Beat to Quarters is an official expansion to Flying Colors by GMT Games, LLC and requires a copy of that game (preferably the latest deluxe edition) to play. One of the most common criticisms of Flying Colors is the clutter of status markers on the map and that they may detract from game play. This concern can be minimized somewhat by using status sheets and a handy pencil to keep track of things on paper. This, however, adds a separate record-keeping aspect that the design of the game goes out of its way to avoid. Beat to Quarters provides the ultimate way by which to keep track of the status of individual ships through the use of individual tracking cards that are kept conveniently near the map and that are laid out to conveniently hold a variety of status markers such as Broadsides Fired, Sail State, Rigging Damage, and Hull Damage. The cards are designed to be printed at a standard 3.5 by 2.5 inch size so that they can be slipped into card protectors for extended usage. Individual tracking cards are included for all 562 individually named ships included with the latest, deluxe version of Flying Colors. But that’s not all! As a bonus, Beat to Quarters also includes the print-and-play components for an entirely new way to play Flying Colors. Drawing from games such as Naval War, Modern Naval Battles, and (in particular) Enemy in Sight, Beat to Quarters can be played with just the ship tracking cards, a special set of markers and 8.5 x 11 inch tracking board, and the status markers from Flying Colors. The ship cards are organized into squadrons that maneuver and fire against the opposing fleet within a relatively small playing area. With Beat to Quarters, you can play the battle of Trafalgar without the space requirements for three game maps. With Beat to Quarters, you can either enhance or completely change your enjoyment of Flying Colors! —description from the publisher Beat to Quarters can be purchased from: Volume I - Flying Colors Volume II - Serpents-of-the-Seas