Cadet-Captain Mike's Lists of Top Ten Pirate (things)

These are a few lists I've made up, in the tradition of "top ten lists" as popularized by David Letterman. They may aid you in forming your tactics, or they may just be good for a piratical smile. I'm not looking for any debates about "how could you rate that waste of plastic higher than the mighty HMS Ustafish" or anything like that, so if you don't see your prize ship where you expect to see it, it's nothing personal. Everything here is strictly my own opinion, except the items that are backed up by numbers.
Top Ten Factions:
  1. Pirates — 229 ships, 176 crew; fine gold ships & good fighters with crew to match, usually less expensive than other factions
  2. Spain — 143 ships, 121 crew; mix of good fighters and excellent gold ships, good crew
  3. France — 133 ships, 101 crew; fast, good fighters, fine gold ships, crew is a good mix, sometimes less expensive than other factions
  4. England — 170 ships, 129 crew; best fighting ships & crew in the game, not so good at gold running
  5. USA — 125 ships, 92 crew; excellent fighting ships, weak in gold ships and crew abilities, often more expensive than other factions
  6. Corsairs — 38 ships, 20 crew; fast, gold-oriented, nothing bigger than 4 masts, very limited crew, can't do damage by ramming
  7. Jade Rebellion — 29 ships, 25 crew; better at battle than gold, ships & crew are good but few in number
  8. Cursed — 99 ships, 59 crew; good sea monsters, overpriced, very few good fighters, almost no gold ships or gold-running crew
  9. Vikings — 23 ships, 19 crew; good fighters, cheapest ship is 12 pts, nothing bigger than 3 masts, smallest faction in the game
  10. Mercenaries — 33 ships, 25 crew; mostly mediocre ships, unable to dock at home island, pretty much unplayable as a single-faction fleet
Top Ten 5-Point Ships:
  1. Le Pique (France) — 5 pts, move=S+S+S, cargo=3, cannons=2S; double range (6 to hit)
  2. L'Intrepide (France) — 5 pts, move=S+L, cargo=4, cannons=3S,3S; English get +1 cannons vs this ship
  3. HMS Antelope (England) — 5 pts, move=S+L, cargo=2, cannons=4L,4L; no ability
  4. El Chico (Pirates) — 5 pts, move=S+L, cargo=2, cannons=3S,3S; Spanish get +1 cannons vs this ship
  5. HMS Cumberland (England) — 5 pts, move=L, cargo=4, cannons=2S,2L; Pirates get +1 cannons vs this ship
  6. Treachery (Pirates) — 5 pts, move=S+S, cargo=3, cannons=3L,3L; English get +1 cannons vs this ship
  7. Rattlesnake (USA) — 5 pts, move=L, cargo=5, cannons=3S,3L; English get +1 cannons vs this ship
  8. Ahura Mazda (Pirates) — 5 pts, move=L, cargo=1, cannons=4S; one treasure worth +2
  9. Fancy (Pirates, CC) — 5 pts, move=S+L, cargo=2, cannons=3L; double range (6 to hit)
  10. El Hambre (Spain) — 5 pts, move=S+S, cargo=2, cannons=4S; move +S when no cargo
Top Ten 10-Point Ships:
  1. The Darkhawk II (Pirates) — 10 pts, move=L, cargo=8, cannons=2S,3L,3L,2S; move=S if full
  2. HMS Dover (England) — 10 pts, move=S+S, cargo=5, cannons=3S,3L,3L,3S; no ability
  3. Native Canoes (USA) — 10 pts, move=S+L, cargo=2 (x5), cannons=2S (x5); transfer treasure from friendly ship within S
  4. Le Courageux (France) — 10 pts, move=S+L, cargo=4, cannons=2S,3L; ignore 1st hit each turn while intact
  5. HMS Nautilus (England) — 10 pts, move=S+L, cargo=3, cannons=2S,2L,2S; +1 cannons vs USA
  6. Le Bonne Chance (France) — 10 pts, move=S+S+S, cargo=1, cannons=3S,2L,3S; junk, reroll
  7. Tripoli (Corsairs) — 10 pts, move=S+S+S, cargo=2, cannons=4S; galley, can't be shot within S
  8. Raven (Pirates) — 10 pts, move=S+S+S, cargo=4, cannons=2S,2S; schooner, can't be pinned
  9. Wicked Kareen (Corsairs) — 10 pts, move=S+L, cargo=4, cannons=2S,3S,4S; galley, +1 cannons & boarding vs USA
  10. Le Triton (France) — 10 pts, move=S+L, cargo=5, cannons=3S,3L,4S; schooner, can't be pinned
Top Ten 15-Point Ships:
  1. San Cristobal (Spain, RF #202) — 15 pts, move=S+S, cargo=5, cannons=3S,3L,3L,3L,3S; same action twice on 5-6
  2. HMS Grand Temple (England) — 15 pts, move=S+S, cargo=3, cannons=3S,3S,2L,2L,2L,2L; junk, can use Pirate crew
  3. USS Constitution (USA, OE) — 15 pts, move=L, cargo=2, cannons=2S,2L,2L,2L,2S; +1 cannons vs Pirates
  4. Intrepid (USA) — 15 pts, move=S+S, cargo=4, cannons=2L,3L,3L,2L; schooner, +1 cannons if it has a Captain
  5. Lady's Scorn (Pirates, PC) — 15 pts, move=S+S, cargo=4, cannons=3S,3L,3L,3S; eternal, reroll
  6. Santa Ana (Spain, SCS) — 15 pts, move=L, cargo=5, cannons=2S,3L,3L,2S; 2nd action on 5-6
  7. USS Eagan (USA) — 15 pts, move=L, cargo=4, cannons=2S,2L,2L,2S; shoot submerged ships within S
  8. Maxehebel (Cursed) — 15 pts, move=L, cargo=0, cannons=2L,2S,2S,3S; sea monster, move after shooting
  9. Ghost Walker (USA) — 15 pts, move=L, cargo=4, cannons=2L,2L,2L; windcatcher, canceller
  10. Huginn (Vikings) — 15 pts, move=L, cargo=3, cannons=2S,2L,3S (x2); longship, eliminate 1 enemy crew when this ship rams
Top Ten S-Move Ships:
  1. Guichuan (Cursed) — 30 pts, move=S, cargo=7, cannons=3S,3S,2L,2L,2L,3S,3S,3S,3S,3S; junk, ghost ship, treasure ship
  2. El Acorazado (Spain, SM) — 21 pts, move=S, cargo=5, cannons=2S,3L,3L,3L,2S; 2 hits from same shoot action to remove 1 mast
  3. La Ville de Paris (France) — 16 pts, move=S, cargo=5, cannons=2S,2L,2L,2L,2S; ignore 1st hit each turn while intact
  4. Paradox (Pirates) — 4 pts, move=S, cargo=5, cannons=3S,3S,3S; cannot shoot if carrying treasure
  5. Empress (Pirates, PC #010) — 11 pts, move=S, cargo=4, cannons=2S,2S,2S; junk, +1 cannons if she has a Captain
  6. Devil Ray (Mercs) — 10 pts, move=S, cargo=3, cannons=4L,4L; submarine, mercenary, move +L if submerged
  7. Saratoga (USA, RF) — 11 pts, move=S, cargo=2, cannons=3L,3L,3L; move +L if she has a Captain
  8. Scorpion (Cursed) — 15 pts, move=S, cargo=4, cannons=3L,3L,3L; scorpion, eternal
  9. Neptune's Hoard (Pirates, OE) — 15 pts, move=S, cargo=5, cannons=3S,3S,3L,3L; move +L on 4-6 if no Helmsman
  10. HMS Galapagos (England) — 15 pts, move=S, cargo=4, cannons=3L,2L,2L,3L; schooner, move +L if intact
Top Ten S+S+S-Move Ships:
  1. Tiger's Eye (Corsairs) — 12 pts, move=S+S+S, cargo=5, cannons=3S,3S,3L; galley, can't be hit by red cannons
  2. La Monarca (Spain) — 8 pts, move=S+S+S, cargo=4, cannons=5S,5S; schooner, move S after loading treasure
  3. La Bonne Chance (France) — 10 pts, move=S+S+S, cargo=1, cannons=3S,2L,3S; junk, reroll
  4. Raven (Pirates) — 10 pts, move=S+S+S, cargo=4, cannons=2S,2S; schooner, can't be pinned
  5. HMS Gibraltar (England) — 12 pts, move=S+S+S, cargo=3, cannons=2S,2S; rob enemy home island (1 treasure)
  6. Amity (Pirates, CC) — 12 pts, move=S+S+S, cargo=4, cannons=5S,5S,5S; ghost ship
  7. Le Pique (France) — 5 pts, move=S+S+S, cargo=3, cannons=2S, double range (6 to hit)
  8. L'Artesien (France) — 8 pts, move=S+S+S, cargo=4, cannons=4S; swap treasure w/ enemy ship within S
  9. Calim (Cursed) — 17 pts, move=S+S+S, cargo=5, cannons=2S,2S,4S,4S,4S; sea monster, remove a mast if win a boarding action
  10. St. Joan (France) — 8 pts, move=S+S+S, cargo=3, cannons=4S; galley, can't be hit by red cannons
Top Ten Ships with 1 Cargo:
  1. Le Bonne Chance (France) — 10 pts, move=S+S+S, cargo=1, cannons=3S,2L,3S; junk, reroll
  2. El Algeciras (Spain, OE) — 3 pts, move=S+L, cargo=1, cannons=3S,3L; can't load last treasure from an island
  3. Jolly Mon (Pirates) — 1 pt, move=S+S, cargo=1, cannons=4S; move=S when full
  4. Mermaid (Pirates) — 2 pts, move=L+L, cargo=1, cannons=3S; can't carry crew
  5. Ahura Mazda (Pirates) — 5 pts, move=L, cargo=1, cannons=4S; one treasure worth +2
  6. Le Renard qui Vole (France) — 7 pts, move=S+S+S, cargo=1, cannons=2S; shoot submerged ships within S
  7. Pasha's Delight (Corsairs) — 9 pts, move=L+L, cargo=1, cannons=4L,3S; galley, can't be hit by red cannons
  8. El Pluton (Spain) — 7 pts, move=L, cargo=1, cannons=4S,4S; move +L if intact
  9. HMS Galway (England) — 7 pts, move=S+L, cargo=1, cannons=3S,3S; move +S if no cargo
  10. Bosun's Bane (Mercenaries) — 10 pts, move=S+S+S, cargo=1, cannons=2S; mercenary, can't be shot within S
Top Ten Ships with 6+ Cargo (6 masts or less):
  1. The Darkhawk II (Pirates) — 10 pts, move=L, cargo=8, cannons=2S,3L,3L,2S; move=S if full
  2. La Santa Isabel (Spain) — 13 pts, move=S+L, cargo=6, cannons=3S,3S,3S,3S; schooner, one treasure worth +2
  3. La Victoire (Pirates) — 14 pts, move=L, cargo=6, cannons=2S,3L,3L,3L,2S; can use French crew
  4. Raven's Neck (Pirates) — 12 pts, move=L, cargo=6, cannons=3S,2L,2L,3S; look at one face-down treasure on any island
  5. Libellule (France) — 9 pts, move=S+L, cargo=6, cannons=4L,4L,4L; windcatcher, sinks when derelict
  6. HMS Lady Provost (England) — 13 pts, move=S+L, cargo=6, cannons=4S,4S; schooner, rob enemy home island (1 treasure)
  7. Morning Star (Spain) — 9 pts, move=S+S, cargo=6, cannons=3S,4S,4S,4S,4S; eliminate 1 of your cannons if you roll a 1
  8. Pandora (Pirates) — 12 pts, move=L, cargo=7, cannons=3S,3L,3S; +1 boarding rolls
  9. Frontier (USA) — 17 pts, move=S+S, cargo=8, cannons=4S,3S,4S; hoist, secret hold
  10. Loa's Justice (Cursed) — 9 pts, move=S, cargo=6, cannons=4S,4S; can use any nation's crew
Top Ten Most Expensive Ships:
  1. Delusion (Cursed) — 35 pts, move=L, cargo=7, cannons=4S,4S,3L,3L,3L,4L,4L,3S,3S,3S; eternal, filching gold, ghost ship, junk, unholy light
  2. Baochuan (Jade) — 30 pts, move=L, cargo=10, cannons=4S,3S,3L,3L,3L,3L,3L,3S,4S,4S; junk, treasure ship, must begin with Admiral Zheng He, crew take up no space, move S after loading or unloading cargo
  3. Guichuan (Cursed) — 30 pts, move=S, cargo=7, cannons=3S,3S,2L,2L,2L,3S,3S,3S,3S,3S; junk, ghost ship, treasure ship
  4. HMS Dreadnought (England) — 26 pts, move=S, cargo=5, cannons=3L,3L,3L,3L,3L; eliminated masts can still fire
  5. Celtic Fury (Mercs) — 25 pts, move=L, cargo=7, cannons=2S,3S,3S,4S,3L,4L,4L,3S,3S,2S; junk, mercenary, dories, can use English crew
  6. Shui Xian (Mercs) — 25 pts, move=L, cargo=7, cannons=3S,3S,4S,4S,3S,3L,3L,3L,3S,3S; junk, mercenary, dories, can use French crew
  7. The Kraken (Pirates) — 24 pts, move=L, cargo=0, cannons=3S,2S,2S,3S,2S,2S,2S,3S; kraken, eternal, cancel all on 5-6
  8. Zeus (Pirates) — 23 pts, move=L, cargo=7, cannons=3S,3S,3S,3S,3S,3S,3S,3S,3S,3S; junk, hoard, fill holds if win boarding action
  9. Saber (France) — 23 pts, move=L, cargo=4, cannons=2S,2S,2S,2S; switchblade, +1 boarding rolls
  10. HMS Talon (England) — 23 pts, move=L, cargo=4, cannons=2S,2S,2S,2S; switchblade, ignore 1st hit each turn while intact
Top Ten Cheapest Ships:
  1. Jolly Mon (Pirates) — 1 pt, move=S+S, cargo=1, cannons=4S; move=S when full
  2. Rover (Pirates) — 2 pts, move=S+L, cargo=2, cannons=2L; move=S when full
  3. Le Coeur du Lion (France) — 2 pts, move=S+S, cargo=3, cannons=2L; can't shoot when carrying treasure
  4. Mermaid (Pirates) — 2 pts, move=L+L, cargo=1, cannons=3S; can't carry crew
  5. El Raton (Spain) — 2 pts, move=S+S, cargo=1, cannons=5L; can't carry crew
  6. Banshee's Cry (Pirates) — 3 pts, move=L+L, cargo=4, cannons=5S; can't shoot when carrying treasure
  7. El Algeciras (Spain, OE) — 3 pts, move=S+L, cargo=1, cannons=3S,3L; can't load last treasure from an island
  8. La Fureur (France) — 3 pts, move=L, cargo=3, cannons=4S,4S; move=S when full
  9. Dervish (Corsairs) — 4 pts, move=L, cargo=4, cannons=4S,5S; galley, move=S when full
  10. Lezard (France) — 4 pts, move=S+S, cargo=3, cannons=3S; can't shoot when carrying treasure
Top Ten One-Masted Ships:
  1. Banshee's Cry (Pirates) — 3 pts, move=L+L, cargo=4, cannons=5S; can't shoot when carrying treasure
  2. Le Bon Marin (France) — 6 pts, move=S+L, cargo=4, cannons=4S; built-in Explorer
  3. Le Pique (France) — 5 pts, move=S+S+S, cargo=3, cannons=2S, double range (6 to hit)
  4. Noble Swan (Jade) — 6 pts, move=S+L, cargo=2, cannons=2S; turtle ship, ramming doesn't remove a mast
  5. Proud Tortoise (Jade) — 7 pts, move=S+L, cargo=2, cannons=2L; turtle ship, can't be hit by red cannons
  6. Hlidskjalf (Vikings) — 13 pts, move=S+L, cargo=2, cannons=3S (x2); longship, can't be shot within S
  7. L'Artesien (France) — 8 pts, move=S+S+S, cargo=4, cannons=4S; swap treasure w/ enemy ship within S
  8. Glorious Treasure (Jade) — 6 pts, move=S+S, cargo=2, cannons=3S; turtle ship, remove a mast & a crew if win a boarding action
  9. Rover (Pirates) — 2 pts, move=S+L, cargo=2, cannons=2L; move=S when full
  10. Le Coeur de Lion (France) — 2 pts, move=S+S, cargo=3, cannons=2L; can't shoot when carrying treasure
Top Ten Four-Masted Schooners:
  1. La Santa Isabel (Spain) — 13 pts, move=S+L, cargo=6, cannons=3S,3S,3S,3S; schooner, one treasure worth +2
  2. Neptune's Hoard (Pirates, RV) — 12 pts, move=S+L, cargo=5, cannons=3S,3S,3S,3S; schooner, wild-island treasure swap
  3. Intrepid (USA) — 15 pts, move=S+S, cargo=4, cannons=2L,3L,3L,2L; schooner, +1 cannons if it has a Captain
  4. Le Bonaparte (France, DJC) — 16 pts, move=S+L, cargo=3, cannons=3L,3S,3S,3L; schooner, can't be shot within S
  5. L'Ange de la Mer (France) — 13 pts, move=S+S, cargo=4, cannons=3S,3L,3L,3S; schooner, +1 cannons if a Captain aboard
  6. USS Hudson (USA) — 12 pts, move=S+L, cargo=3, cannons=3L,3L,3L,3S; schooner, eliminate 1 crew w/ a hit once/turn
  7. Golden Medusa (Pirates) — 15 pts, move=S+L, cargo=4, cannons=3L,2L,2L,3S; schooner, crew protect
  8. President (USA) — 14 pts, move=S+L, cargo=4, cannons=3L,3L,3L,3L; schooner, reroll
  9. White Rose (Pirates) — 15 pts, move=S+L, cargo=5, cannons=2S,3L,3L,3L; schooner, rob enemy home island (1 treasure)
  10. HMS Galapagos (England) — 15 pts, move=S, cargo=4, cannons=3L,2L,2L,3L; schooner, move +L if intact
Top Ten Five-Masted Ships (added Aug 2009):
  1. HMS Titan (England) — 17 pts, move=L, cargo=5, cannons=2S,2L,2L,2L,2S; 2nd action on 5-6
  2. Blackwatch (USA) — 16 pts, move=L, cargo=4, cannons=2L,2L,3L,3L,3L; +1 cannons vs any non-USA ship
  3. Enterprise (USA) — 18 pts, move=S+S, cargo=5, cannons=2S,2S,2S,2S,2S; 2nd action on 5-6
  4. HMS Endeavour (England) — 21 pts, move=L, cargo=4, cannons=2L,2L,2L,2L,2L; remove 2 masts w/ each hit
  5. La Tartessos (Spain) — 14 pts, move=L, cargo=3, cannons=3S,3L,3L,3L,3S; +1 cannons vs any non-Spanish ship
  6. San Cristobal (Spain, RF #202) — 15 pts, move=S+S, cargo=5, cannons=3S,3L,3L,3L,3S; same action twice on 5-6
  7. USS Constitution (USA, OE) — 15 pts, move=L, cargo=2, cannons=2S,2L,2L,2L,2S; +1 cannons vs Pirates
  8. Le Soleil Royal (France) — 13 pts, move=L, cargo=5, cannons=2S,3L,3L,3L,2S; eliminate 1 crew w/ a hit once/turn
  9. Harbinger (Pirates) — 17 pts, move=L, cargo=5, cannons=2L,2S,2S,2S,2L; steal derelicts
  10. La Victoire (Pirates) — 14 pts, move=L, cargo=6, cannons=2S,3L,3L,3L,2S; can use French crew
Top Ten World-Hater Ships:
  1. Blackwatch (USA) — 16 pts, move=L, cargo=4, cannons=2L,2L,3L,3L,3L; +1 cannons vs any non-USA ship
  2. La Resolucion (Spain, OE) — 13 pts, move=L, cargo=3, cannons=2S,2L,2L,2S; +1 cannons vs any non-Spanish ship
  3. HMS Gallows (England) — 16 pts, move=L, cargo=5, cannons=2L,2L,2L,2L; +1 cannons vs any ship
  4. La Tartessos (Spain) — 14 pts, move=L, cargo=3, cannons=3S,3L,3L,3L,3S; +1 cannons vs any non-Spanish ship
  5. HMS Royal (England) — 13 pts, move=L, cargo=3, cannons=3S,2L,2L,3S; +1 cannons vs any non-English ship
  6. HMS Burma (England) — 12 pts, move=L, cargo=3, cannons=3S,3L,3L,3S; +1 cannons vs any non-English ship
  7. USS Seattle (USA) — 13 pts, move=L, cargo=4, cannons=3S,3L,3L,3S; +1 cannons vs any non-USA ship
  8. La Lyon (France) — 11 pts, move=S+S, cargo=3, cannons=2S,2L,2S; +1 cannons vs any non-French ship
  9. Hellfire (Cursed) — 12 pts, move=L, cargo=2, cannons=3L,3L,3L,4L; +1 cannons vs any non-Cursed ship
  10. Diamond Strike (Pirates) — 14 pts, move=L, cargo=4, cannons=3S,3S,3S,3S; +1 cannons vs any non-Pirate ship, sac 1 crew for extra action
Top Ten Broadside-Attack Ships:
  1. Flying Dutchman (Cursed, DJC) — 17 pts, move=S, cargo=4, cannons=2L,2L,2L,2L,2L; broadsides attack
  2. HMS Swallow (England) — 17 pts, move=S+L, cargo=5, cannons=3S,3L,3L,3L,3S; broadsides attack
  3. HMS Bretwalda (England) — 14 pts, move=L, cargo=3, cannons=2S,2S,2S,2S; broadsides attack
  4. La Magnifique (France) — 17 pts, move=L, cargo=6, cannons=3S,3L,3L,3L,3S; broadsides attack
  5. Pride (Pirates) — 13 pts, move=S+L, cargo=3, cannons=3L,2L,3L; schooner, broadsides attack
  6. Julius Caesar (USA) — 14 pts, move=S+L, cargo=4, cannons=3L,2L,3L; schooner, broadsides attack
  7. Royal Louis (France, FS) — 13 pts, move=L, cargo=4, cannons=3S,3S,3S,3S; broadsides attack
  8. La Ebro (Spain) — 14 pts, move=L, cargo=3, cannons=2S,3L,3L,2S; broadsides attack
  9. Ranger (Pirates, CC) — 14 pts, move=S+S, cargo=4, cannons=3S,3L,3L,3S; broadsides attack
  10. United States (USA) — 15 pts, move=S, cargo=3, cannons=3S,3L,3L,3L,3S; broadsides attack
Top Ten Ships that Get +1 On Cannons If They Have a Captain:
  1. Franklin (USA) — 13 pts, move=S+S, cargo=4, cannons=2S,2S,2S,2S; +1 cannons if a Captain aboard
  2. Black Pearl (PC #025) — 17 pts, move=L, cargo=4, cannons=3L,2L,2L,3L; +1 cannons & move +S if a Captain aboard
  3. Intrepid (USA) — 15 pts, move=S+S, cargo=4, cannons=2L,3L,3L,2L; schooner, +1 cannons if a Captain aboard
  4. Executioner (Cursed) — 17 pts, move=S+L, cargo=4, cannons=3S,3L,3L,3S; fear, +1 cannons if a Captain aboard
  5. L'Ange de la Mer (France) — 13 pts, move=S+S, cargo=4, cannons=3S,3L,3L,3S; schooner, +1 cannons if a Captain aboard
  6. La Possession (France) — 13 pts, move=S+S, cargo=4, cannons=3S,3L,3L,3S; +1 cannons if a Captain aboard
  7. Empress (Pirates, PC #010) — 11 pts, move=S, cargo=4, cannons=2S,2S,2S; junk, +1 cannons if a Captain aboard
  8. El Principe de Asturias (Spain) — 14 pts, move=L, cargo=5, cannons=3L,3L,3L,3L; schooner, +1 cannons if a Captain aboard
  9. Black Pearl (PC #087) — 16 pts, move=S+S, cargo=2, cannons=3L,3L,3L,3L; fear, +1 cannons if a Captain aboard
  10. HMS Hastings (England) — 12 pts, move=L, cargo=4, cannons=4S,3L,3L,3S; +1 cannons if a Captain aboard
Top Ten Home-Island Robbing Ships:
  1. Wicked Wench (Pirates) — 15 pts, move=L, cargo=4, cannons=3L,3L,3L,3L; rob enemy home island (all she can carry)
  2. Virtuous Wind (Jade) — 14 pts, move=S+L, cargo=5, cannons=2L,2L,2L; rob enemy home island (1 treasure)
  3. HMS Gibraltar (England) — 12 pts, move=S+S+S, cargo=3, cannons=2S,2S; rob enemy home island (1 treasure)
  4. L'Heros (France) — 13 pts, move=S+L, cargo=4, cannons=2S,2S,2S; rob enemy home island (1 treasure)
  5. White Rose (Pirates) — 15 pts, move=S+L, cargo=5, cannons=2S,3L,3L,3L; schooner, rob enemy home island (1 treasure)
  6. La Espada de Dios (Spain) — 15 pts, move=S+L, cargo=5, cannons=3L,3S,4S,5S; galley, rob enemy home island (1 treasure)
  7. Poor Adams (Cursed) — 16 pts, move=L, cargo=3, cannons=3S,3L,3L,3S; eternal, rob enemy home island (1 treasure)
  8. Belladonna (Pirates) — 15 pts, move=L, cargo=4, cannons=2S,2S,2S; schooner, rob enemy home island (all she can carry)
  9. Red Curse (Pirates) — 14 pts, move=L, cargo=5, cannons=2S,3L,3L,2S; rob enemy home island (1 treasure)
  10. HMS Lady Provost (England) — 13 pts, move=S+L, cargo=6, cannons=4S,4S; schooner, rob enemy home island (1 treasure)
Top Ten Wild-Island Treasure-Swapping Ships:
  1. Neptune's Hoard (Pirates, RV) — 12 pts, move=S+L, cargo=5, cannons=3S,3S,3S,3S; schooner, wild-island treasure swap
  2. Algiers (Corsairs) — 11 pts, move=S+L, cargo=5, cannons=3S,3S,4S; galley, wild-island treasure swap
  3. La Dijon (France) — 8 pts, move=S+L, cargo=4, cannons=3S,4S; wild-island treasure swap
  4. Shamrock (Pirates) — 8 pts, move=S+L, cargo=3, cannons=4S,4L; wild-island treasure swap
  5. El San Jose (Spain) — 9 pts, move=S+L, cargo=4, cannons=4S,4S; wild-island treasure swap
  6. Ranger (Pirates, PC) — 9 pts, move=S+L, cargo=3, cannons=4S,3L,4S; wild-island treasure swap
  7. East Wind (Jade or France) — 10 pts, move=S+L, cargo=3, cannons=2S,4L,2S; junk, wild-island treasure swap
  8. Pawtucket (USA) — 11 pts, move=L, cargo=4, cannons=3S,2L,3S; wild-island treasure swap
  9. El Profeta (Spain) — 10 pts, move=L, cargo=4, cannons=3S,3L,3S; wild-island treasure swap
  10. Jamaica (Pirates) — 8 pts, move=L, cargo=4, cannons=3S,4L; wild-island treasure swap
Top Ten Ships with the Reroll Ability:
  1. Lady's Scorn (Pirates, RF) — 15 pts, move=S+S, cargo=4, cannons=3S,3L,3L,3S; eternal, reroll
  2. HMS Apollo (England, RF #201) — 14 pts, move=S+S, cargo=4, cannons=2S,3L,3L,3L,2S; reroll
  3. La Bonne Chance (France) — 10 pts, move=S+S+S, cargo=1, cannons=3S,2L,3S; junk, reroll
  4. President (USA) — 14 pts, move=S+L, cargo=4, cannons=3L,3L,3L,3L; schooner, reroll
  5. El Corazon Dorado (Spain) — 13 pts, move=S+L, cargo=3, cannons=3L,3L,3L,4L; schooner, reroll
  6. Lechim Namod (Cursed) — 14 pts, move=L, cargo=0, cannons=2S,2S,2S,2S,2S; sea monster, reroll
  7. La Geographe (France) — 12 pts, move=S+L, cargo=4, cannons=3S,4L,4L,3S; reroll
  8. Black Heart (Pirates) — 13 pts, move=S+L, cargo=5, cannons=4L,3L,3S,4S; reroll
  9. HMS Caradoc (England) — 13 pts, move=S+L, cargo=4, cannons=4S,3S,3S,4L; schooner, reroll
  10. USS Kentucky (USA) — 11 pts, move=L, cargo=3, cannons=3S,3S,3S,3S; reroll
Top Ten Ships that Can't Be Hit by Red Cannons:
  1. Tiger's Eye (Corsairs) — 12 pts, move=S+S+S, cargo=5, cannons=3S,3S,3L; galley, can't be hit by red cannons
  2. Cygnet (England) — 12 pts, move=S+S, cargo=2, cannons=2S,3S,3S,3S; schooner, can't be hit by red cannons
  3. Proud Tortoise (Jade) — 7 pts, move=S+L, cargo=2, cannons=2L; turtle ship, can't be hit by red cannons
  4. Jarvis (USA) — 15 pts, move=S+L, cargo=4, cannons=3L,3L,3L; schooner, can't be hit by red cannons
  5. Duke (Pirates) — 15 pts, move=S+L, cargo=3, cannons=3S,3L,3S; schooner, can't be hit by red cannons
  6. USS Georgetown (USA) — 14 pts, move=L, cargo=3, cannons=3L,2L,3L; schooner, can't be hit by red cannons
  7. Fortaleza Dorada (Spain) — 5 gold, cannons=3S,3S,3S,3S,3L; fort, can't be hit by red cannons
  8. Donar (Vikings) — 13 pts, move=S+S, cargo=4, cannons=3S,4S (x2); longship, can't be hit by red cannons
  9. Enfant Terrible (France) — 9 pts, move=S+S, cargo=3, cannons=3L,2S; galley, can't be hit by red cannons
  10. St. Joan (France) — 8 pts, move=S+S+S, cargo=3, cannons=4S; galley, can't be hit by red cannons
Top Ten Ghost Ships:
  1. Amity (Pirates, CC) — 12 pts, move=S+S+S, cargo=4, cannons=5S,5S,5S; ghost ship
  2. Hades' Flame (Pirates) — 13 pts, move=S+S+S, cargo=4, cannons=4S,4S; ghost ship
  3. Deliverance (Pirates, CC) — 19 pts, move=S+L, cargo=4, cannons=3S,3L,3L,3L,3S; ghost ship
  4. Pyre (Cursed) — 14 pts, move=L, cargo=3, cannons=3S,3S; submarine, ghost ship
  5. Guichuan (Cursed) — 30 pts, move=S, cargo=7, cannons=3S,3S,2L,2L,2L,3S,3S,3S,3S,3S; junk, ghost ship, treasure ship
  6. Pale Moon (Cursed) — 13 pts, move=S+S, cargo=3, cannons=3L,2L; ghost ship
  7. La Desesperanza (Spain) — 14 pts, move=S+S+S, cargo=2, cannons=4S; ghost ship
  8. Drowned Man (Cursed) — 16 pts, move=S+S, cargo=3, cannons=3S,3L,3L,3S; ghost ship
  9. Crushed Skull (Cursed) — 13 pts, move=S+S, cargo=3, cannons=3L,2L; ghost ship
  10. Moor Hound (England) — 15 pts, move=S+S, cargo=2, cannons=3L,3S; ghost ship
Top Ten Ships With a Boarding Bonus:
  1. Grand Path (Jade) — 17 pts, move=L, cargo=5, cannons=2S,2S,2S,2S,2S,2S; junk, +1 boarding rolls
  2. Saber (France) — 23 pts, move=L, cargo=4, cannons=2S,2S,2S,2S; switchblade, +1 boarding rolls
  3. La Charlemagne (France) — 15 pts, move=S+S, cargo=5, cannons=2S,2S,3S,3S,3S; +1 boarding rolls (+2 if sea monster)
  4. Saratoga (USA, RV) — 14 pts, move=S+L, cargo=4, cannons=2S,2S,3S,4S; schooner, +1 boarding rolls
  5. Le St. Michel (France) — 10 pts, move=S+L, cargo=3, cannons=3S,3L,3S; +1 boarding rolls
  6. Congress (USA) — 14 pts, move=L, cargo=4, cannons=2S,3S,3L,3L; +1 boarding rolls, +1 cannons vs sea creatures
  7. Jackal's Teeth (Corsairs) — 13 pts, move=S+L, cargo=4, cannons=3L,3S,4S,4L; galley, +1 boarding rolls
  8. La Joya del Sol (Spain) — 12 pts, move=S+S, cargo=8, cannons=4S,4L,4L,4S; +1 boarding rolls
  9. HMS Durham (England) — 15 pts, move=S+L, cargo=5, cannons=2S,3S,3S,2S; schooner, +1 boarding rolls
  10. Meshud (Corsairs) — 11 pts, move=S+L, cargo=4, cannons=2S,3S,3S; galley, +1 cannons & boarding rolls vs French ships
Top Ten Fear Ships:
  1. Executioner (Cursed) — 17 pts, move=S+L, cargo=4, cannons=3S,3L,3L,3S; fear, +1 cannons if a Captain aboard
  2. Black Pearl (PC #087) — 16 pts, move=S+S, cargo=2, cannons=3L,3L,3L,3L; fear, +1 cannons if a Captain aboard
  3. Squalo (Cursed) — 9 pts, move=L, cargo=0, cannons=2S,3S; sea monster, fear
  4. Slarg Gubbit (Cursed) — 16 pts, move=S+S, cargo=5, cannons=3S,3S,3S,3S,4S; sea monster, fear
  5. Sautez le Requin (Pirates) — 16 pts, move=L, cargo=2, cannons=3L,3L,3L (x2); longship, fear
  6. El Toro (Spain) — 15 pts, move=L, cargo=2, cannons=3L,3L,3L,3L; titan, fear
  7. Bruja (Pirates) — 15 pts, move=L, cargo=2, cannons=3L,3L,3S,3S; fear, eliminate 1 cargo w/ each hit
  8. Verdani (Cursed) — 16 pts, move=L, cargo=2, cannons=2S,2S (x2); longship, fear, eliminate all crew if win boarding action
  9. Dungeon (Pirates) — 10 pts, move=S+S+S, cargo=1, cannons=3S; turtle ship, fear
  10. Terror (Mercenaries) — 16 pts, move=L, cargo=4, cannons=3L,3L,3L; submarine, mercenary, fear
Top Ten Most Colorful Ships:
  1. La Sirviente (Spain) — 14 pts, move=S+L, cargo=3, cannons=2L,2S,2L; schooner, S-board
  2. Golden Peacock (Corsairs) — 9 pts, move=S+L, cargo=4, cannons=4L,4S,4S; galley
  3. Sea Serpent (Jade or USA) — 13 pts, move=S+L, cargo=3, cannons=2L,2S; junk, reverse captain
  4. Fire Djinn (Corsairs) — 13 pts, move=S+S, cargo=3, cannons=2L,4S,5S,6L; galley, s-board
  5. Sea Phoenix (Jade or France) — 9 pts, move=L, cargo=4, cannons=2S,2S; junk, take 1 treasure from ship touching
  6. Sea Wind (Jade or USA) — 17 pts, move=S+S+S, cargo=4, cannons=4L,4L,4L; junk, nearby ships get +1 cannons
  7. Virtuous Wind (Jade) — 14 pts, move=S+L, cargo=5, cannons=2L,2L,2L; rob enemy home island (1 treasure)
  8. USS Quigley (USA) — 8 pts, move=L, cargo=3, cannons=2L,2L; eliminate 1 crew w/ a hit once/turn
  9. Congress (USA) — 14 pts, move=L, cargo=4, cannons=2S,3S,3L,3L; +1 boarding rolls, +1 cannons vs sea creatures
  10. Salte el Tiburon (Spain) — 12 pts, move=S, cargo=3, cannons=3S,3L,3L,3S; schooner, can use any nation's crew
Top Ten Ships with Moving Parts:
  1. Conquerant (France) — 21 pts, move=S+S, cargo=3, cannons=3S,2S,2L,2S; bombardier, 2nd action on 5-6
  2. Saber (France) — 23 pts, move=L, cargo=4, cannons=2S,2S,2S,2S; switchblade, +1 boarding rolls
  3. Bombardier (England) — 18 pts, move=L, cargo=3, cannons=3S,3L,2L,3L; bombardier, choose which mast falls
  4. Bloody Blade (Cursed) — 16 pts, move=L, cargo=3, cannons=2L,3L,3S; scorpion, ignore 1st hit each turn while intact
  5. HMS Talon (England) — 23 pts, move=L, cargo=4, cannons=2S,2S,2S,2S; switchblade, ignore 1st hit each turn while intact
  6. Grand Vainqueur (France) — 21 pts, move=L, cargo=3, cannons=3S,3S,3L,3S; bombardier, built-in Cannoneer
  7. Frontier (USA) — 17 pts, move=S+S, cargo=8, cannons=4S,3S,4S; hoist, secret hold
  8. Crusher (Pirates) — 12 pts, move=L, cargo=4, cannons=3S,3L,3L; scorpion
  9. Skin Flayer (Cursed) — 21 pts, move=L, cargo=4, cannons=2S,2S,2S,2S; switchblade, eternal
  10. Buscador (Spain) — 14 pts, move=L, cargo=7, cannons=5S,5S,5S; hoist, move +S if within S of enemy ship
Top Ten Ships Good At Both Gold and Fighting (6 masts or less):
  1. The Darkhawk II (Pirates) — 10 pts, move=L, cargo=8, cannons=2S,3L,3L,2S; move=S if full
  2. La Santa Isabel (Spain) — 13 pts, move=S+L, cannons=3S,3S,3S,3S; schooner, one treasure worth +2
  3. Neptune's Hoard (Pirates, RV) — 12 pts, move=S+L, cargo=5, cannons=3S,3S,3S,3S; schooner, wild-island treasure swap
  4. La Victoire (Pirates) — 14 pts, move=L, cargo=6, cannons=2S,3L,3L,3L,2S; can use French crew
  5. Raven's Neck (Pirates) — 12 pts, move=L, cargo=6, cannons=3S,2L,2L,3S; look at one face-down treasure on any island
  6. San Cristobal (Spain, RF #202) — 15 pts, move=S+S, cargo=5, cannons=3S,3L,3L,3L,3S; same action twice on 5-6
  7. HMS Dover (England) — 10 pts, move=S+S, cargo=5, cannons=3S,3L,3L,3S; no ability
  8. Virtuous Wind (Jade) — 14 pts, move=S+L, cargo=5, cannons=2L,2L,2L; rob enemy home island (1 treasure)
  9. Tiger's Eye (Corsairs) — 12 pts, move=S+S+S, cargo=5, cannons=3S,3S,3L; galley, can't be hit by red cannons
  10. White Rose (Pirates) — 15 pts, move=S+L, cargo=5, cannons=2S,3L,3L,3L; schooner, rob enemy home island (1 treasure)
Top Ten Sea Creatures:
  1. Squalo (Cursed) — 9 pts, move=L, cargo=0, cannons=2S,3S; sea monster, fear
  2. Calim (Cursed) — 17 pts, move=S+S+S, cargo=5, cannons=2S,2S,4S,4S,4S; sea monster, remove a mast if win a boarding action
  3. Ophidious (Pirates) — 12 pts, move=S+L, cargo=0, cannons=2L,2L,2L,2L; sea monster, eternal, turn 1 segment into 2 gold if lose a boarding action
  4. Raptor Maw (Cursed) — 16 pts, D, cargo=4, cannons=2S,3S,3S,3S; sea dragon, eliminate 1 crew w/ a hit once/turn
  5. Maxehebel (Cursed) — 15 pts, move=L, cargo=0, cannons=2L,2S,2S,3S; sea monster, move after shooting
  6. Shaihulud (Mercs) — 13 pts, move=S+L, cargo=0, cannons=2L,2S,2S,2S; sea monster, attack submerged ships
  7. Brachyura (Cursed) — 18 pts, move=S+S, cargo=2, cannons=3L,3L,3L,3L; titan, ignore 1st hit each turn while intact
  8. Behemoth (Cursed) — 19 pts, move=L, cargo=0, cannons=2S,2S,2S,2S,2S; sea monster, limit, use 1 ability from anything else in play
  9. Raninoidea (Pirates) — 21 pts, move=S+L, cargo=3, cannons=3S,3S,3S,3S; titan, remove 2 masts w/ each hit
  10. Mist Walker (Cursed) — 14 pts, move=L+L, cargo=0, cannons=2L,3S,3S,2S; sea monster, move from fog bank to fog bank
Top Ten Pirate Ships that Didn't Make the Other Lists:
  1. Bloody Jewel (Pirates) — 6 pts, move=S+L, cargo=5, cannons=3L,3S; USA gets +1 cannons vs this ship
  2. Sea Nymph (Pirates, SM) — 11 pts, move=S+L, cargo=3, cannons=3S,3L,3L,3S; move=S if derelict
  3. Royal James (Pirates) — 8 pts, move=S+L, cargo=3, cannons=2S,2S; schooner, eliminate 1 crew w/ a hit once/turn
  4. Longshanks (Pirates) — 6 pts, move=S+L, cargo=4, cannons=3S,3L,3S; can't load last treasure from an island
  5. Greed's Hammer (Pirates) — 11 pts, move=L, cargo=4, cannons=2S,2L,2S; one treasure worth +2
  6. Coral (Pirates) — 7 pts, move=S+L, cargo=3, cannons=2L; can't be shot while docked
  7. Executioner (Pirates) — 8 pts, move=S+S, cargo=4, cannons=2L,2L; eliminate 1 crew w/ a hit once/turn
  8. Hai Peng (Pirates) — 13 pts, move=S+L, cargo=4, cannons=3S,4S; junk, move +L if a Captain is aboard
  9. Akua Lapu (Pirates) — 15 pts, move=S+S, cargo=4, cannons=2S,3S,3S,2S; galley, crew take up no space
  10. Revenge (Pirates, PC) — 9 pts, move=L, cargo=4, cannons=2S,2S,2S; move S after unloading
Top Ten English Ships that Didn't Make the Other Lists:
  1. HMS Victor (England) — 9 pts, move=S+L, cargo=2, cannons=3L,2L,3L; built-in Shipwright
  2. HMS Forge (England) — 13 pts, move=L, cargo=4, cannons=2S,2L,3L,3S; ignore 1st hit each turn while intact
  3. HMS Richards (England) — 13 pts, move=L, cargo=4, cannons=3L,3L,3L,3L; +1 cannons vs any non-English ship
  4. HMS Hyena (England) — 9 pts, move=S+S, cargo=5, cannons=3S,2L,3S; eliminate 1 enemy crew when this ship rams
  5. HMS Ark Royal (England) — 14 pts, move=S+S, cargo=2, cannons=3S,3S,3S; eternal, broadsides attack
  6. Aberdeen Baron (England) — 12 pts, move=S+S, cargo=5, cannons=3S,4S,4S,4S,4S; built-in Explorer
  7. HMS London (England) — 11 pts, move=S+S, cargo=4, cannons=2S,2L,2L,2S; if touching a Pirate, take as much treasure as you can carry
  8. HMS Guy Fawkes (England) — 11 pts, move=L, cargo=3, cannons=2S,3S,2S; +1 cannons vs any non-English ship
  9. HMS Algiers (England) — 12 pts, move=S+S, cargo=2, cannons=2L,2L; 2nd action on 5-6
  10. HMS Duke of York (England) — 13 pts, move=L, cargo=3, cannons=2L,2L,2L; broadsides attack
Top Ten Spanish Ships that Didn't Make the Other Lists:
  1. El Cristal del Obispo (Spain) — 16 pts, move=S+S, cargo=5, cannons=3S,3L,3L,3L,3S; ignore 1st hit each turn while intact
  2. El Monte Cristo (Spain) — 11 pts, move=L, cargo=2, cannons=2L,2L,2S; +1 cannons vs any non-Spanish ship
  3. El Alma (Spain) — 12 pts, move=L, cargo=4, cannons=2S,3S,3S; canceller
  4. El Alquimista (Spain) — 11 pts, move=S+L, cargo=4, cannons=3S,3L,3S; one treasure worth +2
  5. San Pedro (Spain) — 11 pts, move=S+L, cargo=4, cannons=3S,3S,3S; one treasure worth +2
  6. La Reconquistador (Spain, OE) — 7 pts, move=L, cargo=2, cannons=2L,2L; eliminate 1 crew w/ a hit once/turn
  7. Morning Star (Spain, FS #205) — 9 pts, move=S+S, cargo=6, cannons=3S,4S,4S,4S,4S; eliminate 1 of your cannons if you roll a 1
  8. Native Canoes (Spain) — 9 pts, move=S+S, cargo=1 (x5), cannons=4S (x5); each treasure worth +1
  9. Intermediario (Spain) — 17 pts, move=S+L, cargo=2, cannons=3S,3S,4S,3S,3S; sea monster, move gold from island to ship
  10. El Paso (Spain) — 10 pts, move=L, cargo=3, cannons=3L,4L; canceller
Top Ten French Ships that Didn't Make the Other Lists:
  1. Paradis de la Mer (France) — 4 gold, cannons=2L,2L,3L,3L,4L; fort, roll to see how many hits you ignore each turn
  2. Le Superbe (France) — 16 pts, move=S+S, cargo=5, cannons=3L,2L,2L,2L,3L; other ships don't block line of fire
  3. Le Lache du Calvados (France) — 11 pts, move=S+S, cargo=3, cannons=2S,3S; can't be shot within S
  4. Marianne (France) — 4 pts, move=L, cargo=2, cannons=2L; look at face-down cargo on ships
  5. La Belle Etoile (France) — 13 pts, move=S+L, cargo=5, cannons=3L,3L,3S; schooner, eliminate 1 cargo w/ each hit
  6. La Vengeance (France) — 12 pts, move=S+L, cargo=5, cannons=3L,3S,3S,3L; schooner, +1 cannons vs English
  7. Le Gaule (France, SCS)— 14 pts, move=S+S, cargo=4, cannons=4L,4L,4L,4L,4L; +1 cannons vs any ship
  8. Lurker Dessous (France) — 19 pts, move=S+L, cargo=0, cannons=4S,3S,2L,3S; sea monster, move +S if within S of enemy ship
  9. Le Mercure (France) — 9 pts, move=S+S+S, cargo=2, cannons=2S,2S; schooner, can't be pinned
  10. L'Afrique (France) — 7 pts, move=S+L, cargo=2, cannons=3S,3L; +1 cannons vs Pirates
Top Ten USA Ships that Didn't Make the Other Lists:
  1. USS Kettering (USA) — 16 pts, move=S+L, cargo=3, cannons=3L,3L,3L (x2); longship, canceller
  2. USS Maryland (USA) — 8 pts, move=S+S, cargo=2, cannons=2S,2L; eliminate 1 enemy crew & 1 mast when this ship rams
  3. Philadelphia (USA) — 11 pts, move=S+L, cargo=3, cannons=5S,5S; steal derelicts
  4. USS Mercury (USA) — 16 pts, move=L, cargo=4, cannons=2L,2L,2L; submarine, ignore 1st hit each turn while intact
  5. USS Emerald (USA) — 9 pts, move=S+S, cargo=2, cannons=2S,2S; 2 hits from same shoot action to remove 1 mast
  6. USS New Orleans (USA) — 12 pts, move=S+S, cargo=3, cannons=2S,2S; steal derelicts
  7. USS Overton (USA) — 12 pts, move=L, cargo=4, cannons=3L,2L,3L; +1 cannons vs any non-USA ship
  8. USS Sioux (USA) — 11 pts, move=L, cargo=2, cannons=3S,2L,3S; +1 cannons vs any non-USA ship
  9. Pawtucket (USA) — 11 pts, move=L, cargo=4, cannons=3S,2L,3S; wild-island treasure swap
  10. Independence (USA) — 14 pts, move=L, cargo=3, cannons=2L,2S,2S,2L; can use any nation's crew
Top Ten Worst Ships:
  1. Le Solitaire (France) — 17 pts, move=L, cargo=1, cannons=5S; friendly ships within S get +1 cannons
  2. Maman Brigitte (Cursed) — 12 pts, move=S, cargo=5, cannons=5S,4S,4S,5S; steal unique treasures if touching another ship
  3. Knight's Errant (Cursed) — 17 pts, move=S, cargo=3, cannons=4S,4L,4S; galley, ghost ship, +1 cannons vs Pirates
  4. Hannah (USA) — 16 pts, move=L+L, cargo=2, cannons=4S,4S; friendly ships within S get +1 cannons
  5. He'e (USA) — 18 pts, move=S, cargo=1, cannons=4S,3S,3S,3S,4S; sea monster, special shoot+board attack
  6. Grand Wind (Jade) — 15 pts, move=S, cargo=6, cannons=4S,4S,4L,4L,4L,5S; junk, reroll
  7. HMS Dreadnought (England) — 26 pts, move=S, cargo=5, cannons=3L,3L,3L,3L,3L; eliminated masts can still fire
  8. Elsinore (Vikings) — 15 pts, move=S, cargo=5, cannons=4L,4L,5L (x2); longship, can use any nation's crew
  9. Freya (Vikings) — 14 pts, move=S, cargo=5, cannons=4S,4L (x2); longship, can use any nation's crew
  10. Le Loup-Garou (France) — 17 pts, move=S+L, cargo=3, cannons=3L,4S,5S; schooner, ghost ship
Top Ten Least Destructive Cannons:
  1. 5S — Majestic & Carthage (both Corsairs), USS Seminole (USA), Banshee's Cry (Pirates), Samedi's Curse (Cursed), HMS Rye (England)
  2. 5L — Le Solitaire & La Crete Argentee (both France), El Raton (Spain)
  3. 5S,5S — Sea Rat (Cursed), Morocco (Corsairs), La Monarca (Spain), Philadelphia (USA)
  4. 5L, 5L — Dark Fox (USA)
  5. 5S,4S — Orca (Pirates), Dervish (Corsairs), El Villalobos (Spain)
  6. 4L, 5L — Nosso Lar (Cursed), San Theodora (Spain)
  7. 5S,5S,5S — Amity (Pirates), Buscador (Spain)
  8. 4S,5S,6S — Sultan's Sword & Marrakesh (both Corsairs)
  9. 4S,4S,5S — Winds of Vengeance (Corsairs)
  10. 5S,4S,4S,5S — Maman Brigitte (Cursed)
Top Ten Most Destructive Cannons (six masts or less):
  1. 2L,2L,2L,2L,2L w/ double damage — HMS Endeavour (England)
  2. 2L,2L,2L (x2) w/ 2nd action (sac) — Loki's Revenge (Cursed)
  3. 2L,2L,2L (x2) w/ possible +1 — Naegling (Vikings)
  4. 3S,3S,2L,2L,2L,2L — Grand Temple (Jade) or HMS Grand Temple (England)
  5. 2S,2L,2L,2L,2S w/ possible 2nd action — HMS Titan (England)
  6. 2L,2L,3L,3L,3L w/ +1 — Blackwatch (USA)
  7. 2L,2L,2L,2L w/ +1 — HMS Gallows
  8. 2S,2S,2S,2S,2S,2S — Grand Path (Jade)
  9. 2S,2L,2L,2L,2S w/ possible +1 — USS Constitution (USA, OE)
  10. 2S,2L,2L,2S w/ +1 — La Resolucion (Spain, OE)
Top Ten Most Common Ship Abilities:
  1. 123 ships — Schooner
  2. 86 ships — +1 on boarding rolls
  3. 79 ships — Galley
  4. 74 ships — +1 on cannon rolls against other faction(s)
  5. 57 ships — Junk
  6. 38 ships — rob enemy home island
  7. 37 ships — other factions' crew can use their abilities on this ship
  8. 34 ships — L-range cannons cannot hit this ship
  9. 32 ships — Mercenary
  10. 31 ships — Longship
Top Ten Most Useful Ship Abilities:
  1. This ship cannot be shot at by ships within S of her.
  2. L-range cannons cannot hit this ship.
  3. Once per turn, one crew or ship within S of this ship cannot use its ability that turn.
  4. This ship ignores the first hit she takes each turn as long as she has all of her masts.
  5. Once per turn, roll a d6. On a 5 or 6, this ship can be given an extra action.
  6. You own any derelict this ship explores; both ships become docked at your home island.
  7. Once per turn when this ship hits an enemy ship, also eliminate one crew from that ship.
  8. If this ship has a Captain crew, she gets +1 to her cannon rolls.
  9. This ship gets +1 to her cannon rolls against any non-[own faction] ship.
  10. Once per turn, you may reroll any die roll you make for this ship; you must use the second die roll result.
Top Ten Useless Ship/Crew Abilities that Are Supposed to Be Good:
  1. Mercenary
  2. Ignore terrain when moving
  3. +1 on cannon rolls against Mercenary ships
  4. Jade Rebellion crew can use their abilities on this ship
  5. Eliminate a treasure to gain a 3S cannon
  6. +1 on cannon rolls against forts within S
  7. Any ship gets an extra action on a roll of 6
  8. If touching another ship, take as many unique treasures as you can carry
  9. Chainshot Specialist
  10. Fear
Top Ten Ship Abilities that Will Never Be Used Because of Their Ship's Stats (added July 2009):
  1. Home-island robbers with a speed of S, so they'll never get away with it (like Weasel [RF])
  2. An ability that starts "If this ship wins a boarding party..." and only one mast, so they'll never win a boarding party (like Dance [DJ])
  3. Broadside Attack, but all the cannons are 4-rank (like El Argonauta [CC])
  4. A +2 boarding bonus against submarines, when the ship is so big that no sub will ever try to board it (like HMS Pacificum [MI])
  5. "Crew of any nationality may serve on this ship" when it's a Pirate, and Pirates already have every crew they need (like Feathered Hat [SC])
  6. An ability that starts "If this ship wins a boarding party..." and a move of S, so they'll never catch anything to board it (like Le Musarde [OE])
  7. "Friendly ships within S get +1 to their cannon rolls," but that's all she's good for, and the point cost is far too high (like USS Springfield [SC])
  8. Shoot at submerged ships, but the ship has only one mast, so getting within shooting (and ramming) range of a submerged sub is a suicide mission (like Deepwater [MI])
  9. "If this ship carries no crew, she gets +2 cargo capacity," but she's so slow she has to have a Helmsman (like Angel de Guarda [FS])
  10. "Two hits from the same shoot action are required to eliminate one mast," but she has only one mast, so a simple ram will derelict her (like Arrogant [FS])
Top Ten Best Values for Named Crew:
  1. Crimson Angel (Pirates, OE) — 5 pts; SAT, world-hater (worth 7 pts)
  2. Calico Cat (Pirates, OE) — 6 pts; 2nd action on 5-6, world-hater (worth 10 pts)
  3. Cmdr. Peregrine Stern (USA) — 9 pts; captain, +1 boarding rolls, 2nd action on 5-6 (worth 13 pts)
  4. El Fantasma (Cursed, DJC) — 9 pts; fear, reverse-captain, world-hater (worth 13 pts)
  5. El Fantasma (Cursed, RF) — 7 pts; eternal, fear, SAT (worth 9 pts)
  6. Domenic Freda (Spain, RF 062a) — 4 pts; explorer, extra cargo space, takes up no space
  7. Capt. Montana Mays (USA, MI) — 7 pts; +1 boarding rolls, 2nd action on 5-6 (worth 10 pts)
  8. Victor de Alva (Spain, FS) — 8 pts; captain, 2nd action on 5-6 (worth 9 pts)
  9. Jack Hawkins (Pirates, SM) — 4 pts; captain, eliminate 1 enemy crew when this ship rams (worth 5 pts)
  10. Ralph David (USA, RF) — 1 pt; eternal (worth 2 pts)
Top Ten Most Expensive Crew:
  1. Emperor Blackheart (Pirates) — 12 pts; limit, all powerful
  2. Davy Jones (Cursed, OE) — 12 pts; limit, all powerful
  3. Davy Jones (Cursed, DJC) — 11 pts; limit, use 1 ability from anything in play
  4. Blackbeard (Pirates) — 10 pts; captain, capture high-value crew for ransom if win boarding action
  5. Marques Miguel Antonio (Spain) — 10 pts; look at any face-down treasure, rob enemy home island (1 treasure)
  6. Aruj Barbarossa (Corsairs) — 10 pts; captain, capture high-value crew for ransom if win boarding action
  7. Dragon Eyes (Jade) — 10 pts; captain, capture high-value crew for ransom if win boarding action
  8. Jack Hawkins (Pirate, DJC) — 9 pts; captain, reverse-captain
  9. Benito de Soto (Pirate) — 9 pts; captain, reverse-captain
  10. Wraith (Cursed, OE) — 9 pts; fear, eliminate all crew if win boarding action
Top Ten Pointless Crew (added July 2009):
  1. Jack Hawkins (DJ), Benito de Soto (MI) — very expensive crew who aren't allowed to use both their abilities (Captain and Reverse Captain) in the same turn. Naturally, the Pirates needed two of them.
  2. Barstow (FS) — the Explorer ability is for a gold ship, the crew-capture is for a boarder. How many ships will try both in one cruise?
  3. Victor de Alva (OE), The Mask (MI), Don Osvaldo Guillen (DJ) — does Spain really need three identical crew with the Captain and S-board abilities?
  4. Robert Surcouf (BC), Philippe Jordan (FS), Guy LaPlante (FS) — in the same way, does France really need three identical crew with the Captain and S-board abilities?
  5. John Paul Jones (RV), Montana Mays (OE) — likewise, does America really need two identical crew with SAT and crew-protect abilities?
  6. Yeshaji Angria (MI), Nikos Chelios (MI) — why do the Mercenaries need crew who can steal gold when they can't unload it at their home island?
  7. Lian (PC), Park (PC) — why spend 2 points on a Pirate meat-shield crew when a 1-point Oarsman will do the same job, and also save a cargo space and let you move your ship when derelict?
  8. Merrow (RF), Tidal Fiends (FS) — same question, but for the Cursed this time.
  9. "On a roll of 6, any ship in your fleet can be given two actions." Six points for an ability that will usually happen only once or twice in a game?
  10. Bloody Jake (BC), Palafico (PC) — why pay 4 points for a boarding bonus when the Pirates already had Bloody Jake (CC) and Genny's Red Rampage (SM) for 3 points?
Top Ten Best-Looking Crew Pictures:
  1. Guy LaPlante (France, RV)
  2. Calico Cat (Pirates, SM)
  3. Countess Diana Doone (England)
  4. Jack Hawkins (Pirates, CC)
  5. "Diamond" Nelson Turner (USA, RV)
  6. Vicomtesse Angelique de Richelieu (France)
  7. Philippe Jordan (France)
  8. El Fantasma (Cursed, OE)
  9. Comandante Luys de Alva (Spain)
  10. Woodes Rogers (England)
Top Ten Most Common Named-Crew Abilities:
  1. 73 crew — Captain (move & shoot)
  2. 45 crew — +1 on cannon rolls against other faction(s)
  3. 28 crew — reroll one die roll per turn
  4. 26 crew — +1 on boarding rolls
  5. 21 crew — same action twice on 5-6
  6. 18 crew — Limit
  7. 14 crew — board from S range
  8. 14 crew — Ex-patriot (expatriate?)
  9. 12 crew — extra action on 5-6
  10. 11 crew — Marine
Top Ten Most Useful Crew Abilities:
  1. Captain (move & shoot)
  2. Helmsman
  3. Once per turn, one crew or ship within S of this ship cannot use its ability that turn.
  4. You may build your fleet using 5 more points than the game's build total.
  5. Once per turn before you give this ship an action, roll a d6. On a 5 or 6, this ship may be given the same action twice.
  6. Once per turn, roll a d6. On a 5 or 6, this ship can be given an extra action. (I rate this lower than the SAT because it costs twice as much)
  7. This ship gets +1 to her cannon rolls against any non-[own faction] ship.
  8. Once per turn, you can eliminate one of this ship's crew to give her an extra action.
  9. One of this ship's treasures is worth +2 gold when unloaded at your home island.
  10. Once per turn, you may reroll any die roll you make for this ship; you must use the second die roll result.
Top Ten Best Things to Do with a Canceller Ability:
  1. Cancel a Captain the instant his ship sails into range, so the ship can't shoot you after its move is done.
  2. Cancel a submerged submarine or sea monster, forcing it to bob to the surface where you can blast it.
  3. Cancel your own wounded sea monster while it's at your home island, so it can do a repair action. This will also work on a Mercenary ship, although you'll need to cancel it once to get it docked, and again for each turn it stays there.
  4. Cancel an ability like "Two hits from the same shoot action are required to eliminate one of this ship's masts" or "This ship ignores the first hit she takes each turn as long as she has all of her masts," just before you open fire.
  5. Cancel those awful defensive immunities like "L-range cannons cannot hit this ship" or "This ship cannot be shot at by ships within S of her" so you can bang away at them freely.
  6. Cancel the "Crew of any nationality can use their abilities on this ship" ability so all the other-nation crew on that ship can't function for a turn.
  7. Cancel the ability of a Scorpion, Switchblade, or Bombardier ship to keep them from using their special weapons.
  8. Cancel a Longship ability the moment it sails into range, so it gets only one shot from each mast instead of two.
  9. Cancel the Eternal ability on a ship or crew just before you sink the ship.
  10. Cancel the other guy's Canceller before he can do any of the above to you.
Top Ten Ways to Demoralize the Enemy:
  1. Shred his confidence in his expensive "Two hits from the same shoot action are required to eliminate one mast" ability by hitting him with a Broadsides Attack, which ignores such abilities.
  2. If you suspect your gold ship is going to get sunk as soon as it loads gold, load the worst treasure instead of the best, so you give the enemy almost nothing when he sinks you.
  3. At the precise moment when the enemy thinks you've failed at something, turn up a face-down crew that can save the day for you (like if you need one hit to derelict him, but your cannons all missed — "Hey, I've got a Cannoneer!").
  4. Snatch the last gold off a wild island just before he gets there, especially if you don't need it to win.
  5. Instead of sinking his derelict ship, tow it home. Repair it and use it against him.
  6. Don't remind him of your ship's ability until it comes into play. For instance, if he's shooting red cannons at you, don't mention your ship's immunity to red cannons until he actually rolls a hit. It's really fun when he sinks your ship and forgets that it (or a crew on it) is Eternal.
  7. Use a "[other faction] crew can use their abilities on this ship" to give your ship a power it couldn't otherwise have. There are crew in some factions that let you rob an enemy home island, or give combat abilities like Broadside Attack. Either way, the enemy will never see it coming until you hit him with it.
  8. Throw a curve ball to ruin his game plan. If you always play the Americans, show up with a Spanish or Corsair fleet. If your usual style is a swarm of small gold ships, bring a couple of big, crewed-up fighters instead.
  9. Pounce on his favorite ship and sink it before it can accomplish a single thing.
  10. Play an Event on him, like Divers or Mermaids. No one ever sees Events coming, for some reason; they always come as a surprize.
Top Ten Classic Blunders:
  1. Never get involved in a land war in Asia.
  2. Never get so caught up in fighting that you forget to gather some gold.
  3. Never assume that a child will get an unlucky dice roll. Ever.
  4. Never base your strategy on the assumption that the enemy will do what you expect him/her to do.
  5. Never expect to do anything with a slow fleet.
  6. Never fill your gold ships with crew so they can't carry a useful load of gold.
  7. Never assume that the enemy is blind to your plans and tactics.
  8. Never play against a bad sport and expect to have a good time.
  9. Never waste a fighting ship and fighting crew by gathering gold with them.
  10. Never go up against a Sicilian when death is on the line.

Back to the Pirates page