Ben

Edge versus bar is an important distinction to make. At a 1:1 comparison they’re really not that different, but the slightly greater width of the card would add up significantly over the course of several measurements.

I can think of at least two good reasons for why WK used the printed bars instead of the full physical edge. First, it’s possible for the actual length/width of a card to vary slightly. Maybe not within a single set, and in hindsight I don’t think they did change much, but the potential was always there, whether intentional or not. Plenty of other game publishers have had issues in the past where cards in an expansion set didn’t quite match with cards from the base game, simply because they used a different printing company, or the same printing company changed their equipment in between. The other reason is that the rounded corners of the cards make it hard to find the exact corner, which in turn makes it difficult to determine the actual full size of the card along the edge where the measurement is actually happening. Cutting it back to a continuous bar avoids that issue.

As for how close is “close enough”, I think the black lines are definitely within that margin of error, especially considering how much fudge factor is inherent within any measurement made with the game. Subtle differences in how you place your ship along the bar, or even the physical shape of the ship’s hull can technically affect the distance it gets moved, not to mention any shifts that happen just from being bumped into by something else, even from removing the measuring card/tool itself.

If certain players or even groups insist upon using the full length/width of a card instead of the bars, or custom measuring tools that match the full sizes of the cards, it can be allowed, but only if everyone playing gets to do the same. That’s a big part of why the Pirate Code includes a note that says custom things are allowed as long as they’re made available to all players (Peripherals, Page 6). If you’re playing with a new player or new group, it’s a good idea to watch closely for the first turn or two to see how they’re measuring things, so don’t find out halfway through the game that someone was gaining an advantage, even if unintentional.

The most important thing is to be consistent on a group/game level. As long everyone is measuring the same way, it should be fine. The trouble starts when measuring methods get mixed up.

We’re gonna need to have another Pirates weekend, maybe more than once a year. 😀 Impressive amount of gold at the end there and well played by all!