Two coaches. One play each, picked in secret. FIRST DOWN puts you on the sideline for four quarters of reads, bluffs and big moments. The better call gets the edge, the dice decide the yards, and when it really counts, you flick the ball yourself.
The first Kickstarter campaign has ended. FIRST DOWN keeps going. What comes next goes to the list first. Join here.
Every down is a read.
Offense against defense, at the same time. Nobody waits for their turn.
Set your strengths
Before kickoff, both coaches spread 8 strength points across their positions in secret, no more than 3 on one. Offense: QB, RB, WR. Defense: DT, LB, CB. Where are you strong, and where will they attack?
Pick and reveal
Each side picks a card face down. Flip together. Find your opponent's play on your own card: that number is your matchup value.
Roll and move
Compare the positions on the card, then both sides roll. Matchup plus positions plus dice: that is how far the ball moves. Every play also takes time off the clock.
The better call gets the edge. The dice add the drama. All values are printed on the cards. No charts, no lookup.
Four downs. Ten yards. Four quarters.
- Move the chains. Make 10 yards in four downs and you get a new set. Miss it and the ball goes over.
- Run the clock. Every play costs time. The last two minutes of a half feel exactly like they should.
- Touchdowns and extra points. Reach the end zone for 6, then flick the extra point through the posts.
- Halftime adjustments. After the half you can move your position points. Your opponent can too.
When it counts, it's your finger.
The big plays aren't rolled. You flick them by hand, with the whole table watching.
VIDEOField Goal
On 4th down or late in the half. Through the posts for 3.
VIDEOPunt
Flick it deep instead of giving the ball away where you stand.
VIDEOHail Mary
Last two minutes of a half. Hit the end zone and it's a touchdown.
QB Sneak
One or two yards short? Flick the ball between the figures' legs for the first down.
Start simple. Go deep.
Every mode is played with the same box. You decide how much football you want tonight.
ROOKIE FAN
Offense and defense cards, dice and the clock. You learn it in ten minutes, and nobody at the table needs to know football.
2 players
SEASON FAN
Add the tight end and safety cards and the special tokens: kick, punt, Hail Mary, QB Sneak, flag and big play. Coach against coach with the whole playbook.
2 players or teams
DIEHARD FAN
Split each side into roles: Offense Coach, TE Coach, Safety Coach, Strategist. Now you have to agree with your own team before you can beat the other one.
Up to 6 players
Made to be played with your hands.
- Stadium boardYard lines, end zones, down and clock track.
- Play cardsOffense, defense, tight end and safety. Every matchup value printed on the card.
- TokensPosition points, down, clock, score and special plays.
- Player figuresQuarterback and linebacker mark the ball and the line to gain.
- DiceBlue for the offense, green for the defense.
- Field goal, ball and kicking teeFor every play you flick by hand.
Read them before you play.
The Quick Start gets you to the first snap in ten minutes. The full rulebook covers everything else. Both are drafts and keep getting better with feedback from players.
Play FIRST DOWN SNAP.
The 1v1 card game with the same read-and-react core. 22 cards, two tactic dice, 20 to 40 minutes. Try it free in your browser.
Quick answers.
How many players can play FIRST DOWN?
2 to 6 players. Two players coach against each other. With more players, each side splits into roles like Offense Coach, TE Coach, Safety Coach and Strategist.
How long does a game take?
60 to 120 minutes. A game has four quarters and every play costs time on the game clock.
Do I need to know football?
No. Start with Rookie Fan mode and you learn the basics while you play. FIRST DOWN is made for players aged 14 and up. If you want a head start, read our free football basics guide.
Which edition will there be?
One edition: FIRST DOWN COACH. It has everything you need for all three modes. Figures in team colors and an extra card set are planned as a separate add-on.
Can I buy FIRST DOWN?
Not yet. The first Kickstarter campaign has ended and we are working on the next step. Join the list to hear first.
What is FIRST DOWN SNAP?
The 1v1 football card game from the same world: 22 cards, two tactic dice, 20 to 40 minutes. You can play it free in your browser.
More questions? Write to andre@donbeangames.com.
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News about FIRST DOWN and SNAP, the next launch and new games. No more than one email a month.