BOWL BOUND Rules

Nov 2, 2026

Rules for BOWL BOUND replace earlier versions and supersede previous game-rule documents. The text specifies the rule sources, including published BOWL BOUND and PAYDIRT rules, experimental advanced iterations, and modifications contributed by the author and collaborators, highlighting adoption of some variants and rejection of others. The document then outlines basic gameplay structure, from description and included equipment to setup, team selection, coin toss, kickoff, timing and score tracking, dice-driven play resolution, and game continuation. It further organizes special situations, penalties, punts, field goals, conversions, kick types, interceptions, fumbles, and symbol-based mechanics, followed by advanced offensive option rules.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryTechnology

FormatPDF

Pages42

Reading Time1 h 46 min

AccessFree to download

BASIC RULES

I. DESCRIPTION OF THE GAME

II. EQUIPMENT INCLUDED

III. PLAY OF THE GAME

IV. HOW TO USE THE GAME EQUIPMENT

V. SETTING UP AND PLAYING THE GAME

VI. SPECIAL SITUATIONS AND RULES

ADVANCED RULES

I. OFFENSIVE OPTIONS

RULES IMPORTANT: These rules replace and supersede all previous rules for BOWL BOUND. These rules are based upon the following sources: (i) The published BOWL BOUND rules, copyright 1978 by The Avalon Hill Game Co. and written by Dr. Thomas R. Nicely (3rd Edition – Spring 1989); (ii) private correspondence with Dr. Nicely, including various iterations of experimental advanced rules used by him and his play testers that were never published; (iii) the published rules for PAYDIRT, copyright 1981, and the PAYDIRT 1990 Supplement to the Rules, to the extent that they cover items not published in the BOWL BOUND rules that are not inconsistent with college football; (v)“PAYDIRT 2004” rulebook authored by Matthew P. Floray; and (vi) valuable insight gained from discussions with Mr. Floray. Some of Dr. Nicely’s experimental advanced rules, and some of Mr. Floray’s modified rules and suggestions have been adopted, and some have not, based entirely on my own experience and tastes. The addition of the “OFF 5A” penalty (offensive penalty before the snap) is my own. BASIC RULES .......................................................................................................................................... 1 I. DESCRIPTION OF THE GAME ................................................................................................... 1 II. EQUIPMENT INCLUDED ............................................................................................................ 1 III. PLAY OF THE GAME .................................................................................................................. 1 IV. HOW TO USE THE GAME EQUIPMENT .................................................................................. 2 1. SPECIAL GAME DICE................................................................................................................ 2 2. COLOR CODED CHARTS.......................................................................................................... 2 3. PLAYING FIELD, TIMING, SCOREPAD, AND PLAYSELECTION......................................... 4 V. SETTING UP AND PLAYING THE GAME ................................................................................ 4 1. TEAM SELECTION..................................................................................................................... 4 2. SPECIAL CHARTS ...................................................................................................................... 4 3. COIN TOSS.................................................................................................................................. 4 4. KICKOFF .................................................................................................................................... 5 5. KICKOFF RETURN .................................................................................................................... 5 6. TIME RESOLUTION ................................................................................................................... 5 7. PLAY SELECTION ...................................................................................................................... 5 8. DICE ROLL ................................................................................................................................. 5 9. PLAY RESOLUTION ................................................................................................................... 5 10. PLAY OUTCOME........................................................................................................................ 5 11. GAME CONTINUATION............................................................................................................. 5 VI. SPECIAL SITUATIONS AND RULES ........................................................................................ 6 1. PLAY SELECTION ......................................................

FAQs

What is the purpose of these BOWL BOUND rules?

They replace and supersede previous rules for BOWL BOUND and consolidate multiple published and experimental sources into a single rule set.

Which major topics are covered in the Basic Rules section?

The Basic Rules cover game description and equipment, how to play, setup and playing steps, and special situations including scoring plays and key game events.

What kinds of modifications are described in the rule introduction?

The text notes that some experimental advanced rules and modified suggestions were adopted while others were not, and specifically credits the author for adding the “OFF 5A” penalty.

Nov 2, 2026

Uploaded by PakDamar76