About the Game of Paintball

* What Is Paintball? An exciting game played across the world by people like you! A modern version of "cowboys & Indians", "hide & seek", and "tag" rolled into one! Two teams of equal size and skill compete on a forested playing course- the first team to capture their opponent's flag wins! Eliminate your opponents from play by tagging them with a harmless, water-soluble, non-toxic, hypoallergenic, biodegradable "paintball". Yes, it might sting a little, but that's all the more reason not to get tagged! You'll never be out of the action for long though- because we play eight games or more a full day!

* How Was Paintball Started? The game idea has always been around! As a child you might have played "cowboys & indians" or had a "snowball fight". In 1981 some guys in New England got the fun idea of using the air pistols that the forestry service use to mark trees as a marking device for a "every man for himself" competition. The event was so exciting that a company was formed to market the idea and equipment- and with a slight change in game objective- two teams trying to capture their opponents flag- the game of paintball was born!

* Is The Game Safe? Yes! And our staff makes sure it stays that way! You will be given full instructions on the correct way to operate your equipment, as well as a detailed orientation on safety regulations and game rules. Adult Referees will accompany you onto the course and monitor your play.

* Are There Different Types of Games We Can Play? Yes! There are several alternate game scenarios besides the most popular "Capture the Flag" format. At NJ Paintball Club we usually like to start every novice group out playing a few games of "Capture the Flag" at first to help them get a feel for their equipment, our terrain, and playing strategies. After that, your referees will be happy to introduce you to alternate game scenarios, such as:
ATTACK & DEFEND- only one team has a flag and tries to protect it while the other team (lacking a flag) tries to capture it.
SEARCH & DESTROY- no flags in this game! Your group is divided unevenly, usually two thirds as the "recon" team, and one third as the "ambush" team. The "ambush team" gets five minutes to hide anywhere on the playing course. The "recon team" has 20 minutes to find them all and eliminate them from the game.
TOTAL ELIMINATION- no flags in this game. The goal is to "totally eliminate" the opposing team within the time limits. Traditionally played in our "Village" field, or as the last game of the day.
CENTER FLAG- one neutral flag in the center of the playing course. Both teams try to capture the flag and get it safely back to their own flag station.
CENTER FLAG FOOTBALL- no actual footballs are involved! The game gets its name from a unique twist on the standard Center Flag game... instead of capturing the neutral center flag and getting it safely back to your own flag station... you have to return it safely to your OPPONENT’S flag station! Like a football team defending it’s goal posts- this game creates some intense competition!
RABBIT HUNT- one or two members of your group are chosen to be "rabbits", given unlimited ammo, and 5 minutes to hide anywhere on the playing course. The rest of your group are designated "hunters" and given only 100 paintballs each. They have 20 minutes to "hunt down" the "rabbit". The "rabbit" CAN NOT be eliminated from the game until he cries "UNCLE". A tradition with Bachelor Parties where the bachelor usually plays the role of the rabbit! Did I mention that the rabbit is forced to wear a bright colored shirt?
ZOMBIE- not a game for the faint of heart! One player is chosen as the "zombie". He can not be eliminated from the game unless he receives a "head shot". Every player the "zombie" eliminates also become a "zombie", and likewise, can not be eliminated from the game unless he receives a "head shot". Eventually, the playing course is filled with "zombies" hunting down the last "mortal" player!
ENDLESS GAME- and "endless game" can be created with most of the scenarios above if players are "reincarnated" after being eliminated. In an "endless game" there is no time limit, just a goal to be achieved. When a player is eliminated he returns to his flag station and after a brief "death" period, is "reincarnated" back into the game. It’s like having an endless supply of reinforcements for your team!
THE NJ PAINTBALL DUMMY- has been with us for the last 12 years. This is a life size, 25 pound rag doll that can be substituted for the flag in games of "center flag" or "attack and defend". Unlike using a standard cloth flag, using the "dummy" creates a new dimension to the game as the team that captures it has to struggle carrying it back to their flag station, slowing down their progress, and making them easier targets for their opponent’s counter attacks. If your group wants to use the "dummy", make sure to request it BEFORE you leave the staging area for the playing courses! CREATE YOUR OWN GAME!- if you have any game scenarios you would like to experiment with, discuss them with our staff BEFORE your visit. If your ideas appear safe, we will make every effort to accommodate you.