From the designer's site:A roll of the cube determines whether the driving force that propels your boat will be by knowledge or by chance. Nautical Trivia's challenging questions (many in true/false and multiple choice format) will test your knowledge of nautical history, the America's Cup, historic lighthouses, navigation, boating safety, famous shipwrecks, infamous pirates and world geography. The 'Jolly Roger' and 'Treasure Chest' chance cards are designed to impact the outcome of the race with unpredictable variables based on actual sailing situations. Just when you thought it was smooth sailing, a 'Jolly Roger' hurricane card blows all boats off course out to open sea!!! - BoardGameGeek