2nd Fleet (1986)

2nd Fleet is a refinement of Victory Games popular Sixth Fleet game system, and examines the strengths and weaknesses of the Soviet Red Banner Northern Fleet and the US Second Fleet and its NATO allies in future conflict for control of the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. Players are placed in command of the opposing superpower fleets. The mighty aircraft carriers and escorting capital ships must be protected from the devastating firepower of modern missiles, torpedoes, and bomb attacks. Attack submarines threaten the enemy task forces and replenishment convoys while searching out their submerged rivals. Limited air assets must be carefully assigned to combat air patrols, long-range strategic missions and attack strikes. 2nd Fleet, with its multitude of options and strategies, is one of today's most realistic recreations of modern naval warfare on the high seas.

Each 8 hour game turn is broken into 3 distinct phases (sub, surface, and air) and each player takes turns choosing which phase they wish to conduct. Ex. if the US player chooses "Air", they conduct all bombing, shipping strikes, anti-sub, and interception actions for all their aircraft.
Players also use their units to attempt to "detect" enemy forces so that an attack can be made. Ships and aircraft are always detected once a unit moves close enough to them, but players have to roll to try to detect subs.
Optional rules include nuclear weapons and logistics.
About 10 scenarios are included which range from about 60 minutes (for Introductory Scenarios) to 3 to 6 hours (for Intermediate Scenarios) to 20 or more hours (for the Advanced Scenario).

Game Components:

• 384 5/8-inch Counters
• 260 1/2-inch Counters
• 2 22" x 32" Mapsheets
• 1 Rules Booklet
• 2 Charts/Tables Booklets
• 2 Logistics Roster Pads
• 2 Scenario Set-up Cards
• 1 10-sided Die
• 1 Counter Storage Tray

Part of Victory Games Fleet Series.

Magazine References:

The GENERAL Index Article List:

• The GENERAL Vol.27,No.2
  • 2nd Fleet – “War Under the Midnight Sun: Variants for the Avanced Game of 2nd Fleet” (Variant) Jim Werbaneth
  • Fleet Series – “Some Submarine Second-Guessing: Soviet Subs in the Fleet Series” (Discussion) Thomas Dworschak