Yar, ho, arg, and all that! You are reading the one-and-only IGN guide for Sid Meier's Pirates!. Everyone has wanted to be a swashbuckling hero on the high seas at one point, and this guide will help you breathe the ale fumes and consort with well-endowed women.

Pirates! is a fairly busy game. There's a lot to do, and the number of options you have may seem overwhelming at first. Not to mention, Blackbeard's presence is not something to be taken lightly. But you have nothing to fear, because this guide is the only thing you need to succeed in all your goals and Live the Life!

In this Sid Meier's Pirates! strategy guide, you'll find:

• All the basics of being a pirate, such as how to win at duels and sail ships
• Details on how to fulfill the different goals of the game, such as finding your family
• How to woo the lasses and get a family of your own

Get the Sid Meier's Pirates! Online Strategy Guide

When fencing choose the rapier for a quick attack. Wait a second at the start of a bout until fencers cross swords. If your opponent draws his sword back at waist height blade pointing towards you (thrust), then parry, and counter attack with your own thrust. Opponents sword held high on his right hand side will be a chop, duck, then counter attack. Opponents sword held high on his left hand side (arm across the body) will be a slash, jump, then counter attack. Look out, its easy to confuse the slash and chop.