Naval Battle has been a popular game for generations. The original pen-and-paper version inspired various editions of the boxed game, portable and computer electronic versions, and even a movie. But even after all these versions, followed by some variations to the basic rules, it is still a rather simple game, so much so that you can play with just squared paper and pen.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Prepare the Naval Battle
Step 1. Give each player a naval battle platform
The standard game package contains two platforms, one for each player. Each platform has two grids, one on each side of the inner surface.
If your package doesn't contain the two platforms, a pile of red and white pegs and at least six ships, it will be difficult to play them. Use a squared paper, as described below, or search for an online version of the game
Step 2. Check that all ships are there
Ships have different lengths, so they will occupy a different number of spaces on the grid. The two players must have the same variety of ships. Here is a standard list, but if there aren't all these ships, just make sure the players' ships are the same for both:
- A five-space long ship (aircraft carrier)
- A four-space long ship (battleship)
- Two three-space long ships (cruiser and submarine)
- A two-space long ship (destroyer).
Step 3. Each player secretly places their ships
With the platforms open, and the players seated facing each other, each places their ships on the lower grid of the platform they hold in front of them. Here are some rules for determining where to place ships:
- Ships can be placed horizontally or vertically, but not diagonally.
- All five ships must be placed on the grid.
- Each ship must fit within the confines of the grid. None can protrude from the edges.
- Ships cannot overlap.
- Once the ships have been set up and the game has begun, they can no longer be moved.
Step 4. Decide who will be the first to play
If the two players cannot agree on who should be first to play, either heads or tails or draw lots in some other way. If you are running a game marathon, consider giving the first move to the player who lost the last game.
Method 2 of 4: Play Naval Battle
Step 1. Learn to shoot
Each player uses the upper grid of their platform (where there are no ships) to score their "shots" at enemy ships. To shoot, choose a grid box by calling its coordinates composed of the letters and numbers that you find respectively on the left and at the top.
- For example, the box in the upper left corner is "A-1", since it is at the intersection of row A and column 1.
- To the right of A-1 is A-2, then A-3, and so on.
Step 2. Learn to respond to enemy fire
After player 1 has announced where he wants to "shoot", player 2 will need to check those coordinates in the lower grid of his platform, where he has placed the ships. Then, without cheating (!), He will respond in one of the following ways:
- If Player 1 has hit an empty space, ie without ships, Player 2 will say "Missed!"
- If Player 1 has hit a space with a ship, Player 2 will say "Hit!"
- In most cases, the "official" rules in the game packs say that the player must also announce which ship has been hit (for example, the aircraft carrier). Nonetheless, many people do not respect this rule.
Step 3. Mark the calls that hit you or miss you
If player 1 misses the target, he will put a white peg in the corresponding hole in the upper grid, and player 2 will put one in the same hole in the lower grid. If player 1's shot hits, both players will use a red peg instead, but in this case player 2 will insert it directly into the corresponding hole on the ship that was hit.
There is no need to take into account the opponent's missed shots on your lower grid, but you can easily score them if you want. Rather, you need to score your hits so you know when a ship has been sunk
Step 4. Warn whenever a ship is sunk
When every square on a ship is hit, then the ship is sunk. The player who placed that ship will have to tell the opponent "You sank my _", which he will complete with the type of ship that sank.
The names of each ship are listed in the Instructions section. If you forget them, you can always say "You sank my longship _ spaces"
Step 5. Continue alternating turns until one player has lost all of their ships
Players take turns with one hit at a time, regardless of whether it hits or not. The first one who manages to sink all the opponent's ships wins the game.
Method 3 of 4: Play Battleship on Squared Paper
Step 1. Draw four grids of 10 cm side (10 x 10)
Draw 4 grids on squared paper, each with a 10 cm side. Each player must be given 2 grids: one will be entitled "my ships", while the other "enemy ships".
Step 2. Draw the outline of your ships on the grid
Hide the grid called "my ships" from the opponent, and draw the very thick outline of the five ships wherever you want while staying within the boundaries of the table. Each ship is one square wide, while the length varies:
- Draw a ship five squares long (aircraft carrier)
- Draw a ship four squares long (battleship)
- Draw two ships three squares long (cruiser and submarine)
- Draw a ship two squares long (destroyer).
Step 3. Play by the classic rules
Use the instructions above to play the classic naval battle game. Instead of using the pegs, report hits hit with an X, miss hits with a Point, or use any symbol system that may be easy to remember. Use the "Enemy Ships" table to track the hits you have dealt, while the "My Ships" table to track your opponent's.
Method 4 of 4: Advanced Variations
Step 1. Try this original rule:
it is called "Salvo". Once you've played the basic version for a while, you may want to try a slightly more challenging version. In the "Salvo" variant, on your turn you will fire five shots in one turn. The opponent will respond normally by telling you which ones hit and which ones missed, but only after you have chosen the five spaces you want to shoot at. This variant of the game has existed since at least 1931.
Step 2. Reduce the number of hits as you lose ships
Increase the tension and reward the player who sinks the first ship by adding this rule to the "Salvo" variant just described. Instead of firing five shots in one turn, each player will be able to fire one shot for each surviving ship. For example, if player 1 loses the cruiser and is left with four ships, he will only be able to fire four shots per turn.
Step 3. Make the game even more difficult with an advanced version of the "Salvo" variant
Play by adopting the "Salvo" variant described above, but do not reveal to the opponent which shots actually hit and which ones missed the target. Rather, it reveals how many hits hit the target and how many didn't. The result will be a more complex game, recommended only for more experienced players.
Since you are not sure which spaces have been hit, the system with the normal red / white pegs will not be ideal for this variation of the game. Perhaps it is best for each player to have a pencil and a sheet of paper, in order to mark every stroke and every response of the opponent
Advice
- Once you hit an enemy ship, try to aim for the spaces around the hit, in the same row or column, in order to find the rest.
- You can also purchase a Naval Battle electronic game. The basic rules are always the same, but some versions provide additional "special weapons" which you should find a description of in the Instructions.
