1st & Goal (2011) Board Game

1st & Goal is a sports-themed board game that was released in in 2011. It is designed for 2-4 players and has a runtime of 120-150 minutes. The game is centered around American football, allowing players to experience the excitement and strategy of the sport in a tabletop setting.

Game Components of 1st & Goal

Card Decks: Two 60-card decks (one for offense, one for defense), each split evenly between running and passing plays.

Dice: 10 custom dice (seven team dice and three game dice).

Game Board: A magnetized board representing a 100-yard football field.

Game Pieces: Magnetic pieces for tracking down, distance, and score.

Cards: 12 offensive plays and 12 defensive plays, totaling about 120 cards.

How To Setup 1st & Goal

To set up the game, players start with a kickoff, which can be resolved with a touchback or a series of die rolls chosen by the receiving team. Each player draws eight cards from their respective deck (offense or defense). The board is prepared with the magnetic pieces, and the game is ready to begin.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Play Calling: Players choose a play from their hand of cards.

Dice Rolling: The chosen cards determine which dice are rolled, and the results on the dice decide the play’s outcome.

Card Management: Players must manage their hand of eight cards, using time outs strategically.

Objective: The goal is to score more points than the opponent by successfully executing plays and managing card resources.

Game Phases: The game is divided into two halves, each ending when the player on offense runs out of cards.

Player Experience

In **1st & Goal**, players experience the excitement of American football through strategic play calling and dice rolling. The game requires anticipating the opponent’s moves, making it a continuous game of one-upmanship. The magnetic board and high-quality components enhance the gameplay experience, making it easy to track the game’s progress.

Pros

Strategic Depth: The game offers a good balance of strategy and luck, making each play exciting and unpredictable.

Ease of Learning: The rules are intuitive, especially for those familiar with American football.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for ages 13 and up, making it a great game for family nights.

High-Quality Components: The magnetic board and pieces ensure long-lasting durability.

Equal Competition: The game design ensures that both sides face equal challenges, regardless of the teams’ real-life strengths.

Cons

Limited Flexibility: Some players find that the game lacks flexibility in certain scenarios, such as the inability for an offensive play to gain yardage even if the defensive play is perfect.

Sticker Placement: Players need to place stickers on the custom dice, which can be a minor inconvenience for those who are detail-oriented.

Personal Thoughts on 1st & Goal

**1st & Goal** is ideal for fans of American football and those who enjoy strategic card and dice games. It’s a great addition to any game collection, offering a fun and competitive experience that captures the essence of football. While it may not be a perfect simulation, it succeeds in delivering an engaging and thrilling game that is easy to learn and enjoyable to play. This game is particularly suited for families, casual gamers, and anyone looking to experience the excitement of football in a condensed and accessible way.

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