I find a quick way to find a ship is to start in the centre and work outwards in a spiral, jumping every other square.

Once a hit is scored, check north, east south and west of it and continue in a direction that works. When that direction stops working run back to the start of that line and go in the other direction until the ship sinks.

Always remember the squares you've tried before!

Won every match in a computer algorithm competition last year. :smug: :annoying smirk: