Soccer Tactics World
Stein-Thompson Games

Soccer Tactics World is a 2-player game simulating the conflict between two teams locked in combat on international pitch. Each player takes control of a team of 11 players, places them where they want, starts the clock, and thus begins a 90-minute onslaught with the golden trophy waiting at the end.

General Game-play
The coach with the highest die roll takes control of the ball at center field. He rolls the die again, determining how far the ball moves past centerfield in his chosen direction. He then rolls the die again trying to move one of his own players to capture the ball. The defending coach may then roll his die to determine if he is able to move one of his players to the ball to battle for it. If he is able, and there is an offensive and defensive player in the same spot as the ball, both coaches roll their respective dice and the higher roll gains/retains control of the ball. If the offensive player retains control, he continues rolling his die and advancing the ball, with the defensive player taking his chances to battle for the ball when possible. If the defensive player gains control of the ball, he becomes the offensive player and continues in the same fashion previously mentioned.

Things to Consider
Seems like just another a dice-fest, right? I would disagree with that statement. There are many other considerations when advancing the ball. Sometimes, just like in real soccer, it’s better to move the ball back towards your side of the pitch in trying to set-up for the next play. Other times, it could be advantageous to go for the highlight reel goal, but it might not work out for you. There are certain places on the board, outside the goal box, where you can attempt to score a goal (this rarely happens, but it’s possible). You also have to worry about yellow cards and red cards. If, during a battle for the ball, one player rolls a ‘6’, and the other rolls a ‘1’, the player who rolled the '1' commits a penalty, and receives a yellow card. The person who rolled the ‘6’ is then given a free-kick, which is carried out like the opening kick-off. Once a player has two yellow cards or one red card, they are removed from the game. If a foul is committed in the goal box by the defensive team, a penalty kick is awarded to the offensive player, and he immediately rolls the scoring chance die. When one rolls a one for ball movement, he can choose to dribble the ball, moving the player and the ball at the same time one space. If one rolls a number that would allow him to move the ball into a space already occupied by a teammate, it is called a 'direct pass', and the offensive player may move the ball again without giving the defense a chance to battle for the ball. After two direct passes in a row, though, the defense may attempt to battle for the ball. Granted, these are all just die roll results, but the lingering possibility weighs upon you just like in a real match. So, it’s a bit more than a dice fest, and a bit less than a brain burner.

Scoring Chances
The original version of STW only had a spinner (not unlike Life) to determine whether you score, a save is made, or a corner kick is made. This version still has the spinner, but also includes a special die for scoring chances, so that you can choose not to use the spinner. Not caring much for the spinner, I choose to use the die all the time. According to the rules, the scoring chance die allows for lower-scoring games (thus more realistic).

Opinion
Soccer Tactics World is a very well designed game that combines all the elements of a real soccer game in an entirely fun and accurate experience. I would even go so far as to say that, in my opinion, STW is the Memoir ’44 of the soccer simulation genre. It’s easy to play, easy to teach, and it still simulates a real soccer match in an entirely convincing way. I’ll rate this a solid 9 out of 10. It isn’t perfect, but it is my game of choice for soccer match simulation.

Until Next Time...Sam.