
- BGG rank
- BGG #5,058
- BGG rating
- 6.7
Midway
- 2 players
- 120 min
- Complexity 2.4/5
- 1964

1962
Rules assistance for Broadside
Plain-language explanations of turns, card effects and disputed situations, with official source references and saved question history.
For 2 players

What would you like to know?
Answers come from the official rulebook, with the page to check.
Broadside is a board game released in 1962 for 2 players, 45 minutes per game, and ages 10 and up. Its main mechanics are Variable Set-up, Square Grid, and Grid Movement.
'Broadside is an American Heritage Nautical board-wargame from the "Command Decision" series published by Milton Bradley circa 1962. Players take turns maneuvering their Frigates and other ships to gain position so as to fire their cannons and destroy the masts on the enemy ships. Not for hardcore gamers, Broadside is an introductory wargame of Napoleonic naval combat on the high seas. Some ports are guarded by land based batteries of cannons and players risk losing ships by straying too close. Rules are easy to learn and like "Dogfight" the game includes some great plastic miniatures to play with.
Broadside supports 2 players according to the catalogue. This is the publisher’s listed player count, so the game is designed for exactly that number of participants. Variants for other group sizes, if any, are described in the rulebook of your edition, so check it before setting up a different configuration.
The listed playing time for Broadside is 45 minutes. This is the publisher’s estimate for a full game. The actual duration depends on the group, the player count and familiarity with the rules: first sessions usually run longer, while experienced groups often finish faster. Setup and teaching time are not included in this estimate.
The catalogue lists Broadside for ages 10 and up. This is the publisher’s recommendation and reflects reading demands, rule complexity and small components rather than theme alone. Younger players can often join with help from an adult, so check the age guidance on your edition and consider your group’s experience with board games.
Broadside has a complexity rating of 1.8 out of 5 from BoardGameGeek players, which makes it a light game. The rating reflects how much rules knowledge, planning and decision-making a typical game demands. Expect a longer first teach for heavier games, and use a preparation guide before game night.
Broadside belongs to these categories: Wargame, Napoleonic, and Miniatures. Its main mechanics are Variable Set-up, Square Grid, and Grid Movement. Categories describe the theme and setting of a game, while mechanics describe what players actually do on their turns. Each mechanic links to a catalogue hub with similar games, which helps when you want something comparable.
The catalogue lists Broadside as a base game. It can be played on its own with the components in the box and does not require any other title. Expansions, if any exist, add new content or rules on top of it and are listed separately in the catalogue with a link back to this base game.