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Paintball is played in over 30 countries by men and women of all ages and lifestyles. All paintball players share a love for adventure and a strong competitive team spirit. Paintball is similar to the childhood games of �tag� and �hide and seek�, but much more challenging and sophisticated. There are various game formats. Usually, a group of players will divide into two teams to play �capture the flag�. The number of players on a team varies from four or five players, to as many as 100 players on each side, limited only by the size of the playing field. The playing field or "terrain" is normally a wooded area or an open field with inflatable "bunkers".
In Capture the Flag, the object of the game is to capture the other team�s flag while defending your own flag station. Players compete to eliminate opposing players by marking them with paintballs expelled from an paintball marker. Games usually have a time limit of 5 to 10 minutes. Between games, players may check their equipment, reload paintballs or have a snack and share stories about the thrills of victory or just compare welts. Win or lose, everyone has a great time!
A paintball is a round, dime-sized gelatin capsule with colored liquid inside. The liquid is nontoxic, water-soluble and biodegradable. It rinses out of clothing and off skin with mild soap and water. Paintballs come in a rainbow of colors. When a paintball hits a player, the gelatin ball bursts and the liquid leaves a �paint� mark. A player who is marked is eliminated from the game.
Paintball markers come in a variety of styles. Some are small stock pistols, powered by small 12-gram CO2 cartridges that need to be changed after 15 to 25 shots. Other paint markers are rifle-like, with shoulder stocks and longer barrels. These are powered by larger, refillable CO2 cylinders or nitrogen tanks that supply hundreds of shots. Some cheaper paintball markers are pump-action meaning each time you fire, you must first cock the marker again by using a pump. Other markers are semiautomatic, which recock automatically. Just squeeze the trigger!
Paintball is a sport where women and men compete equally and where age is not dominated by youth. Size and strength are not as important as intelligence and determination. Being able to think quickly and decisively are what makes a great player. Paintball is a character-building sport where every decision, every move counts. Players learn the importance of teamwork and strategy and can gain self-esteem while developing quick-thinking leadership abilities. Paintball is an exciting way to shake off day-to-day responsibilities and take a chance on a new adventure!
