Variants for Pirateer

By: Dennis B. B. Taylor

Pirateer Variant Rules

Ahoy, mateys! Avast ye and listen up, for I have some grog-soaked tales to tell of the Pirateer board game. Arrr, let me introduce ye to these variant rules that’ll make yer pirate adventures even more thrilling.

Shiver me timbers! If ye be yearnin’ for more challenge, then try playin’ with the Wind Speed rule. This be a navigational twist that’ll blow ye off course! When ye be rollin’ the Wind Speed die, ye’ll find the direction and strength of the wind. It be a true test of yer sailor skills to adjust yer course and make them strategic moves!

Now, me hearties, let’s dive deeper into the Buried Treasure variant. Arrr, I see ye be enticed! With this rule, there be hidden treasures on the islands. When yer ship lands on an island, ye can dig for buried booty. But beware, for ye might uncover a trap or release the kraken! Aye, ’tis an extra risk ye be takin’, but the rewards be grand if ye be lucky enough to dig up a chest of gold!

Ahoy, me matey! We mustn’t forget the Pirate Showdown variant. This be the ultimate test of yer pirate prowess! When two ships meet face to face on the open sea, it be time to duel! It be a battle of wits and strategy as ye decide which cards to play. Will ye fire yer cannons or launch a sneak attack? ‘Tis a showdown ye won’t be forgettin’ anytime soon!

So, me hearties, if ye be lookin’ to add some excitement and challenge to yer Pirateer adventures, these variant rules be just what ye be needin’! Set sail, me matey, and let the winds of fortune guide ye to victory on the high seas! Yo ho ho!

Instead of the typical starting positions, you start with one ship on the anchor square in your harbor, and your two remaining ships on the two closest anchor squares next to Skull Island. This game always starts with a lively twist.

Hurricane

For some extra fast action, add an extra die to your game. But be careful, if you roll a hurricane (three of a kind), you lose the ship that is furthest from your harbor. Make sure to secure everything, sailor!

Nuke-a-teer

When it’s your turn, you have the option to choose one of your ships as a nuclear device. However, if you go for it, you will have to sacrifice that ship and forfeit its movement. Then, both dice are rolled to determine the blast radius. It’s a risky move, but it could pay off!

When you launch a nuke, the low die is counted in every direction from where the nuke is to determine the “ground zero.” This is the area that will be totally destroyed during the entire game, wiping out all ships and treasure. It’s an important lesson to learn.

Flotilla

The game starts with each player piling all three ships on the anchor square in their harbor. You can move the whole stack together, or separate the ships or stack them again if you roll the right dice numbers.

Shipwreck: A Twist in Plundering

When the tide is low, something fascinating happens. Instead of simply stacking or removing captured ships, we take a different approach. We flip them over and leave them right where they were caught. These shipwrecks create obstacles that cannot be crossed, adding a thrilling new element to the act of plundering.

Acey Deucey: Feeling Lucky?

Here’s a wild card variant that will keep you on the edge of your seat. All the usual rules still apply, but there’s an exciting twist. Whenever a player rolls a combination of 1 and 2 (which we call acey deucey), they get to use that roll to make a move. They can then make up another roll and move again. It’s all about luck and seizing the moment. So, do you feel lucky today?

Dominion (Two Players): A Battle of Strategy

Dominion is a strategic game that pits two players against each other. Each player commands an alliance of six ships, representing the ports of their chosen tradewinds. You’ll go head-to-head, navigating and battling against the ports of the opposing player. It’s a battle of wits, cunning, and strategy. Are you up for the challenge?

When playing Dice rolls, I get to move any of the six ships in the alliance. However, I must make sure to return the treasure to the harbor of the ship that carries it. The game becomes even more exciting and challenging with the addition of extra ships and choices. Those who have skill and experience definitely have an advantage, but beginners can also have some beginner’s luck.

The Runaway Game (Two Players)

In the Runaway game, just like in the regular game, there are six ships forming an alliance. The difference is that this time, the ports are located at opposite ends of the tradewinds. This polar setup adds a new level of strategy, tactics, and excitement to the game. We set sail at full speed and see who comes out on top!

The Deadman Game (Three Players)

In the Deadman game variant, the empty harbor comes to life when the first player loses three ships. The lost fleet then returns under the command of the ‘deadman’ player. They start fresh with three consecutive rolls, ready to make a comeback.

The Winds Of War Game (Two To Four Players)

I’m going to tell you about a really fun game called Pieces Of Eight. The goal of this game is to move a treasure from one corner of the board to your ally in the opposite corner. But, here’s the catch – you’re not the only one trying to do this. There are other players who are also trying to capture the treasure and take it to their own harbor.

Each player starts with a fleet of ships, led by a treasure ship. These ships can only move away from their own harbor and cannot move towards the harbor of their flag. So, you have to strategically plan your moves to ensure the treasure is safe.

If another player manages to capture the treasure, they have to bring it to their own harbor. But, here’s the twist – they can only win if they manage to transport the treasure to the opposite harbor. So, you have to be quick and keep an eye on the other players to prevent them from winning.

In the game Pieces Of Eight, you can play with up to eight players. To accommodate that many players, you need two complete game sets. You have to place the boards together, connecting them at the straits. Everyone takes their starting positions, and then a coin toss decides which board the treasures will be placed on.

The straits in the middle of the boards allow passage between them, while the outside straits let you move from one side of the assembly to the other. It’s a bit tricky, but that’s what makes the game exciting! And don’t forget, in Pieces Of Eight, you use all four dice at once.

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