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DON BEAN GAMES

2-4 players · 60-120 minutes · easy to learn

Call the play. Read your opponent. Win the drive.

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.

Launch-day reminder
Gameplay reveals
Kickstarter updates
FIRST DOWN tactical American football board game box

Why it feels different

  • Both sides make meaningful decisions.
  • Tension builds before the dice are rolled.
  • Big football moments stay dramatic on the table.

A football board game built around real decisions, not empty randomness.

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.

Offense vs. defense first

Both sides stay involved instead of waiting for a single random outcome.

Dramatic football moments

Field goals, Hail Marys and short-yardage plays are built to feel tense on the table.

Tactical without overload

Cards, dice and position strengths add depth without turning the game into homework.

Replayable game nights

Momentum swings and reactions keep matches fresh and competitive.

One drive, six steps, real tension.

Show players quickly how the game feels before asking them to join the Kickstarter list.

1

Set stronger positions

Each side establishes its tactical advantages before the play starts.

Position points in FIRST DOWN
2

Call the play

The offense chooses a plan and the defense reacts, creating real pre-snap tension.

FIRST DOWN play card
3

Resolve the moment

Modifiers, cards and dice combine to deliver dramatic football outcomes.

FIRST DOWN dice
4

Move the drive

Yardage, points and field position update the game state and the pressure changes.

FIRST DOWN yard board
5

Create momentum swings

Short-yardage gambles, key stops and big plays keep every match emotional.

FIRST DOWN decision coin
6

Start the next read

No two drives need to feel the same once both sides start adapting.

FIRST DOWN coach card

Built to look and feel physical on the table.

Use components as a selling point, not just decoration.

FIRST DOWN cards

Cards

Support tactical choices, reactions and position-based play.

FIRST DOWN coins

Coins

Used for key decisions, stronger positions and special situations.

FIRST DOWN miniature

Miniatures

Keep the board readable while making the game feel more alive.

FIRST DOWN field goal and ball

Skill moments

Special components make field goals and high-pressure plays memorable.

Show the moments people want to experience.

Keep the most exciting actions visible and easy to click.

FIRST DOWN field goal gameplay video

Field Goal

A pressure moment where every movement matters.

FIRST DOWN short yardage gameplay video

Short yardage

A close-call situation where decisions matter more than hype.

FIRST DOWN Hail Mary gameplay video

Hail Mary

The kind of last-play gamble that makes people remember the match.

Designer of FIRST DOWN American football board game

Football fans, strategy players and competitive game nights.

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.

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American football fans

A game focused on reads, pressure and drive management.

Strategy board gamers

Meaningful choices and interactive play matter throughout the match.

Competitive groups

Dramatic moments and rematch energy make it ideal for game night.

Gift-worthy sports gamers

A premium football theme with a more collectible tabletop feel.

What happens next

Use this section to keep pre-launch visitors informed and moving toward the list signup.

1

Prototype refinement

Continuing to test and polish the latest version of FIRST DOWN.

2

Convention demos

Public events are a chance to put the game in front of real players and build momentum.

3

Kickstarter launch

The launch list is the best place to get the announcement as soon as the campaign goes live.

Join the launch list before the campaign goes live.

That keeps the page focused on one job: turning interest into launch-day traffic.

Questions people ask before they join the Kickstarter list.

Keep answers short, confidence-building and conversion-friendly.

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How many players can play FIRST DOWN?

FIRST DOWN is designed for 2 to 4 players.

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Is it only for hardcore football fans?

No. It is built for football fans and board gamers who enjoy tactical interaction and readable rules.

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What makes it different from other football games?

The game emphasizes offense-versus-defense decisions before the dice are rolled, so the tension comes from reads and reactions, not only randomness.

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When will FIRST DOWN launch?

The launch date will be announced through the mailing list. Join now to be first to know.

Be there when FIRST DOWN hits Kickstarter.

Get launch-day updates, gameplay reveals and important news for the tactical American football board game FIRST DOWN.

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