The Pirate's Map

THE PIRATE'S MAP is a single sheet print and play game, for 1 to 4 players (although you can play more without problems) with many dice rolls, ideal for those players who enjoy games where you have to draw. But don't worry, they are very simple drawings.

The rules are simple, but they will allow you to make satisfactory plays by combining results. In addition, the games are quick for any number of players, which will allow you to take revenge if the wind is not blowing in your favor.

What do you need to play?

To play you will need a game sheet and a pencil or whiteboard marker* per player. And 3 normal 6-sided dice, 2 white and 1 black.

*You can laminate the game sheets for convenience and to save paper.

At the end of the campaign, the necessary files with the game sheets and rules will be sent. They will be in both, English and Spanish.

The Game Sheet

The GOAL of the game is to become the pirate with the most valuable treasure. The main way to achieve this will be by filling in the rows and columns of your map (A).

The map (A) is the main part of the game sheet, it is where you will draw your findings as a pirate. Around it, you will see different islands (B) identified with a symbol. You will interact with them through what you draw on your map and they will grant you loot and other rewards. Above the map, the different symbols (C) to draw and their corresponding dice value. There are also some areas that provide help information(D). And of course, you will also have your pirate chest! (E) In it, you will store all the loot you obtain. Finally, there is the scoring area (F), where you will write down the points for each corresponding section and calculate your total.

How to play

Before starting there is a little preparation, nothing serious, it just consists of a roll of the dice. This allows adding some asymmetry to each player's initial map, and makes the games more interesting.

Then, the fun begins:

The game takes place in an indeterminate number of turns. On each turn, there is one active player. The active player rolls the 3 dice. Each player draws a symbol on their map by combining these dice. Use 2 of them as coordinates to determine the row and column and the remaining die indicates the symbol to draw.
The only restriction is that no two identical anchor or sword symbols can be drawn orthogonally adjacent. 

If you haven't drawn a symbol on your map on your turn (because you can't or don't want to), cross out a skull in your scoring area. (These represent a slight penalty and can be a trigger for the end of the game)

ONLY the ACTIVE player can use both, the black die value and its opposite (for example, if the displayed value is a 1,  a 6 can used instead). ALL players can spend rum to virtually modify the value of white dice. For every 1 rum crossed out they can modify the value of the die by ±1, as many times as they wish.

Let's see an example:

Rolled dice are 1 (black), 2 and 4 (white). The active player can use the black die as a 1 or 6. By spending 1 rum any player can turn the 2 into a 3 or a 1. In the same way with the 4. Or spend 2 rum to turn the 2 into a 4, or the 4 in a 2 or a 6. (In case you are wondering, NO, the 6 and the 1 are not connected)

Thus, with this roll, these would be some possible combinations:

These are just some of the many possible combinations. 

As the game progresses, the combinations will be limited and the use of the black die and rum will become more important.

Filling your treasure chest

The main way to achieve this will be by filling in the rows and columns of your map.

If you are the first to achieve it, you will take the first treasure that is at the end of the row/column. If not, don't worry, in their rush the pirates always left a doubloon behind.

As you collect your loot, "save" it in your treasure chest.

The end of the trip

The game ends immediately when a player fill his chest, cross out his third skull or, if in a turn no player draws a symbol on their map.

Then, each player calculates the total value of their loot, subtracting from its value, the penalties for skulls if they have them, and the unexplored spaces on their map.
The Pirate with the most valuable treasure will be the winner.

What does each symbol do?

But what is the difference between drawing one or another symbol on your map? This is when the different island-like areas around your map come into play.

Palm tree

With a result of 1 or a 5, you can draw a palm tree. The palm trees represent the new islands that you will find and are the main source of obtaining rum. When you connect them orthogonally they will give you rewards based on their size, check the island identified with the icon of a leafy palm tree. 

The palm trees will form groups that at the end of the game will give you points.

Water

With a result of 2 or a 6, you can draw a water symbol. This represents the explored seas. When you draw them, cross out the next box on the island identified with a spyglass. When you complete a row, you will have managed to spot something in the middle of the sea. This gives you extra symbols to draw, which will help you complete rows and columns and which also have their own way of scoring.

Crossed swords

With a result of 3, you can draw a crossed swords. This represents boardings and other misdeeds carried out by you and your crew and it will increase your reputation as a feared pirate. Swords cannot be placed orthogonally adjacent to other swords.

When you draw a sword symbol, advance on the track of the island identified with the hook. This will allow you to increase the value of your loot.

Anchor

With a result of 4, you can draw an anchor. It represents the remains of sunken ships that the lost no longer need and that will come in handy for your cause. Anchors cannot be placed orthogonally adjacent to other anchors.

To salvage the loot, you will have to completely surround the anchor symbol orthogonally with other previously drawn symbols. When you achieve it, you will be able to claim one of the loot boxes found on the island identified with a large anchor. These boxes provide extra symbols for drawing and loot.

Available languages:

• English
• Spanish
• German
• French