Payoff Pitch Baseball (2013) Board Game

Payoff Pitch Baseball is a tabletop board game released in 2013 by Sideline Strategy Games. It is designed for 1-2 players and has a playtime of around 25 minutes. The game combines elements of card games, dice rolling, and simulation to provide a realistic baseball experience.

Game Components of Payoff Pitch Baseball

Game box

2 six-sided dice

2 ten-sided dice (0-9)

Printed game instructions

Printed game charts (double-sided)

Printed score sheets (double-sided)

One deck of Fast Action Cards (126 double-sided cards, totaling 252 FAC)

One deck of pitcher hitting cards (includes 16 batting cards, 4 fatigued pitcher cards, and 1 emergency pitcher card)

Field display game board and playing pieces

PDF download of 12 sample teams.

How To Setup Payoff Pitch Baseball

Setting up Payoff Pitch Baseball is relatively straightforward. Start by organizing the game components, including the dice, game charts, score sheets, and the decks of cards. Next, determine the starting pitchers for each team, which can be done by rolling a six-sided die. Each team requires its respective pitcher and batter cards, which are based on real baseball statistics. The game also includes options for auto sacrifice bunts and auto stolen bases, which can be enabled or disabled according to preference. Once the teams and game settings are chosen, players can begin the game by simulating the top of the first inning[4>.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Dice and Charts: Games can be played using two six-sided dice and two ten-sided dice, along with various charts to resolve at-bats and other game actions.

Fast Action Cards (FAC): An alternative to dice, FACs streamline the game by combining the dice rolls and chart lookups into card results.

Pitcher-Batter Interaction: Each at-bat starts with the pitcher card to determine the quality of the pitch, then flows to the batter card to resolve the at-bat.

Game Objective

The objective is to simulate a full nine-inning baseball game, keeping track of statistics and managing team strategies to win.

Player Experience

Playing Payoff Pitch Baseball is a swift and engaging experience. Games typically last between 25 and 35 minutes, making it a great option for those who want to play multiple games in a session. The game mechanics are designed to replicate the real-life interactions between pitchers and batters, providing a satisfying and realistic feel. Players can choose to use either the dice and charts system or the Fast Action Cards, each offering a unique way to play the game.

Pros

Realistic Gameplay: The game accurately simulates the pitcher-batter interaction and base running dynamics.

Fast-Paced: Games are quick, allowing for multiple matches in a short amount of time.

Flexible Mechanics: Players can choose between dice and charts or Fast Action Cards.

Comprehensive Statistics: The game keeps detailed statistics, enhancing the realism and replay value.

Cons

Complex Charts: Some players find the rare play charts to be a weak link, especially when the bases are empty.

Detailed Setup: While setup is not overly complicated, it does require some time to organize the components and teams.

Limited Printed Teams: The game does not come with printed teams; instead, players must download and print PDF versions of sample teams.

Personal Thoughts on Payoff Pitch Baseball

Payoff Pitch Baseball is ideal for fans of tabletop baseball games who appreciate realism and speed. It is particularly appealing to those familiar with other tabletop baseball games like Strat-o-Matic or APBA, as it offers a superior pitcher-batter interaction and quicker gameplay. New players may find the initial setup and learning curve manageable, especially with the option to use Fast Action Cards for a more streamlined experience. Overall, it is a great choice for anyone looking to simulate the excitement of baseball in a concise and engaging manner.

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