By Bryan Hallman

Now that we’ve covered the basic safety rules (see previous columns), lets talk about the kind of games and how they are played. For this article we will focus on recreational play or rec ball, as it is known. Most paintball games are played on two kinds of fields, woods or speedball, with a center-flag, two-flag or eliminations format.

Woods vs. Speedball
Lets start by talking about woods ball. This is how paintball began and many of the older players will tell you this is how it should be played. It’s really a matter of what you get used to. Woods ball is played, as the name implies, in the woods. Players usually wear camos or dark colored clothing and use concealment and surprise. Some consider it to be a war game or military simulation and is often referred to as playing army. Usually the fields are fairly large, at least 2 acres, and the only cover is that which nature provides. Some fields will have a few added bunkers but usually not many. It can be a slower paced game than speedball and, while rare, it is not unheard of to go an entire game and never fire your marker. Woods ball is not real popular with many of today’s younger paintball players, but most fields still have a few wood fields. You can expect to play a couple of games in the woods any time you play.

Speedball, as the name suggest is a fast paced game. It is played on small fields with lots of man-made cover. From the start of the game everyone is within range of every body else. Games are quick, usually 10 to 15 minutes each, and there is usually a lot of paint flying around. Players rely on speed, cover, and teamwork. Due to the fact that the fields are small and open players don’t need camo, and many wear bright colored jerseys. Speedball players look more like NASCAR drivers than soldiers. The newest variation of speedball is Air ball. Air ball is played on a small speedball field and all the bunkers are inflatable. This is the format that the major professional leagues now use.

Center-flag, Two-Flag, and Elimination
Regardless of weather you are playing woods or speedball, the objective for each game will usually either be center flag, two flag, or elimination. While there are other types of games, these are by far the most common. In a center-flag game, teams start at opposite ends of the field with one flag in the center. The object is to get the flag and hang it at your opponents starting point. In a two-flag game, each team has a flag at their starting point or base. The object is to capture the other team’s flag and bring it back to your base. Elimination games are played until one team is totally eliminated.

Scenario games
Scenario games are usually a culmination of all the other types of games. Scenario games are based on a story line that the creators make up. There can be several teams and usually each team has to achieve several objectives to reach the ultimate goal and win the game. Scenario games usually last for several hours or even days depending on how complexity of the scenario. They will usually incorporate woods and speedball challenges to keep it fun for everyone. During a scenario you may play on every course available at the host field. If you have the time and the money they can be a lot of fun.

In future columns I’ll discuss skills and strategies necessary to succeed at each style game. Until then, I’ll see ya on the field.

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