This is the new, second edition (revised and expanded) of these rules for the great age of sail by Dave Arneson, Gary Gygax and Mike Carr. DGUTS was originally published by Guidon Games (that's us) but now, as with CHAINMAIL and TRACTICS last year, has been sold back to it's authors to be republished by their own concern, Tactical Studies Rules. It is a 5 1/2 x 8 1/2" booklet of 58 pages (plus cover, forward, etc.).

DGUTS is designed to simulate naval warfare of the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic wars the age of Horatio Hornblower in conjunction with 1:1200- scale model sailing ships, such as those produced by GHQ. Movement is simultaneous via pre-written orders. Speed is, of course, effected by the direction of the ship in relation to wind direction - and by wind speed, type of ship, etc.

This version gives longer ranges for all types of guns. For instance the 3# was formerly 10" and the 42# 16"; they are now 13" and 21" respectively. Carronade ranges are greatly increased (from 6.4" to 12-12" for a 68#) and a 6# Carronade added. Of course, the number and size of guns depends on the type of ship. Guns can be aimed either high (at masts and sails) or low (at hull and deck). Damage high will slow up a ship; damage low will kill crew factors, knock out guns, and possibly even sink the ship.

Elaborate rules (slightly altered in this version) cover boarding, moral and melee. A "training game" scenario is provided. Optional rules cover merchant ships and privateers, additional crew tasks, special movement rules sighting, burning ships, special vessels, changing ranges, howitzers, mortars, gun weight and tonnage, and melee losses. Also a new set of Advanced Optionals has been added and covers subjects too numerous to mention all. Some of the more important are a new range category of 1" or less, firing grape and cannister, bow & stern chasers, marines and an "honors of war rule". As before, a special section provides special, more detailed, rules for single- ship actions (duels) and a new section has been added for fleet actions.

Numerous historical scenarios are provided for general actions and single- ship actions. I've always found DGUTS games to be a very interesting change of pace from the more common land warfare or modern naval games. A small investment in a couple of ships or more and $5.00 for these rules, and you're all set. DGUTS is available from Panzerfaust Publications, PO Box 896, Fallbrook, CA 92028.

Miniature Warfare

Game Review: The Blue-Light Manual (ACW Rules)
Game Review: General Quarters (WWII Naval Rules)
Game Review: Don't Give Up The Ship (Age of Sail Naval Rules)