Paydirt (1970) – Board Game Guys

Paydirt

Paydirt is a two-player board game that simulates American football. Each player chooses a team that represents an actual NFL team from a specific season. For each team and each season, a Team Chart designed to reflect that team’s strengths and weaknesses during that season is used to direct gameplay. Each “play” of the game consists of the players secretly choosing a type of play (run, short pass, long pass, etc.), rolling dice, and consulting the Team Charts to determine the result of the play.The game was originally published by Time Warner under the name “Sports Illustrated Pro Football”. Avalon Hill later bought the game and renamed it Paydirt, marketing it with a college football version of the game called Bowl Bound. Avalon Hill hired Dr. Thomas R. Nicely, a statistician, to redevelop the mathematics of the gameplay. Avalon Hill published Paydirt until 1995, but some enthusiasts have published Team Charts for subsequent seasons.

Why is Paydirt Popular?

Paydirt is popular among football fans who enjoy the strategy and statistics of the sport. The game’s use of Team Charts that reflect the strengths and weaknesses of actual NFL teams during specific seasons adds a level of realism to the gameplay. The game has a dedicated following, with enthusiasts publishing Team Charts for subsequent seasons and developing computer and board game versions of the game.

Game Components of Paydirt

Team Charts for specific NFL teams and seasons

Dice for determining play outcomes

Play selection cards (run, short pass, long pass, etc.)

Game board

Rulebook

How To Setup Paydirt

To set up Paydirt, players first choose their teams, each represented by a Team Chart that reflects the team’s strengths and weaknesses from a specific season. Each player then familiarizes themselves with the play selection options and the game board. The dice and play selection cards are made available for use during the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Mechanics

Players secretly choose a type of play (run, short pass, long pass, etc.)

Roll dice to determine the play’s outcome

Consult the Team Charts to resolve the play

Game Objective

Score more points than the opponent by successfully executing plays and managing game strategy

Player Experience

Playing Paydirt offers a strategic and statistical approach to simulating football games. Players must balance the risks and rewards of different play types, using the Team Charts to guide their decisions. The game requires a mix of luck from the dice rolls and strategic thinking in play selection.

Pros

High replayability with different Team Charts for various seasons

Strategic depth in play selection and game management

Simple yet engaging mechanics

Historical accuracy in team performance

Cons

Limited to two players

Can be repetitive if playing with the same teams repeatedly

Requires some statistical understanding for optimal play

Personal Thoughts on Paydirt

Paydirt is ideal for football enthusiasts and those who enjoy strategic board games. It’s particularly suited for fans who appreciate the historical aspect of football, as the game includes Team Charts from various seasons. The game’s simplicity makes it accessible, while its depth in strategy keeps it engaging for experienced players. However, it may not be the best fit for those looking for a multiplayer experience or a game with highly dynamic gameplay.

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