BLACKBEARD recreates "The Golden Age of Piracy" at the turn of the 18th century. Players take up the roles of famous pirates navigating the major sea lanes during the golden age of piracy.

Plunder and pirateering await as each player moves about on the map in a variable system through a deck of cards. Rather than the normal turn order in games, players move when their designation is drawn in a deck. When not in the role of their pirate they can take on the role of one of the English military ships hunting the sea for pirates. By making shrewd choices and having some luck the player can end the game a wealthy and retired pirate with a large fleet of ships that have been accumulated over the years.