How to Play Battleship
Battleship is a quick, tense guessing game that kids and families know from toy stores and classic playtime. You can find tips and guides like this one on Playmore to get started fast.
Quick facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Game | Battleship |
| Type | Hidden-information guessing game |
| Typical players | 2 |
| Components | Use the components included with the game (peg boards, ships, pegs, markers) |
| Playtime | 10–30 minutes, version dependent |
What you are trying to do
Each player secretly places a fleet of ships on their grid. On your turn you call a grid coordinate to try to hit your opponent's ships. The goal is to find and sink every ship in the other player's fleet before they sink yours.
What you need and how to set up
Use the components included with the game. A typical box has two plastic peg boards, a set of ships in different lengths, and pegs for hits and misses. Some versions include special markers or rules. Editions vary, so check the official rules in your box for the exact fleet list and placement rules.
- Each player sits facing their own peg board so the opponent cannot see their grid.
- Place your ships on your grid. Ships usually sit along rows or columns, not diagonally. Exact ship sizes and numbers depend on your edition.
- Keep one board for your ship placements and one board to mark your shots at the opponent.
- Decide who goes first by any fair method (coin flip, youngest player, etc.).
How to play
- On your turn, call a coordinate aloud (for example, "B-6"). Say the coordinate clearly so both players agree.
- The opponent checks that square on their hidden grid and answers.
- If a ship occupies that square, they say "hit."
- If there is no ship there, they say "miss."
- Mark hits and misses on your shot board with the correct pegs or markers.
- If you scored a hit, continue to use that information to target neighboring squares on later turns. Some house rules give an extra shot after a hit; follow the edition rules in your box.
- The opponent marks your hit on their ship board with a peg so they can track damage.
- Players alternate turns calling coordinates until one fleet is fully hit and sunk.
How a round or game ends
The game ends when every square of all ships in one player's fleet has been hit. That player has no remaining ships, and the other player wins. Exact language for announcing a sunk ship or ending the game can vary by edition, so check your in-box rules for the official wording.
Beginner tips
- Spread your ships out. Don’t cluster them all in one corner.
- Use a checkerboard search pattern at first. It helps you rule out many squares quickly.
- When you hit a ship, target adjacent squares to find its direction.
- Keep calm and track every shot. Good notes beat random guessing.
- Practice both offense and defense. Try different placements to see what fools friends.
FAQ
Do ships go diagonal?
Most common versions allow only horizontal or vertical placement. Check your edition's rules to be sure.
Can I move ships during the game?
No. Ships stay where you place them for the whole game. Moving ships would break the hidden-information part of the game.
What if players disagree about a call?
Stop play and look at the defending grid together. Use a neutral rule like replaying the turn if your edition recommends it. If needed, consult the official instructions that came with your set.