Eleven: Football Manager Board Game

Has the look and feel of managing a football team. Very enjoyable overall. The actual football games are a tad clumsy initially but once you figure it out they get much easier.

Run a team of your own! It helps to know some of the basics of soccer/football.

Setup is easy and the gameplay is fast but the decisions can be agonizing. The theme really comes through well. I feel like I am signing players while managing my finances, wooing sponsors, and looking to upgrade my facilities. With several scenarios in the base box and a handful of other expansions, there is huge variety here as well. The stakes of each match are incredibly high as a simple mistake in tactics or miscalculation can leave your team facing relegation. Winning your league feels like an accomplishment. I was blown away by how much fun I had! Highly recommend!

After playing it a few times, I can say this game is good because it offers so many options to win. The game lists 1-4 players, however I recommend going with 1 or 2. Options are great, but if you have someone in your game group with analysis paralysis this will become a long game just for one full turn. Be prepared for managing staff, stadium and players. As well as placing your players in strategic positions on the pitch to block goals and score. I do wish they had quick reference guides for each player. I feel like that would make teaching it faster. I do love the solo campaigns it comes with. Don’t expect to really have much interaction with other players. Other than drawing cards before other players you don’t actually have a match with your players. I believe one of their expansions allows this. One more thing to consider. The player mats are big. Be prepared if playing a 4 player game for a lot of space. I give it an 8/10 for solo mode and a 7/10 for multiplayer.

I wanted something challenging that I could play solo. After watching how to play on YOUTUBE I ordered it. As a prior manager, I enjoyed the many facets and decisions to be made. It makes for an interesting afternoon if you don't have an opponent, plus after watching Ted Lasso, you want to beat Nate's team.

I would recommend this game to anyone who loves futbol and heavier euro style games. Lot's going on in this game: managing staff, players, stadium, sponsorship, etc. I have enjoyed my plays and am looking forward to playing again.