From the back of the box: Blackbeard is a complete redesign of Richard Berg's original game for The Avalon Hill Game Company. While some of the elements and detail remain, game play has been largely overhauled. Unlike the original, there is virtually no downtime here; while the Pirate Player is taking his turn, the Anti-Pirate Players can each play from their hands one of a variety of Anti-Pirate cards against him: Scurvy, Mutiny, Warships, and more come into play this way. Furthermore, the 87 event cards include many that are played as soon as they're drawn, with Storms at Sea causing havoc, and new governors vowing to get rid of every pirate out there.