How to Play Beyblade and Rules Explained in Detail｜Victory Conditions and 4 Finishes

Beyblade is a competitive hobby where players launch specially designed spinning tops at high speeds to clash with each other. There are established rules, including victory conditions and multiple finishing methods, beyond just spinning. This article provides a clear explanation of the basic gameplay, the four finishing methods that determine the outcome of battles, and special rules for 3-on-3 battles, making it easy for beginners to start playing without confusion. By understanding the rules correctly, battles with friends become more intense, and participation in official tournaments becomes smoother.

Basic Flow of Beyblade Battles

Beyblade battles are competitive games where two bladers shoot their Beys in a designated stadium, determining the winner by either knocking out the opponent's Bey or stopping its rotation. Understanding the flow from preparation to conclusion allows for a smooth enjoyment of battles.

Items Needed for Battle

To play Beyblade, at least three items are necessary. First, the "Beyblade main body" consists of three parts: layer, disk, and driver, which can be combined for customization. Next, the "launcher" is a device used to shoot the Bey at high speed, available in right-spin and left-spin versions. Finally, the "Bey Stadium" is a dedicated arena for battles. There are standard circular types as well as special types with extreme zones. Beginners are recommended to purchase a starter set that includes these three items.

Steps to Start a Battle

Before starting a battle, first set the Beyblade main body onto the launcher. Insert the protruding part called the prong in the center of the Bey into the launcher’s claw until it clicks. Both players stand on opposite sides of the stadium and shoot simultaneously on the count of "3, 2, 1, Go Shoot!" This timing is crucial; if one player shoots too early, it becomes unfair, so be sure to shoot at the same time. The strength and angle of the shot affect the Bey's movement, so practicing multiple times to find your own shooting method is key to improvement.

Progression and Conclusion of the Battle

Once the Bey starts spinning in the stadium, the battle begins. The two Beys clash, pushing against each other with their rotational force and power. During the battle, touching the Beys is generally prohibited, and players must observe the battle. The battle continues until one Bey completely stops, flies out of the stadium, or bursts (breaks apart). Once the outcome is determined, record the points earned in that round and proceed to the next round. According to Beyblade rules, the player who first reaches 4 points becomes the ultimate winner, so multiple battles are held to decide the match.

Victory Conditions｜Rules of the 4-Point System

Beyblade battles are not simply won by winning once; they are decided by a point system. According to official rules, the player who first reaches 4 points is declared the winner of that match. This point system allows for opportunities for dramatic comebacks and strategic battles.

How Points are Calculated

The points that can be earned in each round vary depending on the type of finish. The most basic finishes, "Spin Finish" and "Over Finish," earn 1 point each, while knocking out the opponent's Bey results in a "Burst Finish" worth 2 points, and the most challenging "Extreme Finish" grants a total of 3 points.

For example, if you achieve a Spin Finish in the first round for 1 point, an Over Finish in the second round for another point, and then a Burst Finish in the third round, you would accumulate 2 points, totaling 4 points for victory. Conversely, achieving an Extreme Finish once followed by a Burst Finish can allow you to decide the match in just 2 rounds. This point system introduces strategic elements regarding which finishing methods to aim for in battles.

Timing of Match Outcome

The outcome of the match is confirmed when either player first reaches 4 points. For instance, if Player A has 3 points and Player B has 2 points, and Player A achieves a Spin Finish to earn 1 point, Player A reaches 4 points, resulting in Player A's victory at that moment.

If both players' bays stop at the same time or exit the stadium simultaneously, it results in a draw, and no points are awarded for that round, leading to a rematch. Additionally, although very rare, if both players reach 4 points at the same time (for example, if both burst simultaneously at a score of 3-3), a battle will be held again as an extension, and the first player to score points will be declared the winner. In official tournaments, referees make the decisions, but it is also important to judge fairly in the spirit of fair play when playing with friends.

Four Finish Methods and Points Earned

In Beyblade, there are four ways to win against an opponent. The number of points earned varies depending on the finish method, and strategically targeting which finish to aim for is key to the battle. Here, we will explain the details of each finish and their characteristics.

Spin Finish (1 Point)

The Spin Finish is the most basic method of finishing. It is established when your bay continues to spin longer than your opponent's bay, and the opponent's bay comes to a complete stop first. When both bays continue to spin in the stadium, the moment one bay stops and becomes immobile, the owner of the still-spinning bay is awarded 1 point.

This finish is favored by stamina-type bays that excel in endurance. It is important to minimize energy loss while colliding with the opponent's bay and continue spinning until the end. Especially when using defensive or stamina-type bays, aiming for a Spin Finish becomes the basic strategy. It is easy for beginners to understand the judgment, and it is also the most frequently occurring finish method. A fighting style that steadily accumulates points through Spin Finishes can be said to be a characteristic of a stable and strong blader.

Over Finish (1 Point)

The Over Finish is established by knocking the opponent's bay out of the stadium. If, during a fierce clash, the opponent's bay flies out beyond the stadium's frame, the player who knocked the opponent's bay out is awarded 1 point. Care must be taken, as if your own bay goes out of the stadium, the opponent will receive a point.

The Over Finish is a winning method favored by attack-type bays with high offensive power. The strategy of moving quickly and knocking the opponent out with a powerful strike is visually impressive and creates a spectacular finish that excites the audience. However, attack-type bays are also prone to flying out of the stadium themselves, making control difficult and a double-edged sword. It requires skill to adjust the angle and strength of the shoot to push only the opponent out of the stadium. When aiming for an Over Finish, observing the shape of the stadium and the movements of the opponent's bay, and timing the clash effectively is crucial.

Burst Finish (2 Points)

The Burst Finish is a powerful finish that can earn you 2 points by disassembling the opponent's bay. Beyblades consist of three parts: layer, disk, and driver, and when subjected to intense impact, the locking mechanism can come undone and disassemble. This disassembly is called a burst, and the player who causes the opponent's bay to burst is awarded 2 points.

The Burst Finish is significant as it allows you to earn 2 points in one go, which can greatly change the flow of the match. For example, even if you are trailing 0 to 3, if you achieve two Burst Finishes, you can turn the tables to win 4 to 3. It is more likely to occur with high-attack bays or when the opponent's lock is loose.

Conversely, it is also important to ensure that your own bay does not burst, so assembling the parts securely is crucial. Before the battle, make sure to firmly attach the layer to the driver and check that the lock is not loose. The Burst Finish requires strategy in both offense and defense, making it a deep finishing method.

Extreme Finish (3 Points)

The Extreme Finish is the strongest finishing method that can earn you 3 points at once. It is established by dropping the opponent's bay into a special area called the "Extreme Zone," which exists only in specific stadiums. The Extreme Zone does not exist in regular stadiums and may only be set in official tournaments or specialized stadiums.

If you can achieve an Extreme Finish, you can earn 3 points in just one battle, allowing you to catch up from a desperate situation of 0 to 3 and aim for a comeback victory in the next round. It is truly a powerful technique that can turn the tide in an instant.

However, the Extreme Finish is extremely difficult, and it is not easy to aim for it intentionally. To accurately drop the opponent's Bey into the Extreme Zone, perfect shoot control and reading the opponent's movements are necessary. It is a super high-difficulty technique that even professional bladers cannot easily achieve, but if successful, the venue will be filled with cheers, creating a dramatic moment that completely changes the flow of the battle. In situations where an Extreme Finish can be aimed for, it is a dream finish worth actively challenging.

Special Rules for 3on3 Battles

In Beyblade, there is a battle format called "3on3 Battle" where teams fight using three Beys, in addition to the usual 1-on-1 battles. This format requires different strategies and tactics than normal battles, allowing for a deeper enjoyment of the fight.

Basic Format of 3on3 Battles

A 3on3 Battle is a team battle format where each player selects three Beyblades in advance and battles one by one in order. Before the battle, players decide which Bey to use in what order. The battles progress through the first, second, and third rounds, and the player who wins two rounds first becomes the winner of that match. Unlike the usual point system, the outcome is determined for each battle, and winning two out of three battles results in victory, making it a simple rule.

The important point is that once a Bey has been used, it cannot be used again during that match, even if it loses due to a burst. Therefore, deciding which Bey to use in what order becomes a very important strategy. Predicting which Bey the opponent will use and creating advantageous combinations is the key to victory. Additionally, the Beys to be used must be declared in advance, and changes cannot be made during the battle.

Strategies for 3on3 Battles

In 3on3 Battles, the order of Bey selection greatly influences the outcome. For example, if you predict that the opponent will use an attack-type Bey in the first battle, it is effective to counter with a defense-type Bey. Conversely, if the opponent is likely to use a stamina-type Bey, a strategy to aim for an early finish with an attack-type Bey can also be considered.

An ideal team composition is to balance three types: attack type, defense type, and stamina type. This balanced composition allows for flexible responses to any type of Bey the opponent may use. It is also important to observe the opponent's Bey in the first battle and read their strategy. In the second and third battles, you can choose a more advantageous Bey based on the results of the first battle.

Advanced players may employ sophisticated tactics that include psychological warfare, such as deliberately using a disadvantageous Bey in the first battle to gauge the opponent's response, known as the "sacrificial match strategy," or aiming for two consecutive wins with a specific Bey, referred to as the "ace strategy." 3on3 Battles are a deep battle format that tests not only performance but also reading and strategy.

3on3 Rules in Official Tournaments

In official tournaments, specific rules unique to 3on3 Battles are added. First, the selection of Beys must be registered in advance according to tournament rules, and no changes are allowed during the match. Additionally, a time limit is set for each battle, and if a decision is not reached within the time limit, the referee will check the spinning state of both Beys and declare the one with more stable rotation as the winner.

In official tournaments, strict judgments by referees ensure fair play. Regarding Bey customization, only officially approved parts may be used, and modifications or the use of illegal parts will result in disqualification. Furthermore, during the shoot, there is a rule that requires both players to shoot simultaneously from designated positions, and any flying or illegal shoots will be considered fouls. When participating in official tournaments, it is essential to thoroughly check the rules in advance and conduct battles according to the correct procedures.

Points Where Beginners Often Stumble

Those who have just started Beyblade may find themselves confused by the basic rules. Here, we explain points of rules that beginners often have questions about in a Q&A format.

Is the timing of the shoot simultaneous?

Yes, it is a rule in Beyblade that both players must shoot simultaneously. According to the call of "3, 2, 1, Go Shoot!", both players shoot at the "Go" part of "Go Shoot" simultaneously. If one player shoots first, the other player can respond after seeing the opponent's Bey's movement, which would be unfair. Even when playing with friends, always adhere to simultaneous shooting. If there is a clear timing discrepancy, it is fair to redo that round.

Can a Bey that has gone out of the stadium be returned?

No, once a Bey has exited the stadium, it cannot be returned. At the moment the Bey goes beyond the boundaries of the stadium, the opponent is awarded 1 point for an over-finish. Even if the Bey is still spinning, it will be considered a loss if it goes outside the stadium. The boundary line of the stadium is the very top edge of the stadium. The judgment is confirmed the moment the Bey completely crosses the boundary, so be sure to check carefully in ambiguous cases.

Can I touch the Bey during the battle?

No, touching the Bey during the battle is strictly prohibited. Once you shoot and the Bey starts spinning, you must not touch it until it completely stops or the finish is confirmed. If you accidentally touch it, it will result in a foul loss at that moment, and the opponent will be awarded 1 point. If the Bey gets stuck on the edge of the stadium and stops moving, you also cannot touch it and must wait for it to stop naturally. To conduct a fair battle, this "no-touch rule" must be strictly followed.

What happens if both stop at the same time?

If both Beys stop at the same time, that round will be a draw, and no points will be awarded to either side. You will battle again using the same Beys. In ambiguous cases, if there is a referee, they will make the judgment, and if it's among friends, both sides will discuss and decide. In official tournaments, judgments are made strictly using slow-motion footage, but generally, it is confirmed visually which one stopped first. In the case of a complete tie, it is simply recognized as a draw, and a rematch will be held in the spirit of fair play.

Summary | Understand the rules and enjoy playing Beyblade

Beyblade is not just about spinning tops; it is a deep hobby with solid rules and strategy. By understanding the basic gameplay explained in this article, the 4-point win rule, the 4 types of finishes (spin, over, burst, extreme), and the special rules for 3-on-3 battles, you can enjoy Beyblade more authentically.

What is particularly important is that the points awarded differ depending on the type of finish. Spin finishes and over finishes are worth 1 point, burst finishes are worth 2 points, and extreme finishes are worth 3 points, which significantly changes the strategy depending on the finish you aim for. Understanding the characteristics of your Bey and considering which finish to aim for is the first step to improvement.

By correctly understanding the rules, battles with friends will become more intense, allowing for fair and enjoyable matches. Additionally, when participating in official tournaments, it is essential to have a solid grasp of the basic rules. At first, it may seem like there is a lot to remember, but as you engage in battles, you will naturally acquire the knowledge. Please use this article as a reference and enjoy the world of Beyblade to the fullest.