Get a Kick Out of This New Rule

 

By Glenn Guzzo

 

            A new field-goal rule in Strat-O-Matic Football adds drama and strategy.

 

            The rule, called “Variable Length Field Goals,” randomly adjusts the length of the kick, thus making every yard gained important in achieving better field-goal range.

 

            As explained in the updated game rules, the random distance adjustment simulates varying field conditions.

 

            “After the offense decides to kick a field goal two dice are first rolled and the Variable Length Field Goal Chart is consulted,” the rules explain. “This chart adds or subtracts up to 5 yards to or from the chances on a field goal attempt.

 

 

VARIABLE LENGTH FIELD GOAL CHART

ROLL

RESULT

2

-5

3

-4

4

-3

5

-2

6

-1

7

No change

8

+1

9

+2

10

+3

11

+4

12

+5

 

“For example, say you are about to try a field goal from the 24 yard-line.  You would normally consult the ‘23-32’ column for this field goal, but when using this rule that might not be the case.  First roll two dice and consult the Variable Length Field Goal chart.  Say that a ‘4’ is rolled.  The chart says to subtract 3 yards from the original field goal location before determining which column to use for the field goal.  In this example, 24 minus 3 is 21, so the ‘13-22’ column for the place kicker is consulted for the upcoming field goal attempt instead of the ‘23-32’ column.”

 

            But there’s also the risk that up to 5 yards could be added. So if the offense stalled anywhere from the 28 to the 32 yard lines, the dice roll might force a kick in the “33-37” column.

 

            “Each yard you get further away, it gets a little harder to kick the field goal, just like real life,” explains Bob Winberry, Strat-O-Matic’s Director of Product Development.

 

The adjustment is not made until the coach has elected to kick. Once that decision is made, there’s no turning back – you can’t wait to find out the adjustment, then decide to pull the field-goal team off the field, even with a timeout. In computer play, the adjustment will not be revealed until after the kick (and then only if you are using display of board-game detail).

 

The implications for coaches are clear.

 

Now, it may not be enough to just reach the next closest 10-yard field-goal range for an easier kick. Thus, expect more realistic play-calling in situations like 3rd down and 10 yards to go from the 25-yard line.