New to NT with some questions

[jjmicromegas]

Hello,

I have been doing WW2 naval gaming for a few years and have worked my way through the popular sets of rules out there. I am giving NT a go and I have just browsed through the rules, I was curious about the following questions and would be appreciative of the information. I look forward to trying this game out:

1.) What is the ideal size of game that one can complete in a 3 hour setting. I am hoping to play with 15-20 ships a side comprised of the usual mix of ships.

2.) I noticed that in the main rules there is no mention of spotting or the effects of weather. Both of these played a big role in combat in WW2 and I am wondering if I missed something, whether there are rules to deal with this in Bitter Rivals or if I need to house rule this in.

3.) With regard to air to air combat, I noticed that all fighters are generic and have the same fighting capability. Are there any rules to distinguish between different types of fighters and other flyers?

Thanks in advance, from my first read through the game does look interesting and obtains a good balance between detail and playability. I look forward to my first game.

JJ

[gayrat84]

Hi JJ,

My 2 cents
1) I m using 1/2400 size and just a couple of weeks ago completed a 22 ships game is less than 2 hours. Hope it helps
2) As per rule set, it assumes all ships are spotted and pitch battle will begin (at turn 1). However, with my friends we use our own "house rule" for spot and detect. Just to give more twist to it. Do try night battle, rather fun and at times hilarious outcome.
3) Nope, just generic.

[regiamarina]

Hey JJ

welcome aboard.

Here's my advice regarding your questions:

1. I'm assuming you're asking about the size of the game not scale? If so my play group gets through a game of about 20 ships per side comfortably in your time frame, this is generally with 2+ players per side. Being new to the rules will take a bit more time obviously and the make up of the fleets will effect the time also, 20 battleships will take a lot longer to sink.

2. Remember Naval Thunder is a good quick play set of rules. Basic game has no spotting as all ships are assumed already spotted but all the extra rules you may want are under optional/scenario rules so you can tailor the game to however detailed you want it to be. Rules for spotting that I've used are on page 10 of Bitter Rivals and are called "Surprise". We simply play that both sides are hidden rather than one and both sides roll to spot the enemy.

3. No it's a naval game so airpower was made generic.

Martin

[ckosacranoid]

My suggestion would be to first off ru acoupleof games with about 4 or 5 ships per side at first to get the hang of the rules. After playing a few games then increase the number ofships. I WOULD SAY 4 HOURS WOULD BE MORE IN KEEPOING WITH MORE SHIPS FOR MOST GAMES. That is what I have played at most cons for lenght of games.