 Sailing technique, evasion (running from guards), naval gunnery, turn-based strategy, dancing with the governor's daughter, fencing, and strategic planning are all skills needed to succeed in "Pirates".During the game, players can acquire items and special crew members who make some mini-games less skill-dependent, but must also choose one of five different skills at the start, which the game will give them an advantage in.Most controls are relegated to the nine keys of the number pad, and the game is completely playable using only the keyboard (numpad keys and enter), excluding the start menu and control screen.