Section 4: Gameplay
Taking a Turn
Players alternate turns. On a standard turn, the active player calls one coordinate by stating its column letter and row number, such as “F6.” The defending player checks that coordinate on the fleet grid and immediately announces the result.
- Miss: If the coordinate contains no ship, the defender announces “miss.”
- Hit: If the coordinate contains an unsunk ship, the defender announces “hit.”
- Sunk: If the shot hits the final undamaged space of a ship, the defender announces that the ship has been sunk and identifies it by name.
After the result is announced, both players record it. The attacker places the appropriate peg on the called coordinate of the targeting grid. The defender records the incoming shot on the fleet grid and, when applicable, places a hit peg in the struck ship.
Hits and Sinking
Each space of a ship can be hit only once. A ship is sunk when every space it occupies has been hit. One hit does not damage adjacent spaces and does not transfer to a touching ship. Each coordinate affects only the single space called.
A hit does not grant another shot under the standard turn sequence. After one valid shot and its result are recorded, the turn passes to the other player, whether the shot was a hit or a miss.
Repeated or Unclear Shots
If a player calls a coordinate already targeted, the record on the targeting grid determines the outcome. For friendly play, the attacker should be allowed to choose a new coordinate before the defender reveals any additional information. Players seeking a stricter game may agree before setup that a repeated coordinate wastes the turn.
If a coordinate is spoken unclearly, the defender should ask for clarification before checking the fleet grid. Once the defender announces a result, the confirmed coordinate stands unless both players agree that a simple verbal mistake occurred.
Fair Play
- Players may not look behind the opponent’s screen or inspect the opponent’s fleet grid.
- Players must not alter ship positions after shooting begins.
- Every shot and result must be recorded accurately.
- A defender must identify a newly sunk ship when using the standard rules.
- Players may review their own targeting records at any time.