Objective of the Game

Get ready to ignite your engines and unleash your inner Formula 1 driver with PitchCar! This isn't just a race; it's a test of your Fingerspitzengefühl (that's German for "finger-tip feeling"!) as you flick your colorful racing discs around a custom-built track. The goal? Be the first player to complete three full laps of the circuit and cross the finish line!

Preparation (Setup)

Setting up your PitchCar track is half the fun! Here’s how to get your race started:

1. Sticker Up Your Discs: Before your very first game, apply the stickers to your racing discs (check the sticker sheet!).
2. Build Your Track: The track parts (6 Straight Tracks, 10 Curved Tracks) can be put together in any configuration you like to form a closed race track. Get creative! For your first game, we recommend replicating the track shown in the manual.
3. Insert the Railings: The railings are crucial for an exciting race! Insert them into the side slits of the track parts. Remember, the long railings fit the curve parts, and the short railings fit the straights. You can attach them inside, outside, or vary them as you wish.
4. Place Shared Components: Place the black spacer disc and the scoring pad (with a pen!) in the middle of the table, accessible to all players.
5. Distribute Racing Discs: Each player receives a racing disc. If you're playing with 2 to 4 players, each player can also choose to play with two discs of the same color.
6. Determine First Player: The youngest player gets racing disc number 1 and starts the race!

The Turn of Play

A game of PitchCar unfolds over three thrilling laps. Here’s how a turn works:

1. Starting the Race: The player with number 1 places their racing disc directly behind the start/finish line and flicks it across the track as far as possible with a finger.
2. Player Order: After the first player, all other players follow in the order of their start numbers (2, 3, 4, etc.).
3. Continuing the Race: Once all racing discs have been moved, it’s the turn of player number 1 again, regardless of their current position on the track. The turns continue in numerical order (1, 2, 3, etc.).
4. Flicking Technique: The core of PitchCar is the flick! You flick the fingernail side of your finger, placing it very close to the racing disc. It's a flick, not a push!
5. Completing a Lap: When a player fully crosses the finish line with a racing disc, completing a lap, they immediately mark it on the scoring pad.

Special Situations on the Track

The race isn't always smooth sailing! Here's how to handle common scenarios:

• Creating Distance (Family Game Rule): If your disc is stuck against a railing or another car, you can use the black spacer disc to move your disc approximately 1 cm away. Push the spacer disc upright between your racing disc and the obstacle. You cannot move another player's disc when doing this.
• Touching Other Racing Discs: It's not forbidden to hit other players' discs with your own, changing their position.
• Shooting Discs Off Track (by others): If you "jostle" another player's disc off the track, your move is invalid. You must return your disc to its original position before the flick, and your turn ends. The player whose disc was knocked off returns their disc to its original position.
• Shooting Your Own Disc Off Track (by your own fault): If you flick your own disc off the track, your turn is also invalid and ends. You must return your disc to its original position.
• Flipping Your Own Disc Over (by your own fault): If your disc flips over and lands sticker-side down, you must sit out your next move. When it's your turn again, simply flip your disc back over. Other players can still move your flipped disc by hitting it. If a flipped disc flies off the track, return it to its previous position, still sticker-side down.

End of Game and Scoring

The tension builds as the laps count down!

• Winning the Race: The game ends as soon as the first player completes their third lap. That player is the winner!
• Continuing for Others: Other players continue their turns until all racing discs have passed the finish line for their third lap.

Tips for Winning

Want to leave your opponents in the dust? Here are a couple of pro tips:

• Master the Flick: Practice makes perfect! Experiment with your index, middle, or even thumb to find the most controlled and powerful flick. Remember, it's a quick, decisive flick, not a push.
• Utilize the Railings: Experienced players learn to bounce their discs off the railings or slide along them to cover significant distances with a single flick. This "railing or collision technique" is key for maintaining optimal position, especially in tricky spots.