Tips & Strategy

First-game advice and tactical observations from Counter Attack demonstrations.

A useful teaching order

Explain the hex pitch and distance stick, then the Zone of Influence. Demonstrate the 4–5–2 Movement Phase and show how a tackle or steal changes possession. Add standard passes and shots; finish with the loose-ball procedure, goalkeeper choices and set pieces. The designer’s Learn everything about Counter Attack tutorial and quick introduction follow this core progression.

First match

Use the Core rules, skip high and long passes, and save the sand timer for the second half, as the printed guide recommends. Slide moved-player cards up during a Movement Phase and reset them afterward. Keep the quick-play guide near the pitch. AmassGames’ setup and play overview is a useful visual reference; use the printed rules when a demonstration differs.

Attacking

• Pass into a space a teammate can reach, rather than forcing a ball through a defender’s Zone of Influence.
• Preserve at least one unmoved player for the final two attacker moves; that movement can create a passing lane or move a runner into shooting range.
• Check the goalkeeper’s position before committing to a shot. The keeper may move when the ball enters the box, and may dive parallel to the goal line when saving.
• Use a snapshot when the timing is favorable: it can be taken during movement in the box or immediately after a pass, but costs a shooting point and allows a defender to move before the shot.
• Treat a high pass as a setup for a contested header. Compare the relevant skills and remember the -1 penalty for challengers two hexes away.

Defending

• Position defenders to make passing routes and the ball carrier’s next hexes awkward; repeated tackles are not required to pressure possession.
• Track which players have moved. A defender that has already moved cannot be selected again within that phase.
• Protect the space around the goalkeeper and consider the keeper’s one-hex move when the ball enters the penalty area.
• A tackle can end an attack, but a tie creates a loose ball and a roll of 1 creates a foul. Weigh that risk against allowing the attacker to continue.
• On corners and free kicks, use the full repositioning sequence to protect the goal and mark likely targets.

Video references

• Learn everything about Counter Attack — Counter Attack.
• Counter Attack: a quick introduction — Counter Attack.
• Some basic Counter Attack rules — Counter Attack.
• Counter Attack football two player thematic board game how to setup, play and review * AmassGames * — AmassGames.
• How to play Counter Attack! Like FIFA as a board game (only much better)! — The Board Masters.
• Watch the whole first half! — Counter Attack.

The tutorials and playthrough show decisions in context. For exact values and procedures, use the official printed rules.