The exact game procedure may vary slightly from one game to the next (mostly dependent on the Moderator), but will use the forms and follow the sequence shown below at all times, unless specifically spelled out prior to game start.

(PB3.1) GAME SETUP: The first turn of a game will differ from subsequent turns only in the initial "setup" phase. This is where you let the Moderator know of any special circumstances that are required to be laid out prior to game start. This information is usually included in (or sent at the same time as) the initial turn’s EAF. Some of the items that need to be specified include (but are not necessarily limited to):

• Ship Upgrades: Such as Refits, and other Commander’s Options.
• Option Mounts: If your ship has Optional Weapons Mounts, you need to specify these for the Moderator.
• Drone Loadouts: If you "spent" any points on drone upgrades (or are allowed points by the scenario) then you need to let the Moderator know where these points were spent, and where specialty drones are loaded.
• Shuttle Status: If your weapon status allows, you need to let the Moderator know if you have any Suicide Shuttles, Scatter Packs, etc... ready and waiting.
• Prior Overload Energy: Depending on weapon status, you may have overload energy carried over from prior to game start. This needs to be specified.
• Any other pre-start info that may be required by the scenario. (ie; Minefields, etc...)

(PB3.2) TURN SEQUENCE: The Turn Sequence will vary from one moment to the next, as break conditions, conditional orders, and other unforeseeable events occur. What follows here is a BASIC example of how a turn will proceed. Explanations of the forms and how they work are described in later sections.

(PB3.21) SEQUENCE OF PLAY:

1. Both Players send their EAF’s to the Moderator. (This will include Startup info on Turn 1)
2. Moderator informs both Players of their opponent’s starting speeds, plus any information that the opponent can see. (Fighters launched, drones deployed, refits, etc.)
3. Both Players send their initial SOP’s to the Moderator.
4. Moderator processes all orders on the SOP’s. When a break condition occurs, (s)he will post a Situation Report to both Players, requesting an updated SOP for the Player who had the break. The Sitrep is also sent to the Web Meister of that game (if applicable). The end of the SOP Period is always a break condition.
5. Player(s) send revised SOP(s) to Moderator.
6. Moderator processes the revised SOP(s) and posts another SITREP.
7. [** Steps 5 & 6 are repeated until the end of the turn.]
8. End of turn procedures are carried out.
9. An end-of-turn SITREP is mailed to the Players, and to the Games Director for recording. Then it all starts over at step 1.