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Classic Battlehips 2 Player Strategy Game and Strategies
The classic Battleships(tm) game can be played by two players, each with a piece of paper and a pencil. It's simplicity is the secret to a hugely entertaining and play-anywhere game.
The success of the electronic version of the game has given rise to a new crop of games - from board game variations, to computer and online games.
This lens discusses the strategies behind the game, as part of my research into AI and Artificial Life in Video games.
There are placement strategies, playing strategies, and search and destroy strategies.
The strategies work for the 2 player game, as well as online and electronic variants. There's even a book, a guide, and my very own PDF that you can take away and use to play 2 player battleships wherever you may go!
(Opponent not included...)
News And Views
Battleships Over Twitter! Download Paper Battle Ships (see below), and use #channels to run a game, match, or tournament. Let's start a craze! The Battleships Over Twitter Lens!
Resources for Playing Battleships
A list of stuff that I've put together for Battle Ship Enthusiasts
- The Paper Battle Ship game sheet
- Hosted by Super File Hosting (dot com). This is a JPEG image that you can download and print out to embark on Naval Warfare Campaigns with your friends & family. No Computer Required! (Except to download, open, and print the file, of course)
Playing Battlehips (A Game for 2 Players)
The rules are simple, no computer necessary...
Each player draws two 10x10 grids on their piece of paper. The one on the left is where they will place their craft, and the one on the right is where they will use to keep track of their opponents craft.
Not to mention those shots that miss!
The grids should be numbered down the sides from 0 to 9 (or 1 to 10), and the columns numbered from A to J. These give rise to the basic co-ordinate system of the game.
The final piece of preparation is for players to place their craft on the grid. They have the following at their disposal:
- Aircraft Carrier (5 units long)
- Battleship (4 units long)
- Frigate (3 units long)
- Submarine (3 units long)
- Minesweeper (2 units long)
Once both players have set up their craft, they take it in turns to call out co-ordinates, using the row and column numbers.
These are the 'shots'. The player whose turn it isn't checks to see if the co-ordinates have 'hit' one of their craft.
If not, it's their turn to call out a shot.
If they do get hit, they must inform their opponent, who can directly call out another shot. They continue until they 'miss'.
Shots fired should be recorded on the right hand grid, to keep track. Hits must be logged by the unfortunate opponent.
There's one final rule, which some people claim, for the manual game at least, is optional. It is traditional, when a boat is sunk, for the hapless owner to inform their opponent of it's sinking...
Test Out Your Battleships Strategies!
Grab a cheap electronic Battleships game from eBay.
Against the machine, or play against your friends. Get the original classic Battleships(tm) and collectibles from eBay for less!
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand by
Online Battleships Games
Play in your browser!
Positioning Strategies
Where (not) to place your craft...
Rule #1 - Don't Place Craft Along Edges
Placing your craft along an edge reduces the number of squares that your opponent needs to visit in determining the orientation of your craft.
If your Aircraft Carrier is placed from A2 to A7, and your opponent scores a lucky hit with A5, then they only need to test three squares to check in which direction the craft is oriented - A6 (hit), B5 (miss) and A4 (hit).
Check back often for more Placement Strategy hints!
AI in Video Games
AI and Artificial Life in Video Games
The book that started this whole idea off - it goes into some depth about AI strategies in video games, and ways to make it more realistic by adding elements of artificial life. If this page has intrigued you - the book will too!
Amazon Price: $30.39 (as of 12/26/2009) 
Seek Strategies
How to Probe for Craft
Strategy #1 - Diagonal Lines
Starting from one edge, fire shots in a diagonal line, skipping every other square. When you get to the other edge of the board, do the same along one of the opposite diagonals.
This one comes from my brother-in-law (thanks, Jon). It maximizes the probability of detecting a craft in a relatively short space of time.
Strategy #2 - Cell Skipping
We often talk about 'skipping' cells - but remember, you will maximize your chances by keeping track of the ships sunk. For example, if the 5-unit craft is still out there, then you can afford to skip every 3 or 4 cells, but if all you're looking for is the sub, then reduce the skip count!
Check back often for more Seeking Strategy hints!
Destroy Strategies
How to Destroy a Craft
Strategy #1 - The NSEW Strategy
When scoring the first hit on a craft, probe by fire to the North, South, East and West.
It seems obvious, but it is surprising how often players neglect the simpler strategies in Battleships! Also note that the diagonals are not worth probing, because craft can only be placed along the horizontal and vertical.
Check back often for more Destruction Strategy hints!
Battleships Games
by LeckyT
A gamer- turned- author, this page is dedicated to my exploration of Battleships(tm) strategies for computer opponents.
Of course, they will work equa...
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