e-mail from Andrew Finch, dated 2nd April 2000:

Dear David
We actually played a game with Iron and Fire and thoroughly enjoyed it - CSS Virginia crashed and burned, CSS Columbia rammed and went glub glub. USS Cairo ran ashore to prevent sinking, having smashed squarely into Columbia.

We created some 'House Rules' which we'd like to share -

If you are in an Ironclad, unless you have troops on board, do not try to board the other guy because:
a) If an Ironclad declares a board (-3 to roll), it cannot claim +5 if counterboarded later (its hatches are open).
b) If an Ironclad defended against a boarding action (+5) it cannot counterboard (its hatches are closed).

We also created the following rules to cover the effects of the traits optional rule from BSGT which makes the game rather fun.
If slow witted -2 off initiative sequence.
If razor sharp +2 to initiative sequence.
If alcoholic -1 off initiative sequence.
If responsible - +1 to initiative sequence.

We move in order lowest to highest initiative end score, using some sensible method of solving ties if necessary. We also shoot in that order.

NOTE:
In arcs of fire, code B means Broadside and half the guns shown as B fire to port and half the guns to starboard. Also, 7 guns coded 6B, 1A means 3 to port and 3 to   starboard, and 1 to the aft arc.

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