Ships of the Line is a naval combat system that simulates battles between 1740 and 1815 at the tactical level. "Trafalgar 1805" recreates the clash between the British fleet - commanded by Admiral Nelson - and the Spanish-French combined force - led by Admirals Villeneuve and Gravina - that took place on October 21st, 1805. The plastic pieces represent the actual ships that fought the biggest pre WWII battle, excluding Lepanto. The game is meant for 2 to 3 players: one player always takes the British side while the combined Spanish-French force can be played by another one or split in two, with each player taking command of one of the nationalities. It can also be played by any number of players, giving them command of just some of one side's ships. Before starting the game, players should agree on wether they will use any optional rules. SEQUENCE OF PLAY After setting up the scenario by the playbook, play proceeds in turns. Each turn consists of the following phases: INITIATIVE PHASE: Players determine initiative. Initially, it is held by the British side. COMBAT PHASE: 1.- The initiative player fires his cannons, any hits are not applied yet. 2.- The non-initiative player fires. 3.- Any damaged caused by both sides is now applied simultaneously. MOVEMENT PHASE: 1.- The non-initiative player moves his units. 1.- The initiative player moves his. CREW ACTIONS PHASE: Played simultaneously, the initiative player executes his actions first. 1.- Grapple and grapple disengagement attempts. 2.- Boarding attempts. Require previous successful grapple. 3.- Rigging and fallen masts removal. 4.- Put out fires. 5.- Check for sinking ships. 6.- Check for surrendering ships. After turn 24 is completed, calculate victory points for sunk, captured or damaged ships and determine the winner. COMPONENTS: 1 Playboard, made up of 5 DIN A3 sections. 60 ships miniatures. 180 detachable masts. 60 ship cards. 1 stickers sheet. 2 markers sheets. 1 combat table sheet. 1 miscellaneous tables sheet. 1 player aid. 2 fleet setup sheets. 6 six sided dice. 1 rulebook. 1 Volume I Trafalgar booklet.