There is no one sure fire way to win at Blood Bowl. Like in any other sport, the key to victory lies in adapting to the ever-changing situation on the field and the different players you are up against. Here are some winning strategies that will help you come out on top!
What is Blood Bowl?
Blood Bowl is a sport-style tabletop game based on American Football with a dash of violence thrown in for good measure. Two teams of 16 player slots each take to the field, with the objective being to score more touchdowns than the other team. However, unlike in American Football, the players are not restricted to using their feet or hands to move the ball. They can use whatever means necessary to get the ball into their opponent’s end zone, whether by throwing it, carrying it, or even kicking it there!
Of course, with all this physical contact, injuries are bound to happen. They are an integral part of the game. Players can (and will) be knocked out, sent off, or even killed during the course of a match. This is all part of the fun!
The game is played on a rectangular pitch, with each team occupying one end. In the middle of the pitch is a line called the scrimmage line, beyond which neither team can advance unless they have the ball. A set of goalposts at either end of the pitch, behind which is the team’s end zone.
Choose the right team for your play style
One of the most important decisions you will make before a game is choosing which team to play as. There are many different teams to choose from, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. It is important to pick a team that matches your play style.
Do you like to play aggressively, using brute force to plow through your opponents? Then you might want to consider playing as the Orcs. Orcs are strong and physically imposing teams, and they will often use their size and strength to their advantage.
If you prefer a more tactical approach, then the Dwarfs might be more up your alley. Dwarfs are an excellent choice for players who like to plan their moves carefully and execute them flawlessly.
There are teams for players who like to take a more chaotic approach, such as the Skaven or the Chaos Dwarfs. These teams are perfect for those who like to sow confusion and disorder on the pitch.
Of course, these are just a few of the many different teams available. There is a team for every play style, so choose the one you are comfortable with. You can learn more about the playstyles on the blood bowl website.
Scoring a touchdown
The primary way to score in Blood Bowl is by scoring touchdowns. To do this, a team must get the ball into their opponent’s end zone. This can be done by carrying the ball, throwing it, or kicking it. Once the ball is in the end zone, the team scores a touchdown and earns themselves a valuable 7 points!
Each half of the game provides each player with 8 turns in order to achieve victory. During each turn, both teams get to move their players and take action with the ball. Each player will have a chance to carry out actions with each player on the field. The team with possession of the ball can attempt to score a touchdown, while the other team will be looking to stop them and achieve a “turnover.”
The key to winning in Blood Bowl is to score more points than your opponent. This can be done by scoring touchdowns, causing turnovers, or knocking out opposing players.
Winning Turnovers
A turnover occurs when the team in possession of the ball loses control. This can happen if the player carrying the ball is tackled, if they fumble the ball, or if they are intercepted while throwing it. You can also achieve a turnover by pushing the enemy ball carrier out of the field of play. When a turnover occurs, the other team gains possession of the ball and can attempt to score themselves.
Turnovers are a crucial part of the game and can often be the difference between winning and losing. They are especially important in close games. Keep an eye out for opportunities to cause a turnover and take advantage of them when they arise!
Knocking out players
Another way to win in Blood Bowl is by knocking out opposing players. This can be done by tackling them, throwing them, or killing them. Knocking out players has a few different benefits. First, it removes that player from the game, making it easier for your team to score. Second, it allows you to score “casualty” star player points. Each player that is knocked out is worth 1 point to the team that did the knocking.
Players can also be sent off for committing fouls. This can lead to the referee seeing you attack a player that is knocked down and this player being sent off for the rest of the game. It is important to ensure that tactical fouling is done carefully, as if you have the ball, an immediate turnover will occur, giving your opponent the advantage.
Keep an eye out for opportunities to knock out opposing players. It may be necessary to take a few risks in order to do so, but the rewards can be well worth it!
The different positions on the field
Each Blood Bowl team comprises 16 player slots, each with a specific role on the field. The number of total units will depend on the team that you choose. You can have a maximum of 2 larger units and the rest will consist of smaller units. For example, the snortling team could fill the pitch with up to 22 players as they only account for half a player slot. Those teams that use heavy units may only be able to field 9 with a larger unit taking up to player slots. Players can only field 11 player slots at a time. The following is a brief description of the different positions:
The Thrower is the player responsible for throwing the ball. They have a good arm and are accurate at long range.
The Catcher is the player who catches the ball thrown by the Thrower. They are quick and agile, making them good at evading tackles.
The Blitzers are the team’s primary offensive players. They are big and strong, and their main objective is to score touchdowns.
The Linemen are the team’s basic players. They don’t have special skills but make up for this with their sheer numbers. There are usually six Linemen on the field at any one time.
The Blockers are massive creatures hired by some teams to provide extra muscle. They are slow but very strong and can cause a lot of damage to opposing players.
Developing a gameplan
Before a match even begins, it is essential to have a game plan. This will help you to focus your team’s efforts and make the most of their strengths. There are a few things you need to take into account when developing a gameplan:
- The type of team you are facing: are they strong and physical? Or are they fast and agile?
- The type of players you have: are they big and burly? Or are they small and nimble?
- Your team’s strengths and weaknesses: what can your team do well? What are their weaknesses?
Once you have considered these factors, you can start to develop a game plan. Maybe you want your team to focus on scoring touchdowns, or you want them to focus on causing turnovers. Regardless of what you decide, it is essential to have a plan!
Executing your gameplan
Once the match begins, it is up to you to execute your game plan and lead your team to victory! This is where being able to adapt comes in. Things will never go exactly as planned, and you need to be able to adjust on the fly. Maybe your opponent is doing something you didn’t expect, or maybe one of your players is not performing as well as you had hoped. Regardless of the situation, it is up to you to make the necessary adjustments and keep your team in the game.
Blood Bowl is a complex game with many different moving parts. But if you can develop a winning strategy and execute it on the field, you will be well on becoming a champion!
Tips for new players
If you are new to Blood Bowl, here are a few tips to help you get started:
Read the rulebook
This might seem obvious, but it is essential to understand the rules before you start playing. Blood Bowl is a complex game, and you need to know the ins and outs before you can start winning.
Carryout your non-dice actions first
Each turn, a player can carry out two non-dice actions. These are things like moving, passing, or picking up the ball. It is essential to carry out these actions first, as they can significantly impact the rest of your turn.
Use your team’s strengths.
Each team has its own strengths and weaknesses. Make sure to use your team’s strengths to your advantage! For example, if you have a team of big and burly players, you might want to focus on scoring touchdowns. Or, if you have a team of fast and agile players, you might want to concentrate on causing turnovers.
Keep a player back
Keeping at least one player back on defense is always a good idea. This will help to prevent the other team from scoring an easy touchdown. Your defense is key to your success to ensure that the other team cannot be run away with a touchdown without consequences.
Don’t always go on the offensive
Yes, attacking other players is always fun, but you don’t want to expose your end zone to take out your enemies’ players. Before breaking your defensive line to block or injure another player, consider the following:
- Is this worth the risk? Are you placing your players in unnecessary danger where your opponent is able to attack your player on the next turn?
- Will it create a gap in my defensive line? Leaving empty spaces and increasing the potential for your enemy to dodge blows is never a wise decision as you increase the potential for your opponent to score.
Do not be overly defensive – push forward
The worst thing you can do is be overly defensive and run out of time. By holding a defensive line but not pushing forward, you may run down the clock but will not be able to score critical points in the end zone. If traffic is only going one way into your half, you need to be on the front foot always.
Avoid Rolling the Dice
If you can help it, don’t roll the dice. Blood Bowl is a game of strategy and tactics, not luck. Sure, there are times when you will need to take a chance, but for the most part, you want to avoid rolling the dice if you can help it. The more your opponent engages in rolling the dice, the more likely they are to make mistakes allowing you to take advantage of your opponent.
Get Your Player Up on Their Feet
If one of your players goes down, it is essential to get them back up on their feet as soon as possible. Not only will this help to protect them from further injury, but it will also allow you to keep playing with a full team. The sooner you can get your player back up, the better!
Before you act, consider the worst
This is perhaps one of the most important advice for Blood Bowl. Before you make any move, you need to consider what could go wrong. What is the worst thing that could happen if you make this move? If the answer is “not much,” then it is probably a safe move. But if the answer is “I could get my player injured,” you might want to think twice about making that move. The more turnovers your opponent wins, the more likely they are to win. Avoid any scenario leading to a turnover when you have the ball. Vice versa, force your opponent into situations where turnovers may occur.
Is Blood Bowl any good?
Blood Bowl is a great game for those who enjoy strategy and tactics. It is also a great game for those who enjoy watching others play, as it can be very exciting to see the different strategies that players use. While the game can be luck-based at times, there is a lot of skill involved in playing Blood Bowl. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro, Blood Bowl is a great game to play!
What universe is Blood Bowl Played in?
Blood Bowl is played in an alternate version of Warhammer Old World.
Is Blood Bowl hard to learn?
Blood Bowl is not hard to learn, but it can be difficult to master. There is a lot of strategy and tactics involved in playing the game. If you are new to Blood Bowl, practice makes perfect, and you can work to build your own strategies when playing against others.
Final Thoughts
Blood Bowl is a complex and exciting game that players of all skill levels can enjoy. Whether you are new to the game or a seasoned veteran, there are always ways to improve your game. By developing a winning strategy and being able to execute it on the field, you will be well on your way to becoming a champion!
