Squadron rules ?

[MWBell]

As usual, I'm coming into this discussion late so please forgive me for any redundancies.

I try to hold to linear battles (especially when using SOLs) as much as possible, since that was the norm for the era. Sadly, the detail of the game (which is GREAT) limits pragmatic play of more than a couple ships at a time by any contestant (which is a bummer), so I generally use a Flagship and either one or two (maximum) other ships to operate as a squadron. The number of squadrons is dictated by the number of players. Game balance is worked out with ship sizes.

Like Rob, I have the leading ship determine direction, but use the slowest ship's maneuver cards until a general chase is ordered.

I stick to Line Ahead (using markers to denote points of turning for following ships), "Mimic" Ahead (i.e.: play the same card as the leading ship), Echelon Right (or Left) Ahead, Line Abreast and "Mimic" Abreast.

Any ship that suffers damage enough to fall out of the line backs off as any following ships close up automatically toward the van.

A Flagship dictates the crew commands for its squadron, again until a general chase is ordered.

Things I'VE learned (as you are already well aware of if you've seen ANY of my AARs):
1-Leave PLENTY of space between ships...pile-ups are quite common otherwise so pay VERY close attention to the cards you're playing.
2-Get in CLOSE to your opponent before your first fire!
3-Make the most of your "national" gunnery doctrines...there's a reason for them.
4-Don't break out of formation too soon. Having to manage too many ships at a time can really bog down your game.

I hope this helps.

[Bligh]

I endorse every thing you suggest Mike, especially the distance between ships from sad experience. There are one or two tips about cutting the line to avoid being raked by two enemy ships before you can return fire. I try to approach from an oblique angle and exchange broadsides, before turning in to cut the line. Try to time your reloading so that you have both broadsides loaded, and ensure that the previously unengaged side is double shotted. Add to that the first time of firing bonus and a rake can virtually disable a 74 in one pass.

Rob.