ADMIRAL OF THE FLEET - Rulebook

ADMIRAL OF THE FLEET (AOTF) is a fast-play system for naval miniatures wargames focusing on medium to large surface fleet actions during the 1880-1945 period.

Looking for a fast-play but realistic tabletop simulation that combines a unique command/signaling system with combat that is as exciting and unpredictable as naval warfare really was? Bored with just moving ships about the table and doing whatever you want, turn after turn, without a mechanism that realistically reflects the difficulties and rewards inherent in commanding a fleet of ships? Then ADMIRAL OF THE FLEET and its companion publications THE FLAG OFFICER'S HANDBOOK and AOTF SCENARIOS VOLUME I may be just what you are looking for.

Due to the popularity of surface-only engagements and the difficulties inherent in an accurate portrayal of the additional dimensions required by the addition of aircraft and submarines to the game table, AOTF focuses exclusively on surface warfare during the age of the battleship.

RULEBOOK: 59 pages of rules, game charts , damage effects chart, printable move/turn rulers, bibliography, and glossary.  Contents include 1) An Introduction to Signaling, 2) Playing ADMIRAL OF THE FLEET, 3) Pre-Game Preparation, 4) Command Phase, 5) Movement Phase, 6) Combat Phase (Gunfire), 7) Combat Phase (Torpedoes), 8) Damage Phase, and 9) Optional Rules and Variants.  Required to play AOTF.

FLAG OFFICER’S HANDBOOK:50 pages of rules and diagrams plus printable signal card deck (67 cards) and Flag Officer Signal Book sheet.

The FOH explains in detail how the cards can be used to add a new dimension to your naval gaming experience by introducing this innovative method for aspiring flag officers to command their fleet on the game table. Contents include 1) A Brief History of Signaling, 2) Naval Formations, 3) Commanding Your Fleet, 4) Maneuver and Action Signals as well as A) Useful Information for the New Flag Officer, B) Catalogue of Flag Signals, C) Using the Signal Deck with Other Game Systems, and D) Printable Signal Card Deck. 

You can signal your divisions, squadrons and flotillas to execute a pre-determined battle order, turn in succession by division, alter course 3 points to starboard, distribute fire from the left, attack the enemy van and even perform a battle turn (Gefechtskehrtwendung)!

Required to play AOTF but can also be used with other naval wargame rules.

SCENARIOS VOLUME I: 66 pages including background information, maps, orders of battle (OOB) and setup diagrams plus 169 pages of pre-formatted, ready-to-print ship logs. Ship Logs are required to play AOTF.

The PDF files are best printed using a laser printer capable of duplex printing and page scaling set to NONE

SIGNAL CARD DECK: Set of 67 coated, professionally-printed, poker-size cards. While a printable version of the card deck is included with the FLAG OFFICER’S HANDBOOK, this printed version is highly recommended. Two decks (one for each commanding admiral) are needed for play.