# Wooden Ships & Iron Men

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 1974
- **BGG Rating**: 7.1
- **BGG Rank**: #2170
- **Players**: 2 (Best with: 2)
- **Duration**: 60-300 min
- **Weight**: 3.09 / 5
- **Designers**: S. Craig Taylor
- **Artists**: Edward Moran
- **Publishers**: The Avalon Hill Game Co, Battleline
- **Categories**: Age of Reason, American Indian Wars, American Revolutionary War, Napoleonic, Nautical, Pirates, Post-Napoleonic, Wargame
- **Mechanics**: Action Queue, Dice Rolling, Hexagon Grid, Line of Sight, Simulation, Simultaneous Action Selection

## Verdict
Fans of tactical naval battles will enjoy this Avalon Hill classic. Its highlight is the blend of naval tactics and detailed movement rules.Authentic naval combatHexagonal grid mechanicsScalable scenariosTactical challengeWell-balanced classicLong playtime in large scenariosRulebook requires memoryModerate complexityTwo-player focusRECOMMENDED

## Description
Wooden Ships & Iron Men is a classic naval wargame that places you at the heart of the Age of Sail, where warships from different nations clash in varied historical scenarios. The game features a large ocean map overlaid with a hex grid, where each ship occupies two hexes and has its own movement and firing rules. Players line up their ships, plan positioning tactics, and then unleash combat, using six‑sided dice to determine attack and defense outcomes. Complexity is moderate, with a 6/10 rating from Avalon Hill, making it accessible to those with war‑game experience but potentially challenging for beginners. Playtime varies with the scenario: small skirmishes finish in about an hour, while fleet battles can stretch to five hours. The game is designed for two players, but can be adapted to more with cooperative rules. Components include the ocean map, ship counters, dice, action tokens, and a detailed rulebook. Wooden Ships & Iron Men stands out for its blend of naval tactics, detailed movement rules, and the ability to scale from small scenarios to large fleet battles, offering a deep, immersive strategic experience for fans of maritime war simulation.

## FAQ
### What is the average playtime?
It depends on the scenario; small skirmishes take about 60 minutes, while fleet battles can reach 300 minutes.

### How many players are required?
The game is designed for two players, but can be played with more using cooperative rules.

### What is the complexity level?
Rated 6/10 by Avalon Hill, considered moderate for those already experienced in war games.

### What components come with the game?
A large ocean map with a hex grid, ship counters occupying two hexes, six‑sided dice, action tokens, and movement and firing rules.

### Is it suitable for beginners?
While a classic title, the learning curve can be steep; recommended for those who have played tactical war games before.

### Are there official expansions?
No official expansions, but there are community‑created additional scenarios.

### Does the game support different nations?
Yes, there are ship pieces representing various nations, including France, Great Britain, the Netherlands, the USA, and the United Kingdom.