Frienemy is a paintball game variation where there's a traitor in you midst. The game starts out normally but there's always a chance that someone may not be who they claim
Requirements
Two teams and a timekeeper. Teams should have at least five players but larger teams are acceptable.Setup
Divide the teams evenly. Put paintballs of one color in a hat, one for each player, and then add one more paintball of a different color. Each player then, without looking, pulls one paintball out of the hat (with the extra paintball, there should be one paintball remaining in the hat). The player who draws out the odd-colored ball is the traitor. If nobody draws out the odd-colored ball, there is no traitor.
Rules
The game is played like a typical game of paintball with either elimination or capture the flag being the goal. Other games such as base capture or other variations could also be used. The teams start the game normally and all the typical rules are followed.Where Frienemy differs from the classic game comes two minutes into the game. After two minutes the timekeeper shouts out "Traitor." From that point onward the traitor (the player who drew out the odd-colored ball) is now a member of the opposing team. The player does not have to identify themselves, but they have the option of doing so. Since they are now on the opposing team they can help their new team by shooting the teammates, capturing the flag, shouting out positions or simply waiting to decide what to do until later.
Note: The time limit should be adjusted based on the size of the field.
Victory
The same rules for victory established by the game variation are used. For example, elimination requires eliminating all the players on the other team and capture the flag requires the team to return the flag to their base.Strategy
The difficulty with this game is not knowing if the traitor is on your team, is on the other team, or if there is no traitor at all. Since the traitor may be on your team, it is wise to move players apart so that you won't risk your entire team being eliminated by the traitor. Another approach is to try and attack the other team as quickly as possible.If you are the traitor, the key may be to immediately seek to eliminate as many players as possible or it may be to use the first two minutes to position yourself to then direct your "new" team. The possibilities are literally endless and you should plan your approach from the beginning.
Variations
Put as many paintballs as there are players on one team plus the odd-colored ball and then have each time draw out balls separately. This will result in each team having the chance of having a traitor.A second variation is to put multiple odd-colored paintballs in the hat so that you could potentially have multiple traitors.
