Pizza Box Football

On The Line Game Company · Board game · 2005
8.0 Ludopedia 6.2 BGG 1–2 · best 2 Solo 60 min Weight 2.0/5
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8.0 rating Ludopedia
6.2 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

If you're an American football fan and enjoy games that blend luck and strategy, Pizza Box Football is a fantastic pick! It manages to capture the tactical essence of the sport in a super accessible and fun way, with 'rock, paper, scissors' gameplay boosted by dice. It's a quick and intense experience that makes you feel like a real coach, without the complexity of a heavy simulator.

Highlights
  • Tactical American football simulation
  • Creative box design
  • Simple rules, strategic depth
  • Flexible game modes
  • High replayability
Keep in mind
  • Language dependency
  • Dice luck can be frustrating
  • Expansions add a lot
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Hey there, sports and board game fans! Ever thought about having all the adrenaline of American football right at your fingertips (or rather, on your table)? **Pizza Box Football** delivers exactly that, and the best part: it comes in a pizza box that transforms into the game field! It's a strategy game for 1 or 2 players that simulates the intensity of an American football match, with tactical decisions at every play.

In Pizza Box Football, you and your opponent (or you against the game itself, with the solo rules!) take on the roles of coaches and players. The game offers the option to play a full four-quarter match or shorter, more focused scenarios. The dynamic is simple yet full of tension: the defensive player secretly chooses a die, whose color indicates the defensive strategy (against a run, a short pass, or a long pass). Then, the offensive player announces which of the three plays they will attempt. Dice are rolled by both sides – defense rolls one die, offense rolls three – and the results are compared on specific tables. Generally, the higher the value on the dice, the more effective your choice was.

The real fun here is the simultaneous action selection and bluffing. You need to try and guess what your opponent will do to counter them or to ensure your play succeeds. The reference cards are super helpful for guiding plays and dice rolls. The base game already offers a robust experience, but there are expansions (sold separately) that add even more tactical depth, with new offensive and defensive plays, as well as teams with different strengths. It's a game that manages to be statistically accurate for the most hardcore fans, yet accessible enough for beginners or those looking for a quick game. Get ready to feel the excitement of every touchdown and every tackle!

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

4 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

1–2 players
1 REC
2 BEST

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Categories

Families

Containers: Pizza Boxes Game: Pizza Box Sports (On The Line Game Company) Players: Games with Solitaire Rules Players: Two-Player Only Games Sports: American Football / Gridiron
Publisher On The Line Game Company
Designer Erik Smith, Scott Smith (I)

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

1,612owners
147wishlist
22want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

7 questions
How many players can participate in a game?
Pizza Box Football is designed for 1 to 2 players. Yes, it has solitaire rules, so you can enjoy it even without an opponent!
How long does a game of Pizza Box Football last?
A game can last from 5 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the game mode you choose. There are quick scenarios or full four-quarter matches.
What is the complexity level of the game?
It's considered a light-medium weight game (2.0076/5 on BGG). The rules are easy to learn, but there's plenty of strategic depth for more demanding fans.
What comes in the game box?
The base box includes 1 game board, 5 play cards, 13 colored pegs, 13 dice, 1 expansion game preview card, 1 instruction booklet, and 1 stat sheet tablet.
Do I need the expansions to enjoy the game?
No, the base game already offers a complete and robust experience. Expansions add more variety of plays and teams, further deepening the strategy for those looking for more.
Is it a very luck-dependent game?
Since it involves dice rolling, there is an element of luck. However, the simultaneous action selection mechanic and strategic bluffing are crucial, minimizing pure luck dependency.
Who is this game recommended for?
It's perfect for American football fans looking for an accessible tactical simulation, players who enjoy 2-player games with bluffing and strategy, and anyone who likes a quick, fun game to play anywhere.

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