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1 being the worst.
3 is average.
5 is the highest rating.
Date Reviewed - 04.02.09
Cadet-Captain Mike
Name: Smiling Jim (Pirates)
Card: MI #038 (Rare)
Points: 7
Masts: 1
Cargo: 1
Moves: S+S+S
Guns : 2S
Hit %: 67 (S), 0 (L)
Ability: Once per turn, if this ship carries
treasure and is within S of an enemy ship, you may
randomly trade one treasure with that ship.
The Smiling Jim's ability has occurred quite a few
times over the years.
It's a fun one to use on an unsuspecting enemy. But
is it useful here?
Once the "Jim" gets within S of something, that
means the gold ship he just pillaged can fire back
with at least one cannon. That's usually bad for a
one-masted ship; even gold ships with bad cannons
get lucky sometimes. You could use her as a gold
ship; her low price and high speed make her a good
one, but she's held back by her tiny cargo. Or you
could give her a Captain and use her as a tiny
support fighter, with one good cannon and plenty of
speed to get into any battle. But there are better
7-point ships for that purpose, like the old Bonny
Kate.
One thing I definitely like about the Smiling Jim is
her low point cost, which is always a plus in my
book. Even if she doesn't do much for you, she
doesn't have to do much to pay for herself. I'd use
her for gold, and try her ability only if the
opportunity arose. For seven points, you can't go
far wrong.
