Name:    El Chico (Pirates)

Card:    SM #PS-019 (Common)

Points:  5

Masts: 2

Cargo: 2

Moves: S+L

Guns : 3S,3S

Hit %: 100 (S), 0 (L)

Ability: Spanish ships get +1 to their cannon rolls against this ship.

When people see a negative ability on a ship, they tend to shy away. El Chico has such an ability, but her virtues far outweigh her drawbacks.

Those virtues are high speed and low price, which make her a fine gold ship. It's a rare fleet that can't spare five points to add another ship for treasure running. Yes, her cargo is small, but she can pay for herself in one or two cruises, which she has the speed to do. If that's a problem, then spend three more points for Gentleman Jocard and a third cargo space. No, her cannons aren't good, but if she's using her cannons, she's in trouble already.

Ships like El Chico aren't meant to be world-beaters; they're meant to fill in the spaces in your fleet after you've spent the bulk of your points on more potent ships. They bustle back and forth between wild islands and your home port, enriching you while your other ships keep the enemy busy. This is a good little gold ship; keep the Spanish away from her, and you won't be sorry you chose her.

Goldship rating: 3.0 / 5

Gun Ship rating: 2.0 / 5

Boarding rating: 2.0 / 5

Value for points: 3.7 / 5

Name: El Chico
Masts: 2
Cargo: 2
Speed: S+L
Firepower: Two 3S guns
Cost: 5 points
Ability: Spanish ships get +1 to their cannon rolls against this ship

We finish Pirates week with yet another little Pirate fighter or light gold runner. She may not excel at gold running with her small cargo hold. Nor will she excel at fighting with two avenge cannons. But, she’s fast and only costs five points.

For me I would stick on a helmsman plus captain and chase after enemy gold runners, and/or help with fire support to any ship that needs it. You could just use her as she is, cargo space isn’t great. But with a good base move she can haul back two gold, which would probably more then pay for her in a single trip.

Either way, keep it simple. With just a five point cost and S+L speed. It won’t take much for this little ship to earn her keep. Just keep her away from the Spanish. A small price to pay since this negative ability knocks nearly one and a half points off her.

Breakdown of points.
Masts – 1 point
Cargo¬ – 1 point
Speed – 3.4 points.
Cannons – 1 point
Ability – -1.4 Points

Gunship rating 2.5/5
Gold ship rating 2.5/5
Fleet support rating 3.5/5
Value rating 4/5