Black Seas: Rulebook (2019) Board Game

Black Seas: Rulebook is a tabletop wargame set during the age of sail, focusing on naval battles from the late 18th to early 19th centuries. It is designed by Warlord Games, known for their historical miniatures games, and published in in 2019. The game allows players to command fleets of ships and engage in strategic naval combat based on historical events and scenarios.

Game Components of Black Seas: Rulebook

Rulebook: A 95-page guide containing core and advanced rules, faction rules, ship points and profiles, upgrades, and scenarios.

Ship Models: Miniatures of various naval vessels from the Age of Sail.

Dice: 10-sided (D10), six-sided (D6), and three-sided (D3) dice.

Ship Cards: Track ship integrity, crew wellbeing, and damage.

Wind Rose: Indicates wind direction.

Cotton Wool: Used to mark cannon fire and fires on ships.

Double-sided Sea Map: Included in the Master & Commander starter set.

How To Setup Black Seas: Rulebook

To set up a game of Black Seas, choose or create a scenario from the rulebook. For larger games, use a playing area of 6′ x 4′ or more, while smaller games can use an area of approximately 4′ x 3′. Determine the initial wind direction, which is crucial for naval combat, either by scenario instructions or random determination. Deploy your fleets accordingly, taking into account the wind direction and the Weather Gage order.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Turn Sequence: Each turn is broken down into phases, including rolling for wind direction, determining Weather Gage order, activating ships, resolving shooting, and resolving boarding actions.

Ship Activation: Ships are activated based on their proximity to the wind source, with the closest ship going first.

Skill Tests: Crew skill levels (Inexperienced, Regular, Veteran) affect the success of various actions like tacking, sailing close to other ships, and boarding actions. These tests are resolved using D6 rolls.

Ship Points: Represent the integrity of the hull, masts, sails, and crew wellbeing. Damage is tracked using red damage sliders on ship cards.

Break Value: The point at which the crew might surrender if a Skill Test fails after the ship’s health drops below this value.

Objective: The primary goal is to damage or capture enemy ships while managing your own fleet’s integrity and crew morale.

Player Experience

Playing **Black Seas** offers a fast-paced and fun experience, balancing realism with simplicity to avoid unnecessary complexity. The game is designed to be engaging and narrative, with scenarios ranging from small duels to large-scale battles like the Battle of Trafalgar. Players can choose between simplified core rules or more detailed advanced rules, making the game adaptable to different play styles and preferences.

Pros

Streamlined Gameplay: Designed for a fast-paced and fun experience without getting bogged down in minutiae.

Well-Written Rulebook: Approachable and comprehensive, containing all necessary rules and scenarios.

Narrative and Engaging: Scenarios and gameplay mechanics create a highly immersive experience.

Adaptable Rules: Players can choose between core and advanced rules to suit their play style.

Cons

Potential for Slow Games: Larger games with many ships can become slow and complex, especially above 1500 points.

Dependence on Luck: Battles can be prolonged due to the low probability of dice rolls, leading to statistical fluctuations in outcomes.

Personal Thoughts on Black Seas: Rulebook

**Black Seas** is ideal for fans of naval warfare and the Age of Sail, particularly those who enjoy tabletop wargames. It is suitable for both new players looking for a straightforward introduction to naval combat and experienced players who want to delve into more advanced rules and strategies. The game’s balance between realism and simplicity makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a fun and engaging gaming experience without the need for extensive historical knowledge or complex rules.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.