Cover of the game 1st & Roll

1st & Roll

R&R Games · Board game · 2018
Ludopedia
8.0 Ludopedia
BoardGameGeek
6.9 BoardGameGeek
Players
2–4 · best 2
Play Time
20–60 min
Weight
Weight 2.0/5
Year
Year 2018
Minimum age
Minimum age 14+
Buy · from US$ 41.06
8.0 rating Ludopedia
6.9 rating BoardGameGeek
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

1st & Roll is the perfect choice for football fans who want a fast, intense, and action-packed experience. The game shines by simplifying the sport's complexity without losing the thrill of game-changing plays, making it ideal for gaming on the go. It is a dice-rolling rollercoaster where every play call can lead to glory or a disastrous fumble.

Highlights
  • Fast and dynamic matches
  • Faithful sports simulation
  • Easy to learn and play
  • High player interaction
Keep in mind
  • Heavy reliance on dice luck
  • Can be frustrating for unlucky players
  • Niche appeal for sports fans
Rules manual not indexed yet Upload the PDF rulebook to ask questions about this game with AI.

About the game

What you do in a play session

If you have always wanted to feel the adrenaline of an American football game without spending hours studying complex rulebooks, 1st & Roll is for you. As the direct successor to 1st & Goal, this game brings all the intensity of the sport to your table, but in a much faster and more straightforward way. The best part is that the game fits in the palm of your hand, and matches are resolved in a fraction of the time compared to its predecessor.

In charge of your team, you need to decide on every down: are we running the ball, attempting a risky pass, or kicking? The core mechanic revolves around choosing your play dice. This is where it gets interesting! You select the die that best fits your plan, but make no mistake: the opposing defense is always alert, trying to predict your moves and close the gaps to prevent that game-winning touchdown. The game system perfectly captures the essence of the sport, including classic moments like fumbles, interceptions, sacks, penalties, and those deep passes that get the crowd cheering.

It is a game that balances dice luck with tactical decision-making quite well. You are not just rolling dice; you are managing risks. If you are too aggressive, you might end up fumbling the ball; if you are too conservative, you will see the clock run down without gaining the necessary yards. The interaction between offense and defense is constant and highly engaging, creating that "sports chess" vibe where every choice matters. It is perfect for those who want a thematic, fast-paced experience that does not require a huge table or hours of dedication. If you love sports or just want a vibrant dice game to play with friends, 1st & Roll delivers exactly what it promises: an exciting American football match condensed into a frantic tabletop experience. Prepare your playbook, choose your dice wisely, and try to get that ball into the end zone before the clock runs out!

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

1 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–4 players
2 BEST
3 OK
4 OK

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Mechanics

Categories

Families

Sports: American Football / Gridiron
Publisher R&R Games
Designer Stephen Glenn
Artist Jennifer Vargas

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

663owners
107wishlist
27want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
How long does a game take?
It is quite fast, usually taking between 20 to 60 minutes depending on player experience.
How many players can play?
It is designed for 2 to 4 players, working great as both a duel and a group game.
Do I need to know American football rules?
It helps, but the game is intuitive enough for beginners to pick up quickly.
Is it very complex?
Not at all! With a weight of 2/5, it is very accessible and focused on immediate fun.
Is it too luck-dependent?
Since it uses dice, luck is a factor, but choosing which die to roll provides the necessary strategic depth.
What are the main components?
Mainly play dice and a board or cards to track yardage progress.

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