Turn-Based Grid Football - Quick Start Guide

Overview

A strategic football game played on a grid where both players secretly choose plays simultaneously. First to score a touchdown wins! Play against any AI Chatbot to train your game! Customize it with your own rules and plays.

You play by uploading the quick start below and rules to any Chatbot after telling the chatbot you want to play a game.

The Board

• Grid: Columns A-T, Rows 1-64
• Goal Lines: Row 5 (one team) and Row 59 (other team)
• End Zones: Rows 1-5 and Rows 59-64

Game Setup

1. Coin Toss

• Winner chooses to kick or receive
• Loser gets choice at start of 2nd half

2. Kickoff

1. Kick travels 55 rows from kicking team's goal line
2. Both players choose:
   • Position: Left / Center / Right
   • Color: Yellow / Red / Green
3. Return distance based on matches:
   • 2 matches = 5 steps
   • 1 match = 10 steps
   • 0 matches = 15 steps + number check (1-10, match = TD!)

How to Play

Each Down (Turn)

1. Both players say "Play locked"
2. Offense reveals first: Play number, Color, Movement intent
3. Defense reveals: Play number, Color
4. Resolve the play
5. Mark the ending square as blocked (can't be entered again)

The 4 Plays

🟦 Play 1 - Power/Sweep

• Defense wrong: +4 forward, up to 3 lateral
• Defense matches: 0 forward, up to 2 lateral

🟩 Play 2 - Interior Run

• Defense wrong: +2 forward
• Defense matches: -2 backward, no lateral

🟨 Play 3 - Speed/Positioning

• Defense wrong: +1 forward, up to 3 lateral
• Defense matches: -3 backward, no lateral

🟥 Play 4 - Breakaway (unlocked after Quarter 1)

• Defense wrong: +5 forward, up to 2 lateral
• Defense matches: -4 backward, up to 1 lateral

Color Selection

Red (Pass)

• Movement through air ignores blocked squares
• Risk: Can go incomplete if overshooting end zone

Black (Run)

• Movement on ground - blocked squares stop you

Match Results

No Match

• Apply base play result
• +2 bonus forward steps

Play Match Only

• Apply matched result
• +2 bonus forward steps

Color Match Only

• Ignore play result
• Move exactly +3 forward
• Both pick number 1-10 (match = turnover!)

Play + Color Match

• IMMEDIATE TURNOVER
• Ball stays in place
• Drive direction reverses

Movement Rules

Lateral Movement

• Declared as "before" or "after" forward movement
• Default is before if not specified
• Can go left or right across columns
• Reduced by 1 if defense matches play number

Forward/Backward Movement

• Toward opponent's goal line = forward
• Away from opponent's goal line = backward

Red (Pass) Movement

• Before: Lateral = air (ignores blocks), Forward = ground (blocked by blocks)
• After: Forward = air (ignores blocks), Lateral = ground (blocked by blocks)

Black (Run) Movement

• All movement = ground (blocked squares stop you)

Scoring

Touchdown occurs when:

• Ball enters opponent's end zone (5 rows deep)
• Instant TD on kickoff/punt number match

First team to score wins the game!

Key Concepts

Downs & First Downs

• Start at 1st & 10 (need 10 forward rows)
• Gain 10+ rows → Reset to 1st & 10
• 4 downs to make progress or punt

Quarters

• 4 quarters, 15 downs each
• Switch ends after Quarter 1 and Quarter 3
• Warning at 4 downs remaining in Q2 and Q4

Blocked Squares

• Every play ending position becomes blocked
• Cannot enter or pass through (except Red air movement)
• Strategic positioning matters!

Turnovers

• Play + Color match = instant turnover
• Color match only = number check for turnover
• Ball stays where it is, drive direction reverses

Quick Play Example

Down 1: Ball at Row 20, Column K Offense: "Play locked" → "Play 1, Red, 2 right before" Defense: "Play locked" → "Play 3, Black"

Result: No match!

• Base Play 1 (defense wrong): +4 forward, 3 lateral allowed
• Bonus: +2 forward
• Total: +6 forward, 2 lateral right

Movement: Row 20 → Row 26, Column K → Column M New position: Row 26, Column M (now blocked)

Tips for Beginners

1. Mix up your plays - Don't be predictable!
2. Watch blocked squares - They limit movement options
3. Color match risk/reward - Red passes can go further but risk turnovers
4. Lateral movement - Use it to avoid blocked squares
5. Play 4 is powerful - But only after Quarter 1
6. If you are playing an AI - request the game board to be printed on screen to track the ball position

Ready to Play?

1. Decide who kicks off (coin toss)
2. Resolve kickoff
3. Start calling plays!
4. First touchdown wins!

Good luck! 🏈