD if anyone is interested. I am also selling Action Under Sail for $4 USD (not sure which edition – says Revised Edition on cover, copyright 1977) by S. Birnie, and TSR's Don't Give Up the Ship (Revised & Expanded, 1975) by Arneson, Gygax and Carr, also for $4. USD The latter two are strictly miniatures rules. Close Action, of course, can be used with minis or as a board game. Shipping would be extra for Close Action going anywhere and for the minis rules if going overseas.

mrutz@verizon.net

Meryl

Another vote for Heart of Oak.
Great game, realistic movement and no darned hexes.

Matt

I'd like to take a moment to suggest my game . . . Sailpower

Sailpower is a hybrid between detailed systems like Wooden Ships and Iron men, and fast play systems like Limeys and Slimeys

you can see pics of the game in action at sailpowergame.com

My rules will set you back about 25 dollars US

I have a starter set with 2 8-gun sloops and a rules for around 65 US, designed around 1 to 2 hour coffee table play, but you could also use any other ships you may have in the 1/100 approximate size range.

I also make a few different 15MM scale ship kits to go with the game . . .

happy wargaming!
--Brian

Mark. Sorry for the misunderstanding. From the post I read I was under the impression that it was computer moderated.

thacman: I have taken a look on Uncharted waters but I really want to get into some historical wargaming.

bcranes: Those where some very impessive pictures and ships, but I fear to big for what I am looking at. Still very impressive.

On NoO. I was under the impression from the posts I read that it is a fairly complex game for novice players. While that dosen't make it a bad game, I really wish to avoid the 3 days I spend learning the basics of SaganamiITS (a great game, but it does demand spending time to learn it.

I think I will give a try to BTQ. Isn't WSIM out of print?

@KTravlos No problem, I just didn't want you to rule out a good system due to a misunderstanding of what it was. Age of Sail is a fun period and there are a bunch of good rulesets available. Enjoy!

WSIM is out of print, but I've seen copies on e-bay and with used game outlets like Noble Knight. Although a quick search this evening doesn't show any copies listed with either.

You can also check Boardgame Geek for reviews of many of the rulesets mentioned above.

If you want to try WSIM for free (before you buy) I'd suggest trying a few free games online at

youplay.it

..very much recommended.

Steve
steve-the-wargamer.blogspot.com

WSIM rules are available for free at:
link

You can find play aids at:
boardgamegeek.com/game/237

Heart of Oak was a set I was eager to try after hearing similar comments, but when i saw the different rates of movement differing by 2-8 mm (yes, millimeters), I put the rules back on my shelf.
--
Tim