2-6 players · 60-120 minutes · easy to learn
FIRST DOWN is a tactical American football board game that puts offense-versus-defense decisions first. Choose your play, force reactions, roll the dice and create the momentum swings that make football exciting.
Join the Launch List — It's Free
Join for free now — or back the Kickstarter later for exclusive in-game rewards.
Three tiers of exclusive in-game extras:
| 🏈 Player Version | 🎓 Coach Version | 🏆 GM Version | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Backer Coin | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Bean Call Coin | – | ✅ | ✅ |
| Don's Lock Coin | – | – | ✅ |
The three coins listed above are available exclusively during the Kickstarter Early-Bird campaign and will not be produced again after it ends. This makes them unique collector’s items.
Many football games look the part but do not capture the psychology, pressure and reaction-based rhythm of the sport. FIRST DOWN was built to make each drive feel like a battle of reads, counters and momentum.
Both sides stay involved instead of waiting for a single random outcome.
Field goals, Hail Marys and short-yardage plays are built to feel tense on the table.
Cards, dice and position strengths add depth without turning the game into homework.
Momentum swings and reactions keep matches fresh and competitive.
Learn the flow of a drive in seconds and see why each decision matters.
Each side establishes its tactical advantages before the play starts.
The offense chooses a plan and the defense reacts, creating real pre-snap tension.
Modifiers, cards and dice combine to deliver dramatic football outcomes.
Yardage, points and field position update the game state and the pressure changes.
Short-yardage gambles, key stops and big plays keep every match emotional.
No two drives need to feel the same once both sides start adapting.
Every component in FIRST DOWN is designed to make the game feel physical, premium and real on the table.
Support tactical choices, reactions and position-based play.
Used for key decisions, stronger positions and special situations.
Keep the board readable while making the game feel more alive.
Special components make field goals and high-pressure plays memorable.
Keep the most exciting actions visible and easy to click.
A pressure moment where every movement matters.
A close-call situation where decisions matter more than hype.
The kind of last-play gamble that makes people remember the match.
FIRST DOWN was created to capture the tension, timing and decision-making rhythm of real football, while staying approachable for players who love tactical tabletop games.
It is meant for people who want more than a simple roll-and-move sports theme and who enjoy rematches, momentum swings and reading the opponent.
Get Kickstarter UpdatesA game focused on reads, pressure and drive management.
Meaningful choices and interactive play matter throughout the match.
Dramatic moments and rematch energy make it ideal for game night.
A premium football theme with a more collectible tabletop feel.
Here is what is happening before FIRST DOWN goes live on Kickstarter.
FIRST DOWN is being tested at game nights and events across Switzerland to make it as sharp as possible before launch.
FIRST DOWN is heading to the Spielbar Zürich and local football communities for real table time with real players.
The launch list is the best place to get the announcement as soon as the campaign goes live.
That keeps the page focused on one job: turning interest into launch-day traffic.
Everything you need to know before joining the launch list.
FIRST DOWN is designed for 2 to 4 players.
No. It is built for football fans and board gamers who enjoy tactical interaction and readable rules.
The game emphasizes offense-versus-defense decisions before the dice are rolled, so the tension comes from reads and reactions, not only randomness.
The launch date will be announced through the mailing list. Join now to be first to know.
Get launch-day updates, gameplay reveals and important news for the tactical American football board game FIRST DOWN.
