I've been playing paintball pretty regularly for the past 12 years.  It's one of the most exciting games out there and can be played by just about anyone.  I would highly recommend that you give it a try and don't be afraid to invite your significant other.  This guide is for the new paintball player, to give you a basic idea of how the game is played.

Playing paintball is pretty simple. It is a mixture of tag and capture the flag. But instead of physically tagging your opponent out, you use "markers" that shoot paint pellets that mark the target with an ooze of paint.

The Teams:

 
The typical game is played with equal amounts of players on two teams. It is best to have each team with equal amounts of experience. However, multiple teams of three or more with the same objective can be really interesting.  Try mixing things up and have fun!

Time Limit:

Typically, the time limit for the game is 15 - 25 minutes. It depends on how many people are playing and the size of the field. Adjust the time limit as needed.

Basic Setup:

The field make up can be any size in any type of environment. Bunkers can be tires or mounds of dirt to actual buildings. Each of the teams will proceed to there home base stations where they will try to defend there flag while capturing there opponents flag. At the sound of the whistle, the game starts and what ever time limit, starts to count down.

The Rules:

You are able to reduce the threat of your flag being taken or the defense of the opponents flag station by marking them with a paint splat. Once cleanly marked, the player is "dead" and must exit the field, marker held high to signify being out. (S)he must return to the staging area of the field. If you are within 5ft of a player, ask for him to "Surrender!" If he complies, he must hold the marker up high and exit the field. If he tries to shoot you, shoot him. No words or gestures can be made by the tagged out player to his/her teammates. Dead people don't talk. The player that "pulls" the flag must have the flag in plain sight in one hand. If you have the flag and are tagged while holding the flag, you need to stop and drop the flag. Either your team or the opposing team may take the flag from that point.

Winning the Game:

 
The game ends in one of two ways. 1) You return the opponents flag to your home base while successfully defending your flag, scoring a "point." Or 2) Time expires, resulting in a draw. Some fields do not really keep track of points. If points are tallied, a point for each player that is tagged out on the opposing team, 1 point. Hanging the flag, 5 points.

This simple set of rules is just one of many different ways of playing the game.  I highly recommend using the internet, asking other players, and just experimenting to find new ways of playing.  I hope this guide has helped give you an idea of how paintball is played. Thanks for looking~Justin

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