Wooden Ships & Iron Men (1974) Board Game

Wooden Ships & Iron Men is a historical war game that was first released in in 1974. Designed by Edward Moran, this game allows players to simulate naval combat during various historical periods such as the Age of Reason, American Indian Wars, American Revolutionary War, Napoleonic era, and more.

Game Components of Wooden Ships & Iron Men

Map Board: 22″ x 28″ mounted hex grid map board (single piece four-fold in the 1981 edition).

Rule Book: Detailed rules booklet with Basic and Advanced rules, along with optional rules.

Counters: 100 die-cut counters representing various vessels and components.

Log Sheets: For plotting movement, forming boarding parties, and tracking damage.

Reference Sheet: Aids in gameplay with tables and charts.

Six-sided Die: For resolving combat and other actions.

How To Setup Wooden Ships & Iron Men

Setting up the game involves placing the map board, distributing the counters according to the chosen scenario, and preparing the log sheets. Players select a scenario, such as the Battles of The Saintes, the Nile, or Trafalgar, and arrange their ships and counters accordingly. The game includes 23 scenarios in the Avalon Hill 1975 edition, providing a variety of historical battles to recreate.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Movement: Ships move based on wind direction and sail types.

Combat: Resolved using tables and charts that consider the weight of broadside, crew quality, and other factors.

Damage Tracking: Log sheets track damage to ships, including hull, rigging, and crew.

Tactical Decisions: Players must manage towing damaged vessels, handle restricted fields of fire, and navigate waters to avoid running aground.

Game Objective

The objective is to simulate and win naval battles from the 18th and 19th centuries, either by destroying the enemy ships or achieving specific scenario objectives.

Player Experience

Playing Wooden Ships & Iron Men offers a deeply immersive experience, particularly for those fascinated by naval history. The game captures the intricacies of Age of Sail combat, including the critical role of wind direction and the strategic use of different types of ammunition. Players must balance tactical decisions with historical accuracy, making it both challenging and rewarding.

Pros

Historical Accuracy: Simulates numerous naval battles at a detailed tactical level.

Elegant Mechanics: The combat system is based on the weight of broadside, making it simple yet realistic.

Adaptability: Allows for play with counters or miniatures, and includes optional rules for added complexity.

Replay Value: Multiple scenarios and the ability to design custom groups from a point system.

Cons

Complexity: While the basic rules are straightforward, the advanced rules and optional mechanics can be complex.

Unbalanced Scenarios: Some historical scenarios are inherently unbalanced, which can affect gameplay experience.

Counter Management: The game box lacks a counter tray, which can be inconvenient.

Personal Thoughts on Wooden Ships & Iron Men

Wooden Ships & Iron Men is ideal for wargaming enthusiasts and history buffs who appreciate the Age of Sail. It offers a unique blend of historical realism and playable mechanics, making it a classic in the genre. For those who enjoy strategic depth and are willing to invest time in learning the rules, this game provides an unparalleled naval combat experience. However, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers due to its complexity and the need for detailed setup and management.

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.