The exercise begins by defining its limits rather than announcing a preferred outcome. The alternate history should remain as close to the known record as possible, with no unexplained advantages or conveniently altered personalities. Every divergence needs a logical cause, and later events must remain internally consistent with it. Sturdee is one of several possible replacements, so the case must be tested against other available senior officers. The method also follows changes beyond Jutland because a different battlecruiser commander could alter German planning, wartime strategy, and the postwar navy.
Chapter · 5:19-8:00
Ground rules for the Jutland counterfactual
Before replacing Beatty, the counterfactual sets a disciplined method: stay close to the historical record, justify each change, and follow its consequences beyond the battle.