First game of Kiss Me Hardy

After playing several naval games using the “Black Seas” rules from Warlord Games we decided that we would give the “Kiss Me Hardy” rules from Too Fat Lardies a go.

During a mighty storm, the French Fleet successfully broke the Royal Navy blockade and have run South to the protected anchorage of Rochelle. However, the huge 3 decker, Commerce d’Marseille was damaged in the storm and had to take refuge in the bay at Saint Neotee.

Repaired, the big 3 decker is now running South, accompanied by the 3rd Rate Tonnant and two Frigates, Gloire and Venus.

The blockading Royal Navy fleet was scattered by the storm but in the subsequent chase, HMS Victory (100 guns) and HMS Ajax (74) and frigates Shannon (40) and Diamond (40) have located the French laggards and are now moving to intercept.

French Objective: Get the Commerce d’Marseille, around Saint Evenage Point and into the safe anchorage at Rochelle.

British Objective: Sink or capture the Commerce d’Marseille. Sinking her will count as a tactical victory. Capturing her will count as a major British victory.

The French fleet sails South with the frigates providing cover.

The Royal Naval frigates move to intercept with Victory and Ajax standing off.

The Royal Navy crash through the French line, pouring fire into the French, which caused the frigate Glorie to strike its colours.

The Tonnant passed between the British frigates and as they sailed away it turned it guns on the Ajax. Damage was done but these ships are tough.

This left the two British frigates chasing the last French frigate which soon struck its colours. However, the Commerce d’Marseille was left staring at two British ships of the line. It turned West into the wind and was becalmed and broadsided by both Victory and Ajax. Even the plucky Tonnant couldn’t help and at this point the game was called as the French were unable to get the Commerce d’Marseille into port and it was being hunted by two British ships of the line.

An interesting game and very different from “Black Seas” in that the movement was more sedate and generally almost all the shooting was at the masts to try and slow ships down. Similar scenarios using the “Black Seas” rules have seen all the shooting at the hull to try and destroy ships as mast hits are more difficult. We did find some issue with using the turning circles on a congested table but already we are looking at alternatives. All appeared to enjoy the game and it is one that will be played again.