Step 5: Playing the game.
Before you can play, you need to know the rules, right? Well, here's a pretty good example of the basic accepted rules for my state. Thanks to Florida Airsoft and floridaairsoft.com
Airsoft is meant to be a fun game. Rules are designed not to restrict but protect the safety of its participants and ensure each player has a good time. In developing these rules, we tried to cover realism, game play and safety.
Velocity Limits
400 fps limit with .2 gram Marui BB for all full-auto airsofts.
500 fps limit with .2 gram Marui BB for all semi-auto sniper airsofts.
350 fps limit with .2 gram Marui BB for all indoor CQB style games.
Personal Protection
Goggles REQUIRED. Impact rated (meets or exceeds ANSI standards) fully sealed goggles must be worn at all times on the game fields.
Full face protection REQUIRED - either a balaclava or a full paintball mask that covers both your ears and mouth - must be worn at all times on the game fields.
Minimum Shooting Distance
No shooting less than 5 feet.
Surrender
In outdoor, or non-CQB situations, an order to surrender can only be given within 5 feet and from behind. All players ordered to surrender MUST COMPLY. It is conceivable that player can sneak up to within 5 feet of a group of players and order all of them to surrender.
Eliminations
Any hit from a BB anywhere on your body is an elimination.
Gun hits do not count.
Ricochets count. Any hit from a BB ricochetting off an object close to you (wall, tree, your gun, etc.) counts.
Friendly fire (hits from teammates) counts.
In the event of an elimination, the eliminated player must yell "HIT!". No false calls.
If the area is clear, the eliminated player immediately exits the playing area in the most direct route possible. Either hold both hands or your airsoft above your head. If necessary, call out "HIT!" numerous times to prevent from being shot again.
If the area is "hot", the eliminated player(s) lay down on the ground and wait. It may be necessary to keep yelling "HIT!". When the area clears, exit as described above.
While exiting, the only word from an eliminated player must be "HIT" and nothing else. Dead men tell no tales.
Eliminated players may leave equipment at the spot of elimination for use of the "surviving" members. This is at the discretion of the eliminated player. Equipment must be retrieved at the spot where the player was eliminated.
A note on identifying hits:
When you THINK you may have gotten hit by a BB you should declare yourself hit and walk off the field. Sometimes it is VERY hard to tell if you have been hit. However, if someone fires a full-auto burst at you and you have nothing but soft cover (ie bushes, tall grass, etc) you probably got hit and could not tell. About the only exception is if you are lying prone on the ground and facing your attacker. Since about the only thing you have exposed is your head feeling a BB hit is MUCH easier and much less debateable.
Variations (rule variations will be announced prior to game start)
Nashville Rules: Only hits to the head and torso count. Hits to the limbs DO NOT count. All other rules apply.
Medic Rules:
Instead of exiting the playing field, the 'wounded' player lays down, stays where he/she is, and calls "MEDIC!" The team's designated medic must get to the player to reactivate the player.
The wounded player cannot fire.
The wounded player may talk to teammates regarding enemy positions, etc.
The wounded player may move to a new location only if escorted by live players.
Pyro/Grenades
No paint grenades allowed.
Smoke grenades allowed. Smokes must either be activated in a metal bucket. Alternatively, it can be attached to 2 foot long stakes (minimum) to elevate the device above ground.
All other pyrotechnics subject to prior approval before use. Use of unauthorized devices is subject to immediate dismissal and disbarrment from future events.
Well, those are just the boring necessary rules that everybody has to follow. But make sure you follow them so airsoft continues to be a fun and safe game for everybody to enjoy.
So, how do you play a game? Well, there are some popular game types, each with their own rules.
Free For All:
There are several common spawn points. At the beginning of the game, each player chooses their own spawn point from the pre-set ones. Preferably, these are a couple hundred feet away from each other and the middle meeting ground. You will then precede to shoot each other, and then respawn every 5 minutes or so after being killed. You can keep track of points (gets tricky, because quite a few people would cheat) or simply play until it's decided to end the game. This is more a backyard style, which I tend to shy away from. Because of the fast paced style of game, and the very high chance of meeting people, I think this is best played with 5 hit kill, but 1 and 3 can be good, too. 1 could be fun, because you have to be very careful not to get shot with bullets flying everywhere.
Team Deathmatch:
Kind of like Free For All, except there are 2-4 teams (any more can get pretty complicated) and one spawn for each different team. Because of the dynamically fast paced games, but with more people to cover your back, I suggest 3 hit kill. 5 Still works pretty well, too.
Squad on Squad MilSim:
MilSim stands for Military Simulation, and it's the most popular game amongst veteran airsoft players. Basically, this is a more realistic incarnation of Team Death Match. The first big difference is that there are no respawns. This makes the gameplay much more tactical because nobody wants to die right away and be out for the rest of the game. Both teams will start at opposing ends. Preferably, it will not be an open rush, but this can be worked too. When the signal is given-- an airhorn blasted, a red sign held up, even just the word "go" said through a walkie-talkie-- both teams will make their way to the other team while trying not to be spotted. This is harder than it sounds. This can be played with any team size. Even teams of 2 are fun, it gives it more of a tactical air, and it's fun if you're with somebody you can trust.
Manhunt:
This game is played with two teams: one is larger than the other (preferably a 2-3 or 3-5 ish ratio). The smaller team will head off into the woods, and will be given a 3-10 minute head start. I prefer 5, myself. When the 5 minute time period is up, the larger group will then head off into the woods hunting the smaller team. At this point, it assumes the rules of the Squad on Squad MilSim, except that the smaller team is supposed to use guerilla tactics to hunt the larger team. It's more fun for the guerillas to have guerrilla weapons such as Ak's, Shotguns, etc. Or you could try giving the weaker team semi automatic pistols instead of automatic rifles.
Capture the Flag:
With the same rules as either Team Death Match or Sq v. Sq, there is a flag placed in the middle of the field (or in the other team's base, depending on play style) and the job of your team is to capture that flag and bring it back. When this is done, the round/game has been won. Another fun game type is a Free For All Capture the Flag, though prepare for people guarding the flag with a sniper rifle, and lots of flag-dropping.
After that, it's up to you how you play. There's hostage games, Assassin, VIP, etc. etc. It's up to you and your friends to find a game type you all like.
If I can make a note here, those rules are copied from Florida Airsoft. However, a full face mask isn't required on all fields. It is at any FA event, but your state's/ site's rules may be different. I recommend getting a full face mask. If not, I would at least invest in a mouth guard for football, soccer, etc. because I have heard of people that got their teeth knocked out by airsoft guns (when playing with AEG's at 360 or more FPS, or sniper rifles, it is a real possibility)
Airsoft is meant to be a fun game. Rules are designed not to restrict but protect the safety of its participants and ensure each player has a good time. In developing these rules, we tried to cover realism, game play and safety.
Velocity Limits
400 fps limit with .2 gram Marui BB for all full-auto airsofts.
500 fps limit with .2 gram Marui BB for all semi-auto sniper airsofts.
350 fps limit with .2 gram Marui BB for all indoor CQB style games.
Personal Protection
Goggles REQUIRED. Impact rated (meets or exceeds ANSI standards) fully sealed goggles must be worn at all times on the game fields.
Full face protection REQUIRED - either a balaclava or a full paintball mask that covers both your ears and mouth - must be worn at all times on the game fields.
Minimum Shooting Distance
No shooting less than 5 feet.
Surrender
In outdoor, or non-CQB situations, an order to surrender can only be given within 5 feet and from behind. All players ordered to surrender MUST COMPLY. It is conceivable that player can sneak up to within 5 feet of a group of players and order all of them to surrender.
Eliminations
Any hit from a BB anywhere on your body is an elimination.
Gun hits do not count.
Ricochets count. Any hit from a BB ricochetting off an object close to you (wall, tree, your gun, etc.) counts.
Friendly fire (hits from teammates) counts.
In the event of an elimination, the eliminated player must yell "HIT!". No false calls.
If the area is clear, the eliminated player immediately exits the playing area in the most direct route possible. Either hold both hands or your airsoft above your head. If necessary, call out "HIT!" numerous times to prevent from being shot again.
If the area is "hot", the eliminated player(s) lay down on the ground and wait. It may be necessary to keep yelling "HIT!". When the area clears, exit as described above.
While exiting, the only word from an eliminated player must be "HIT" and nothing else. Dead men tell no tales.
Eliminated players may leave equipment at the spot of elimination for use of the "surviving" members. This is at the discretion of the eliminated player. Equipment must be retrieved at the spot where the player was eliminated.
A note on identifying hits:
When you THINK you may have gotten hit by a BB you should declare yourself hit and walk off the field. Sometimes it is VERY hard to tell if you have been hit. However, if someone fires a full-auto burst at you and you have nothing but soft cover (ie bushes, tall grass, etc) you probably got hit and could not tell. About the only exception is if you are lying prone on the ground and facing your attacker. Since about the only thing you have exposed is your head feeling a BB hit is MUCH easier and much less debateable.
Variations (rule variations will be announced prior to game start)
Nashville Rules: Only hits to the head and torso count. Hits to the limbs DO NOT count. All other rules apply.
Medic Rules:
Instead of exiting the playing field, the 'wounded' player lays down, stays where he/she is, and calls "MEDIC!" The team's designated medic must get to the player to reactivate the player.
The wounded player cannot fire.
The wounded player may talk to teammates regarding enemy positions, etc.
The wounded player may move to a new location only if escorted by live players.
Pyro/Grenades
No paint grenades allowed.
Smoke grenades allowed. Smokes must either be activated in a metal bucket. Alternatively, it can be attached to 2 foot long stakes (minimum) to elevate the device above ground.
All other pyrotechnics subject to prior approval before use. Use of unauthorized devices is subject to immediate dismissal and disbarrment from future events.
Well, those are just the boring necessary rules that everybody has to follow. But make sure you follow them so airsoft continues to be a fun and safe game for everybody to enjoy.
So, how do you play a game? Well, there are some popular game types, each with their own rules.
Free For All:
There are several common spawn points. At the beginning of the game, each player chooses their own spawn point from the pre-set ones. Preferably, these are a couple hundred feet away from each other and the middle meeting ground. You will then precede to shoot each other, and then respawn every 5 minutes or so after being killed. You can keep track of points (gets tricky, because quite a few people would cheat) or simply play until it's decided to end the game. This is more a backyard style, which I tend to shy away from. Because of the fast paced style of game, and the very high chance of meeting people, I think this is best played with 5 hit kill, but 1 and 3 can be good, too. 1 could be fun, because you have to be very careful not to get shot with bullets flying everywhere.
Team Deathmatch:
Kind of like Free For All, except there are 2-4 teams (any more can get pretty complicated) and one spawn for each different team. Because of the dynamically fast paced games, but with more people to cover your back, I suggest 3 hit kill. 5 Still works pretty well, too.
Squad on Squad MilSim:
MilSim stands for Military Simulation, and it's the most popular game amongst veteran airsoft players. Basically, this is a more realistic incarnation of Team Death Match. The first big difference is that there are no respawns. This makes the gameplay much more tactical because nobody wants to die right away and be out for the rest of the game. Both teams will start at opposing ends. Preferably, it will not be an open rush, but this can be worked too. When the signal is given-- an airhorn blasted, a red sign held up, even just the word "go" said through a walkie-talkie-- both teams will make their way to the other team while trying not to be spotted. This is harder than it sounds. This can be played with any team size. Even teams of 2 are fun, it gives it more of a tactical air, and it's fun if you're with somebody you can trust.
Manhunt:
This game is played with two teams: one is larger than the other (preferably a 2-3 or 3-5 ish ratio). The smaller team will head off into the woods, and will be given a 3-10 minute head start. I prefer 5, myself. When the 5 minute time period is up, the larger group will then head off into the woods hunting the smaller team. At this point, it assumes the rules of the Squad on Squad MilSim, except that the smaller team is supposed to use guerilla tactics to hunt the larger team. It's more fun for the guerillas to have guerrilla weapons such as Ak's, Shotguns, etc. Or you could try giving the weaker team semi automatic pistols instead of automatic rifles.
Capture the Flag:
With the same rules as either Team Death Match or Sq v. Sq, there is a flag placed in the middle of the field (or in the other team's base, depending on play style) and the job of your team is to capture that flag and bring it back. When this is done, the round/game has been won. Another fun game type is a Free For All Capture the Flag, though prepare for people guarding the flag with a sniper rifle, and lots of flag-dropping.
After that, it's up to you how you play. There's hostage games, Assassin, VIP, etc. etc. It's up to you and your friends to find a game type you all like.
If I can make a note here, those rules are copied from Florida Airsoft. However, a full face mask isn't required on all fields. It is at any FA event, but your state's/ site's rules may be different. I recommend getting a full face mask. If not, I would at least invest in a mouth guard for football, soccer, etc. because I have heard of people that got their teeth knocked out by airsoft guns (when playing with AEG's at 360 or more FPS, or sniper rifles, it is a real possibility)
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#2. Note all the airsoft bb's all over the ground...
*please not i do not promote removing the orange tip and i will not be held responsible if a cop things your airsoft gun is real and shoots you and you die.
on a positive note, another one of my friends bought an airsoft gun :D