SHIP OF TREASURES

OBJECTIVE OF SHIP OF TREASURES: The objective of Ship of Treasures is to be the first player that collects three treasures of different colors.  

NUMBER OF PLAYERS: 2 to 4 Players 

MATERIALS: 1 Ship’s Bow, 4 Markers, 4 Treasure Maps, 1 Gameboard, 40 Pirate Cards, 12 Treasure Chests, 16 Cannonballs, 1 Direction Die, 1 Number Die, 4 Playing Piece Stands, 4 Pirate Playing Pieces, and Instructions 

TYPE OF GAME: Strategic Board Game 

AUDIENCE: Ages 8 and Up 

OVERVIEW OF SHIP OF TREASURES 

Players act as pirates, hiding their booty all around! Every player will search for the other’s hidden treasure, plundering the loot if they can find it. Players have to be weary, as they may find their hands full of cannons instead of gold!  

SETUP 

To begin setup, place the board in the center of the playing area. The cardboard platform should be placed inside its base, with the plastic board resting on top of it. Each pirate piece is placed in the stand that matches them, and each player will choose one to represent them throughout the game.  

The bow must be attached to the ship, and detailed instructions for this are found on the back side of the bow. Each player will collect a treasure map and orient it so that the bow is on the top. They will then mark their treasure maps for where they hide their own treasure or cannonballs. Things can only be hidden under the x’s that match that player’s color.  

The youngest player will be the first to hide their treasure. The other players will close their eyes while the player places their treasure under the places that they have assigned on their map. The next youngest player will do the same, and it continues until all players have hidden their treasure.  

The players will place their pirate on any blank space on the board. The cards are shuffled and placed face down within reach of all players, and the game is ready to begin. 

GAMEPLAY 

The youngest player is the first player to roll the dice. During their turn, they will roll the dice and move their pirate the number of spaces equal to the number found on the dice. There is a compass found on the board and on the players’ treasure maps to inform them which direction to move. The players have to move the full number of spaces. Once a pirate moves, the player on their left will then begin their turn.  

The players should move their game piece in a straight line, unless they role a Wild and a 6 together. If they do roll this unique combination, the player may choose to change directions as many times as they would like throughout their move without landing on the same spot, but they cannot go diagonally. If a player reaches the end of the ship during their move, they are to “swim” under the boat and begin on the other side.  

Players are able to open hatches and investigate when they land on an X that is not their color. The players are able to collect treasures, as long as they haven’t already collected one of that color. If they land on an X that is of their color, then they must open it and reveal the holdings to the other pirates. Players have to skip their next turn if they find a cannonball under a hatch.  

If a player lands on a blank space, they are allowed to draw a card from the deck. They must follow the instructions found on the card. Some cards are able to be saved, whereas others have to be used immediately. Gameplay continues in this manner until a player ends the game. 

END OF GAME 

The game comes to an end when a player collects one of each treasure. This player will win the game immediately!  

Ellie Phillips
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