The Sword and the Flame

Likely the standard rules for colonial skirmish games at least in the US originally released by the Yaquinto game company but in print for years and still available at the Sergeants 3 website.

The rules are straightforward and simple to learn.  Chance plays a significant role even in movement as well as firing and close combat.  Additionally, a deck of cards is used to determine the order in which units move and fire.

The section of the rules on organizing a force offer some distinctions based on nationality.   Though all have units of 20 figures for infantry, the number of officers varies as does the weaponry and use of horse.  The firing chart makes further distinction between the different groups when firing.  For example, it takes 5 Egyptians to score a hit, 4 British.  Nationality also defines the formations available with the British and Egyptians being the only groups able to enter close order while native spearmen are relegated to a mass formation.  The rules offer explicit figure proportions for balanced games.

The simplicity of the rules and the heavy element of chance probably make the rules of more interest for people interested in a game rather than a meticulous simulation.  Games involve relatively limited number of figures and move quickly.  The only unusual requirement is a deck of cards.  Cards that introduce national distinctions are available through The Virtual Armchair General.