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Battleground Crossbows Rules

"Battleground: Crossbows and Catapults" is a game where players use rubber-band-driven weapons to knock down the plastic castle their opponents build. It's an enjoyable game even if the finer points of the rules are hard to understand (and often gleefully ignored). Though the rules booklet that comes with the set is a bit sketchy, the rules for the crossbows are easy to summarize.

Firing the Crossbow
- Place a carom in front of the crossbow piston. Holding the crossbow down with one hand, pull back the bow with the other. Release to fire. If you accidentally release early, the shot still counts. Whatever damage the carom does to the opponent's castle stands. If the carom knocks down a figure or flag, that piece is removed from play, bringing you closer to victory.
Manning the Crossbow
- A crossbow can be fired only if you have a friendly figurine standing within six inches of it. If there isn't one, you must take your turn to move either the crossbow or the figurine into a position where the crossbow is effectively manned.
Moving the Crossbow
- If you want to move the crossbow to man it or toward a better firing position, you may take one turn and move the crossbow up to six inches in any direction. Any move that would make it occupy space currently occupied by any other playing piece is not allowed.
House Rules: Rubber Bands
- Though not part of the official rule set, many families like to set house rules governing the rubber band that drives the crossbow. Crossbows on both sides should use the same kind and strength of rubber bands for fairness. Also, players should come to an agreement on how many times a rubber band can be doubled back to improve strength. Finally, players should agree on whether a broken rubber band removes the catapult from play, requires a turn to repair or is simply replaced with no in-game penalty.

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