Football

How to play paper Football

This is a turn-based game on squared paper. Instead of controlling a team, both players move the same ball by drawing lines. Score in the opposing goal, or trap the other player so they have no legal move.

Draw a route to goal

1. Choose a bot, play with someone on this device, or invite an online opponent. Check which goal you are attacking before the first move.
2. Tap a neighbouring point to draw a line from the ball. You can move horizontally, vertically, or diagonally, but cannot reuse an existing line.
3. Arriving at a fresh point ends your turn. Arriving at a point already touched by a line or boundary gives you a bounce and another move.
4. Keep drawing while you have bounces. A goal ends the game; being left without an unused route also loses the game.

Plan the end of your turn

The shortest path toward goal is not always the safest. Before taking a bounce, trace where the next two or three moves could lead. For example, a move onto a boundary can keep your turn going, but the line you just used is no longer an escape route.

Try to finish on a fresh point that leaves your opponent with awkward choices. Avoid building a chain of bounces that they can follow straight toward your goal. Diagonal routes are useful because they can change both your attacking direction and the space available for a return.

Start against the gentler bot to learn when turns continue. If you enjoy planning traps several moves ahead, try Dots and Boxes next.

A bounce can also trap you

A previously touched destination keeps your turn, but the line you just drew cannot be reused. If that arrival leaves no legal exit while it is still your turn, you lose. Drawing into your own goal also loses immediately. The match ends at the first goal or trap; there is no match clock to run down.

Questions players ask

Can I reverse along my last line?

No. Each segment can be used only once, in either direction. Revisit a point through a different unused segment instead.

Why did I get another move?

The destination was already touched by an earlier line or the boundary. A fresh destination passes the turn.

Can two people use one phone?

Yes. Choose Same device, then take turns tapping neighbouring points. Online invitations let you use separate devices.

Keep playing and learning

Follow a four-move bounce example. In Dots and Boxes, drawing a line can also earn another turn.