Are you looking for a simple and engaging game to play with your friends or family, but don’t have the equipment or space for traditional football? Introducing paper football, a classic tabletop game that requires nothing more than a piece of paper and some skill. Follow these nine steps to learn how to play paper football and challenge your friends in no time.

1. Create the paper football: Start by taking an 8.5 x 11-inch piece of paper and folding it in half lengthwise. Next, fold the bottom left corner upwards diagonally toward the folded edge until the two edges are aligned. Continue folding the small triangle formed by this alignment, working your way down until no excess paper remains. Finally, tuck the remaining flap into the triangular pocket created and crease it down firmly.

2. Decide on the playing surface: Find a smooth playing surface like a flat table or desk where both players can comfortably reach. Ensure that there is enough room for both players to flick their fingers without interference.

3. Set up goals: Create goals at each end of the playing surface by placing two fists together, creating a “goalpost” with your thumbs touching and your index fingers raised

4. Determine first possession: Flip a coin or use any other fair method to decide who takes first possession of the paper football.

5. Kick off: The team who wins possession starts from their own “20-yard line” (roughly one-quarter way down from their end of the playing surface). Form an L-shape with your thumb and index finger, using them to flick the football towards the opponent’s goalpost.

6. Attempt field goals: Once in position for a field goal (usually around three successful flicks away from your opponent’s goalpost), balance the paper football on its pointy end using one finger while flicking it with another. Your aim is to flick the paper football between the opponent’s goalposts.

7. Scoring: A touchdown is worth six points, earned by flicking the football over the edge of the opponent’s side without passing between their goalposts. After a touchdown, your team has the option to attempt a one-point field goal conversion or a two-point conversion by reaching over the opponent’s goal again.

8. Alternate possessions: After each score or if a player goes off the table, possession switches to the other team at their 20-yard line.

9. Declaring a winner: Play continues until a predetermined time limit, score limit, or round limit is reached. The team with the most points at the end of play is declared the winner.

Now that you’ve learned how to play paper football in nine simple steps, gather your friends around and enjoy this exciting game. It’s a fantastic way to pass time and improve hand-eye coordination while having loads of fun.