Broadsides & Boarding Parties

About this board game

Broadsides & Boarding Parties is a two-player tactical war game of naval combat during the age of sail, with sessions lasting about 60 minutes. It combines ship maneuvering and cannon fire with close-quarters battles between boarding parties.

The game unfolds across two connected layers. In the broadsides phase, players use a deck of cards to plot their ships’ movement, seeking a position from which they can fire a volley of cannon balls while reducing the danger of return fire.

When movement brings the ships into contact, the boarding parties phase begins. The ships are lined up next to one another, and players attempt to storm the opposing vessel and kill its captain. Because only a limited number of units can move each turn, players must plan carefully to hem in the enemy captain.

• Card-based ship movement and tactical positioning
• Broadside cannon fire with the risk of return volleys
• Ship-to-ship boarding battles
• Limited unit movement that rewards planning

The game is notable for its period-styled presentation and detailed components. The described set includes a full-color board, a fully detailed plastic ship for each player, removable masts, cannon, captains, and numerous small plastic pirate figures.

Released in 1982, Broadsides & Boarding Parties was the first title in Milton Bradley’s Gamemaster series. The first edition, published by Larry Harris, Jr. through Citadel Game Systems, differs in presentation: it includes paper maps and cardboard counters rather than the elaborate plastic ships, cannons, and playing pieces.