How to Play OB
OB Summary
OB is an elimination game, where every player has 3 lives, and the goal is to be the last player on the field.
OB Setup
A full OB set comes with a portable table, multiple OB Balls, and 6 different obstacles to place on the table.
Setup the table on a ~flat surface and have all players stand around the table evenly spread out. If you are playing OB indoors, you can also play the seated version.
Before starting OB, there will be a draft to place the 6 Obstacles (Obstas) on the table. The order can be determined based on who finished last the previous game would place the first object then rotating clockwise, one object per person. If you are playing with less than 6 people, some may place more than one Obsta, if more than 6, not everyone will place an Obsta.
Placing Obstas is strategic! You want to place Obstas where you think you can use them to eliminate other players, while ensuring that other players can’t utilize them to eliminate yourself.
Each Obsta has its own dimensions, personality, and strategic purpose. Read about each of the Obstas below to learn more!
OB Game Rules
Throwing the Ball:
If the ball bounces more than once on the table or doesn’t hit the table or an object before being caught, the thrower loses 1 life.
The thrower cannot release the ball over the table.
The thrower can only bounce the ball a maximum of one time on the table before it reaches another player.
The ball must touch an Obsta or the table before reaching another player (the order of which does not matter).
The ball must bounce upwards and cannot roll.
If the thrower knocks an Obsta off the table, they lose 1 life per Obsta that falls.
If an Obsta falls off the table, this trumps any other play - e.g. if the opponent still didn’t catch the ball, they do not lose a life when an object falls off the table.
The thrower would place the Obsta back on the table in a place of their choosing.
The throw must be deemed 'catchable' by the majority of players, which means the ball must land within a reasonable distance of an opposing player at a reasonable speed. Any split decisions will be in favor of the catcher, creating a rethrow by the same thrower to the same catcher in question. If there are two un-catchable throws in a row, the thrower loses a life.
When a live is lost by a player, that player that lost the life will throw the next ball. If that player now has no lives left, the 2 adjacent players to that losing player will rock, paper, scissors with the winner being the thrower.
If an Obsta(s) fell off the table in the process, the winner of rock, paper, scissors would place the Obsta(s) and the loser would throw the ball.
The NUMBER ONE RULE OF OB - throwing player must say ‘OB’ before their throw if:
The start of every game of OB (all other opponents must say ‘OB’ as well.
After a player has just lost a life.
If failure to do this and an opponent calls it out, the thrower will lose a life.
Catching the Ball:
Players must catch the ball using only one hand.
Players may bobble the ball, but it must be controlled using just one hand without any trapping.
Players may not catch the ball over the table.
If a player fails to catch a catchable ball, they lose 1 life.
That player would then throw the next ball, ensuring they follow the NUMBER ONE RULE OF OB
Players can move around to catch the ball, but they must throw from wherever they last caught the ball utilizing one foot as a pivot
Eliminations & Endgame:
Players are eliminated or OB ’ d when:
They lose all 3 lives.
The Ring of Fire implications:
If a player is able to throw the ball between the open gap of The Outlaw O (the Obsta would need to be standing up), while still following the normal OB rules, and the opposing catcher does not properly catch the ball, that player is eliminated no matter if 1, 2, or 3 lives remain.
If The Outlaw O is faced down on the table and the ball lands and stays within the O, the thrower is eliminated, no matter if 1, 2, or 3 lives remain.
The game continues until only one player remain.
OB Strategy & Tactics
Placing Objects Wisely: Choose object placements that create difficult angles and bounces for opponents, while protecting yourself.
Controlled Throws: Aim to keep the ball in play while putting pressure on the catcher.
Deception: Use unexpected angles and object deflections to confuse your opponents.
One-Handed Control: Mastering one-handed catching and throwing is key to staying in the game.
Mind Games: Use strategic object placement and psychological tactics to force mistakes from your opponents.
Meet the Obstas… where chaos meets defense
The Outlaws
They are the troublemakers of OB. Sharp edges, wild angles, and zero patience for normal bounces. They’re here to cause maximum mischief.
Personality vibe: Flashy, loud, unpredictable.
The Outlaw O
The Ring of Fire
Shoot through and eliminate your foe. Land a ball inside its ring and your glory becomes your downfall.
Obsidian Jack
The Sharpshooter
Solid, sleek, and ruthless with angles – Jack thrives on precision ricochets.
Oddball Ozzie
The Chaos Cowboy
Always unpredictable, Ozzie bends the rules with chaos from any angle.
The Blockers
Brave but breakable – these clumsy, loyal defenders will take the hit, even if it sends them flying! Place them wisely, because one solid hit and whoosh—they’re gone.
Personality vibe: Nervous, lovable, and always in the wrong place at the right time.
Blocka B
The Wobbly Wall.
Your go-to shield – big on defense, light on stability. One bump and it’s airborne.
Big Bean
The Rolling Wonder
Looks tough, feels tough… until the slightest hit sends it rolling.
Biscuit
The Crumbly Defender
Cute, clumsy, and gone in a flash- the snack-size shield.
