Nauticalia

Legend has it that on his three major voyages of discovery, Captain James Cook spent so many hours in his cabin, pouring over this game's stratagems, that his crew joked he had a mistress aboard - hence the name "Captain's Mistress". Each evening the Captain supposedly retired to his quarters with his shipboard scientist companions and played this sophisticated version of four-in-a-row. It is a deceivingly simple game for two people, but it demands concentration to play well. Taking turns, each player tries to be first to position four "rounds" (wooden balls) in a row, horizontally, vertically or diagonally in the "chutes", while his opponent tries to prevent him. The traditionally-styled wooden cabinet with brass fittings, which houses the game, is handsomely made and worthy of the romantic myth which inspired the name. Complete with 42 wooden rounds and instructions for playing. Cabinet measures 12x9x3". TRAVEL SIZE Captain's Mistress game measures 5x4x2".