# Football Strategy

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 1959
- **BGG Rating**: 6.5
- **BGG Rank**: #7981
- **Players**: 2-4 (Best with: 2)
- **Duration**: 150 min
- **Weight**: 1.59 / 5
- **Designers**: Thomas N. Shaw
- **Publishers**: The Avalon Hill Game Co, Strategy Game Company
- **Categories**: Bluffing, Sports
- **Mechanics**: Dice Rolling, Memory, Paper-and-Pencil, Rock-Paper-Scissors, Simulation, Simultaneous Action Selection, Track Movement

## Verdict
If you enjoy a board game with a touch of sports simulation and don't mind an older aesthetic, Football Strategy might be for you! It's a 2-player game that tests your ability to anticipate your opponent's moves.Deep tactical simulationFocus on pure strategyNiche classicEasy to learn to playRetro visuals and dated mechanicsLittle randomnessBest for 2 playersFOR GENRE FANS

## Description
Football Strategy, released way back in 1959, is one of those classic games that tries to capture the essence of American football in a box. The game here is all about pure tactics and play-calling skill. It revolves around a duel between offense and defense: the defender chooses one of 10 tactical formations (from a goal-line stand to a pass-heavy defense with multiple safeties), while the offense has 20 play options (plus punting, of course!).

The outcome of each offense-vs-defense matchup is fixed and determined by a matrix, except for certain "long gain" situations. Dice are only rolled to determine the distance of these longer plays and the results of kicks (kickoffs and field goals). Each play consumes a specific amount of time, which players track on a timer, and the game follows a four-quarter structure, just like the real sport. For variety, there are three offensive styles to choose from: "pro style," "aerial game," and "ball control," each with its own results matrix that slightly alters the dynamic without revolutionizing it.

Despite its simplicity, the game can be quite engaging. Matches tend to follow realistic patterns, although punts and on-side kicks are a bit more effective than in real life. And since the game hasn't changed much since its inception, the tactics and defenses reflect the football of Otto Graham's era more than today's game. For those who enjoy deeper analysis, you can get lost in mathematical calculations and strategies; in fact, some players have used game theory to try and dominate tournaments. It's a game that rewards planning and reading your opponent, even with a dash of dice-driven luck.

## FAQ
### How many players can participate?
Football Strategy is designed for 2 players, simulating a direct duel between offense and defense.

### How long does a game take?
Games are quite long, estimated at 150 minutes, which is about 2.5 hours of playtime.

### Is the game very complicated to learn?
The basic structure is simple, but mastering the strategies and the results matrix requires some dedication. The complexity is considered low to medium.

### Do I need a lot of components to play?
Basically, you'll need the board, formation cards, play cards, dice, and paper and pencil to track time and results.

### Is this a game for American football fans?
Absolutely! It attempts to simulate the sport's strategy, focusing on tactical offensive and defensive decisions, rather than physical action.

### Is there a lot of luck involved in the game?
Luck is quite limited. Dice are mainly used to determine the distance of long plays and kick outcomes, but most of the game is based on tactical choices.

### Are there any expansions for this game?
There are no known official expansions for Football Strategy. The original 1959 game is what we have.