If you’re a football fan, Match Attax is the perfect trading card game to combine your love for the sport with some friendly competition! Whether you’re a kid excited to collect and play or a parent curious about the game, this guide will teach you the rules and strategies for a match-winning experience. Get ready to dive into the world of Match Attax and have some football fun off the pitch!
What Is Match Attax?
Match Attax is a trading card game based on football, created by Topps. Players collect cards featuring real-life football stars from top leagues, each with unique stats for Attack and Defence. The game’s objective? Build your ultimate team and outplay your opponent by scoring more goals in a head-to-head match.
The Basics: Setting Up the Game
Here’s what you need to start playing:
- A Match Attax Deck: Each player should have a deck of 11 cards, including a mix of defenders, midfielders, attackers, and a goalkeeper.
- A Play Area: Any flat surface will work as your football field.
- Coins or Tokens: These act as your scoring counters.
Step 1: Pick Your Team
From your collection, choose 11 cards to form your team. Pay attention to their stats and ensure you have a balanced mix of players. Don’t forget to include a goalkeeper!
Step 2: Decide Who Goes First
Flip a coin or play Rock-Paper-Scissors to decide which player kicks off.
How to Play
Match Attax is played in rounds, where each player selects one card to battle their opponent. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. The Kick-Off
The starting player chooses a card from their team and decides whether to attack or defend. For example:
- If attacking: Use the Attack stat on the card.
- If defending: Use the Defence stat.
2. Opponent’s Turn
The opponent counters with a card from their deck, choosing the opposite action (Attack or Defence) to match the play.
3. Compare Stats
Compare the chosen stats:
- If the attacker’s stat is higher than the defender’s, the attacker scores a goal.
- If the defender’s stat is equal to or higher, the attack is blocked.
4. Discard Used Cards
Both players place their used cards in a discard pile. Once all cards are played, the game ends.
5. Count the Goals
The player with the most goals wins the match! If it’s a tie, play another round or declare it a draw.
Top Strategies for Winning
Winning at Match Attax isn’t just about luck—strategy plays a big part. Here are some tips to help you get ahead:
1. Build a Balanced Team
Don’t just focus on high Attack stats. A strong Defence and a reliable goalkeeper are just as important. Mix players with different strengths to cover all bases.
2. Save Your Star Players
Use your high-stat players strategically. Don’t play your best cards too early—save them for critical moments when you need a goal or a strong defence.
3. Read Your Opponent
Pay attention to the cards your opponent has played. If they’ve used a lot of strong attackers, they might be running low on defence cards. Use this to your advantage!
4. Use Special Cards Wisely
Many Match Attax decks include special cards like Man of the Match, 100 Club, or Limited Edition cards. These can turn the tide of a match, so save them for pivotal rounds.
5. Practice Makes Perfect
The more you play, the better you’ll get at spotting opportunities and managing your cards. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different strategies.
Tips for Parents
If you’re playing Match Attax with your kids, here are some ways to make it even more fun:
- Encourage Friendly Play: Focus on the fun of the game, not just winning.
- Help with Strategy: Teach your kids to think ahead and plan their moves.
- Collect Together: Building a collection can be a rewarding activity for parents and kids to share.
Conclusion
Match Attax is more than just a game; it’s a celebration of football, strategy, and friendly competition. Whether you’re aiming to outscore your rival or just enjoying the thrill of the game, there’s something for everyone. So grab your cards, set up your team, and get ready to shout, “Goal!”
