Whether you're looking to add some friendly competition to a family gathering, break the ice at a party, or simply enjoy a fun pastime with friends, bubble hockey is a fun albeit niche choice. Combining the thrill of traditional hockey with the lightheartedness of bubble-covered players, this game offers endless entertainment for players of all ages.
What is Bubble Hockey?
Bubble hockey is a tabletop game that simulates ice hockey, where players control miniature hockey players encased in transparent bubbles. These bubbles prevent players from falling off the table and add an element of chaos and fun to the game.
History of Bubble Hockey
Bubble hockey has its roots in the early 20th century, evolving from traditional tabletop hockey games. The "bubble" element was introduced to make the game more engaging and safer for younger players. The first bubble hockey table, known as "Dome Hockey," was introduced by Innovative Concepts in Entertainment (ICE) in the late 1980s and quickly became popular in arcades and bars.
Setting Up Your Bubble Hockey Game
Before you can start playing, you need to set up your bubble hockey table properly. Here’s how:
- Choose Your Table: Bubble hockey tables come in various sizes.
- Assemble the Players and Equipment: Place the miniature players on the table.
- Understand the Controls: Players use sticks or paddles to hit the puck.
Basic Gameplay Rules
The rules for dome hockey have been created to provide a fair and balanced game for all players. These rules may vary slightly by the region you live in or the type of table you have but these rules should be followed when possible.
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Key Rules:
- Periods: Most tables are designed with a clock that counts down three 90 second periods for a full game.
- Coin Flip: The game starts with a flip of the coin to determine which side of the table each team stands on.
- Face Off: The table will drop a puck down the center of the ice rink to begin each game
- Players: Players can not control more than three hockey players (including goalie) at a time.
- Tilting: No player shall lift, tilt or move the dome hockey machine.
- Stalling: Because bubble hockey is a timed game, players cannot hold the puck to cause a stalling or delay in the game. If behavior is detected, the scorekeeper shall announce a 5 second countdown. If 5 seconds is over and the player still has possession of the puck by the same hockey man, a one goal penalty will be enforced on the infraction.
- Stuck Puck: If a puck lands in a dead zone where it cannot be reached by either team, a timeout should be taken. Then, players should tilt the table towards the team with the nearest player. If the puck falls closes to the wrong team, the puck should be pushed towards the right team before the game starts again.
- Spinning & Distracting Players: Players are permitted to spin their men for a maximum of one second per instance. Men cannot be moved rapidly from side to side in order to distract or shake the surface of the table. Excessive spinning or side to side movements will result in a warning or potential disqualification.
- Goals: In order for a goal to count, it must fall down the chute and be registered by the machine. Pucks that hit the net and bounce out should not count and the game should continue.
- Gameplay: Players either take turns or play simultaneously, depending on the table design.
Tournament Play Scoring
Tournament play scoring differs slightly from regular games:
- If one team is ahead by two goals at the end of regulation, the game is over.
- If regulation time ends in a tie, or a team is losing by one goal, then the game will be played until one team is up by two goals.
- For regular, non-tournament games, a team can win by a single goal either at the end of regulation or in a sudden death after the end of the third period.
Singles Bubble Hockey Championship Dec 28 Buffalo - Game 1 of Finals
Choosing Your Bubble Hockey Table
Bubble hockey tables are available at various retailers. When choosing a table, consider size, durability, and features.
Bubble hockey offers endless fun and excitement for players of all ages. Gather your friends and family, set up the table, and dive into the exhilarating world of bubble hockey!
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