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What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2012/01/04 01:04:54


Post by: legoburner


Poll suggested by Scavenger


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2012/01/04 02:33:16


Post by: Johnny-Crass


Being a fantasy player even a third of a inch matters sooo....


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2012/01/04 05:00:27


Post by: Pumpkin


I once played my cousin, who measured movement from the front of the base to the end of the base (gaining almost another inch in movement) and whose "measure first guy, eyeball the rest" technique led to diagonal troop formations becoming suspiciously horizontal...

He knew what he was doing. I don't think it really registered with him that he was cheating, though. He's a nice guy, just one of those who think finding ways to bend the rules is supposed to be part of the fun.

There are many, many people out there like him. That's why I insist on being a pedant. I don't like being made to feel like I have to watch my opponent like a hawk, so keeping things precise actually makes the game more enjoyable for me.


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2012/01/04 10:54:59


Post by: The Apothecary


I believe in fair game. If I'm playing some one that hasn't played before, I let a few things go. But I try insist the proper gaming ethics. However, I don't really care about the movement styles, but if it comes a bit redonk, I will say something.

If I was playing in a professional campaign or tournament, then it has to be exact.


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2012/01/11 10:16:25


Post by: Runna


I got a say when your playing a tactical game every inch counts. I find that I have won most of games based on guessing how far so and so unit would be able to shoot, charge, and even the consolidations and movement of my enemies and my own units become important to my every postioning. As I don't buy into regular tounry armies that require little tactics, and perfer very, very varied or even just fun lists. I still manage many victories based on the inch restrictions. So I am a bit of a 'dick' with them. Just because that guy in the front can move there six inches and get in range of my squad with his gun, does not mean everyone in the squad can. Sorry, but I usually make my moves based on those very conditions. I know...it's not the coolest thing I do. It is however, fair for every player because I follow my own restrictions. Each model, 6 inches, and no more than 2 inches apart.


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2012/01/11 16:43:32


Post by: JEREMSTER


I selected the "be as precise as you can, but don't be a douche about it" option. It obviously depends on if your playing with friends or playing in a tournament. But even in tournaments its generally excepted to just measure the first guy in the squad and then move up the rest.
I love 40k... for the first 3 hours, no reason to make this already lengthy game take longer than it has to.


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2012/01/11 18:17:42


Post by: Sharkvictim


I voted try to be exact. Movie thie first guy then move the rest accordingly on open ground. If they are going around or into terrain or piling into combat I measure every one, and expect my opponent to do so as well.


Automatically Appended Next Post:
I also find that it is acceptable to use the leapfrog technique when moving a huge mob, like fifteen seekers or thirty boyz, just make sure you move the special wargear lads and lasses first.


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2012/01/11 18:56:12


Post by: Howard A Treesong


I measure one guy and then the rest go with him. However I am aware of people moving a heavy weapon from the back of the squad to the front when doing this is a bit cheeky...


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2012/01/11 20:18:16


Post by: Ravnak


I can't move every model exactly as often play Orks so I would spend like 5 minutes a unit just moving.


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2012/01/11 20:38:18


Post by: HoverBoy


Well this poll seems decidedly... decided


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2012/01/11 23:44:05


Post by: darefsky (Flight Medic Paints)


In friendly games I don't care all that much, In something like Ard Boyz yer darn right I am making myself and the person I am playing measure everything.


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2012/01/23 07:57:48


Post by: Locclo


I'm someone who doesn't sweat the small stuff. I voted for "measure the first guy, eyeball the rest," since I play horde Orks, and my opponent would be waiting for twenty minutes in my movement phase if I measured for every boy.

Though in fairness I keep it relatively close. I use the 6"/4"/2" measuring tool in place of a tape measure, so generally all I have to do is take about half a second to move the thing down and move each boy.


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2012/06/15 11:55:35


Post by: Shaozun


Depends what measuring tools I have with me.

If I have a movement tray that's built for W40k etc I'll use that and measure from the middle to a point (keeping them facing the same angle too probably, or measuring the back guy)

If all I have is a tape measure, then I'll just measure them according to the formation; e.g. front line moves up, 2nd line etc, otherwise you can be getting a big advantage from it and it just doesn't feel like an 'honest' win.

TL;DR I measure when it won't be within .1cm of the actual result.


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2012/06/15 20:55:33


Post by: DakkaHammer


The way I usually do it is to measure exactly for the first rank , then eyeball the rest of the squad, keeping the tape around to help out if i'm moving to some different weird place..
More serious about it in tournaments, but i try to waste as little time as possible.


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2012/06/21 10:24:24


Post by: WaaaaghLord


"Measure exactly for the first guy in the unit, then just arrange the rest so they are in roughly the correct position around him."

As long as neither side gains anything from it, this is fine, in my opinion.


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2012/08/18 16:00:33


Post by: Cirronimbus


I'm a bigger stickler about it with my Tau, since as soon as you assault me it's game over. I can't tell you how many times I had my Crisis Suits just about 10" away from Terminators, fired, then jumped straight back 6" and was somehow assaulted the next turn.

The most common form of this I see is somebody trying to place their model on terrain, and uses the "wobbly model rule" to gain an inch or two, because that's the only place it fits.

I've never had anyone argue about it though. All it takes is a calm "Uhhh, dude I think that was more than 6" and 99% of the time my opponents have said "Oh, sorry about that" and moved it back.


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2012/08/18 17:53:03


Post by: DA SPEED FREEK


Measure exactly for the first guy in the unit, then just arrange the rest so they are in roughly the correct position around him.
It's fast, simple and easy.
Plus, being an ork player, even doing this it this takes a long time so if I measured exacly it would take half a game ( ok I'm exaggerating, but not by much!) and my opponent would probubly punch me In the face for being such an obssesiv douche.


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2012/08/18 20:23:17


Post by: dalsiandon


 JEREMSTER wrote:
I selected the "be as precise as you can, but don't be a douche about it" option. It obviously depends on if your playing with friends or playing in a tournament. But even in tournaments its generally excepted to just measure the first guy in the squad and then move up the rest..


QFT.

I play Nid swarms and it's just like all the Ork players have mentioned. Get the guys on the edges of the formation right and everyone else moves up behind them and it's generally accurate. Or the leapfrog, where I just pull the guys from the back up and the guys in the front don't move at all. otherwise moving 80 gaunts takes way too long.


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2012/08/18 21:02:51


Post by: The Shadow


It varies really. Usually it's this: "Measure exactly for the first guy in the unit, then just arrange the rest so they are in roughly the correct position around him" especially if I'm playing a family member or close friend.

However, there's a few people at my FLGS who I either slightly mistrust or feel as if being lenient about this would give me a disadvantage. Against said people I'm more strict. Unless they play a horde army of course, I know what that's like :L


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2012/08/19 02:30:56


Post by: Daemonhammer


"Measure exactly for the first guy in the unit, then just arrange the rest so they are in roughly the correct position around him."
For me.

why are the 6th and 7th options even there?


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2012/08/28 10:22:39


Post by: mydartswinger


When playing Space Marines, I'll generally try to measure every guy. With my Orks and IG, I've pulled both the leapfrog technique and the first and last ranks up then fill in the gaps technique to speed up the game. Once, I even did the measure 1 guy and shove the rest up, but stopped doing that afterwards (blast templates really suck after using that technique). As long as they're not deliberately trying to cheat, I don't mind if my opponent moves an extra 1/8", it's a game and meant to be fun.


 Cirronimbus wrote:
I'm a bigger stickler about it with my Tau, since as soon as you assault me it's game over. I can't tell you how many times I had my Crisis Suits just about 10" away from Terminators, fired, then jumped straight back 6" and was somehow assaulted the next turn.


Not saying that it was this, but if it was during 5th ed games, it could have been a Shrike list with Fleet. Move 6", run D6", then charge 6" for a possible 18" charge range. I've played this tactic with Shrike and Vanguard Vets getting a turn 1 charge on Broadsides before (worked out beautifully for me, horribly for the Tau). If during 6th, or Shrike wasn't in the army, totally cheap move (unless they got lucky and rolled super high for the charge in 6th without running).


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2012/09/19 10:46:32


Post by: comrade_nikolai


Measure at the start of the turn so you now what you need to roll to charge then more or less wing it from there, if you don't roll high enough then it doesn't matter how far you are away at the start of the phase, you still won't make it in...


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2012/09/19 10:53:34


Post by: Vindicare-Obsession


Measuring exactly isint a priority for me, as long as you know that it is next to impossiable to assault turn 1 now.


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2012/09/19 11:57:48


Post by: JazzGB


As a non serious skirmish player I generally eyeball everything, though I keep a tape around when it really matters.
I see why Warhammer takes hours to play if you're going to move each...model...perfectly.


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2012/09/19 17:18:55


Post by: Rysaer


Measure from front to front, I've had a lot of people measure from the front and then the model ends up with the rear of its base at the tip of the tape, meaning it's getting the models width in extra movement. One of my pet hates

Aside form that, I'm pretty relaxed with measuring


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2012/09/19 17:56:16


Post by: Commander Jimbob


I voted 'Measure exactly for the first guy in the unit, then just arrange the rest so they are in roughly the correct position around him.', but to be more precise I would replace 'exact' with 'roughly' (...the irony of that sentence). I don't closely examine the measurements my opponents make, it's more a process of roll out the tape measure to the right distance, stick it in front of the model and move him pretty much to the end of the tape measure.


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2012/10/20 11:06:00


Post by: KalashnikovMarine


I like using the TLAR system "That Looks About Right" measuring's an important part of the game and you should measure to keep it honest, but you don't need to be OCD about it. It's a game. Have FUN.


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2012/10/20 13:29:57


Post by: Spaz431


 mydartswinger wrote:


Not saying that it was this, but if it was during 5th ed games, it could have been a Shrike list with Fleet. Move 6", run D6", then charge 6" for a possible 18" charge range. I've played this tactic with Shrike and Vanguard Vets getting a turn 1 charge on Broadsides before (worked out beautifully for me, horribly for the Tau). If during 6th, or Shrike wasn't in the army, totally cheap move (unless they got lucky and rolled super high for the charge in 6th without running).


Well, an infesting turn of events now in 6th, if they run in the shoot phase, No Assault For You. If they shoot rapid fire at you, No Assault For You.


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2012/10/20 14:27:25


Post by: Hoopified


I look at it as if you and your friends can play without issue great have fun. Tournaments on the other hand you need to micro manage.


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2012/11/21 11:05:46


Post by: krushgroove


I've only been playing a few months, and of the players in my group have as well (apart from a couple who are getting back into it after years of being away), and we generally do the 'measure the first guy only' technique, especially in the first couple of turns.

It works, it's quick and it's all friendly so there's no need to measure everyone's movement exactly - especially when we have to finish a game. I've been burned on a few assaults for being half an inch short, and whoever I was playing with said 'sorry, you didn't roll high enough!' and I accepted it because I'd say exactly the same thing if it were me!


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2012/11/21 22:27:28


Post by: Jacknife


Im somewhere between measure the first and move the rest around him, and eyball it, because in my first few games, at local gw, i was told to do the former, and have done ever since, but after a few years of playing, you just know whether that lasbolt's gonna hit him right between the eyes, or fall short. My friends dont mind, and theyll correct me if im wrong


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2012/11/23 23:02:49


Post by: cox.dan2


I like eyeballing it after moving the first guy exact. Move the first line and everyone else behind him, it makes the games go faster and I don't think a fraction of a mm makes that big a difference in a battle anyway.


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2013/02/24 15:16:19


Post by: nonowho


It's hard to think that any soldier would ever move ever move the exact same amount as his comrade unless you were genetically altered or something like that (*cough* space marines *cough*) but I don't think it makes a difference as long as you get it within a half of an inch.


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2013/02/24 17:41:19


Post by: MajorStoffer


I usually do the measure the first guy exactly method, but generally the more important movement is at that moment, the more precise I'll be.

Otherwise, moving a guard blob is an exercise in tedium that no one enjoys.


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2013/02/24 20:25:46


Post by: scarletsquig


Measure from the front of the base, move to the back of the base is the most common cheat I've seen.


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2013/03/03 17:39:13


Post by: IGtR=


I think that so long as your opponent is playing by the same rules and ethic as you are then you are in for a good game. A truly great game should be a cinematic experience or a tense tactical event, where the battle comes down to the last moves. In a massacre does it really matter if those 7 guardsmen are moving 6.5inches away from my carnifex?? If you are playing a cinematic game then precisely measuring everything gets in the way, whereas in a tactical encounter you don't want to leave any room for doubt. There. I feel better now justifying my inconsistency!!


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2013/03/08 09:44:06


Post by: cheapbuster


I tend to go down eye level with the model then slowly shuffle to the side, using parallax I can work out the distance quite accurately.


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2013/03/25 11:22:52


Post by: Kerrathyr


Not a long-time player, I tend to mix the 'exact/will take longer but-' with the 'eyballing' mode:
If I want to make a "normal", straight move without changing formation, I measure the first model and keep the others in the same relative positions (but if, at a glance, the move puts me in a borderline range, I'd measure any model in the unit)
If I want to make sort of a maneouver, such as a turn, I measure the model who will have to travel farther, then position others accordingly: if the model who moved the biggest distance moved 6", it is obvious that other moved less than that.

Coherency tends to be not a big problem, since with my friend we tend to keep the units compact (i.e. more or less an inch - actually 2-3cm), but if we choose to spread the formation, we'd check the 2" coherency.

I have to say that I did not think about the 2-4-6" measure, always using tape. It's a nice idea


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2013/03/25 15:59:52


Post by: Spyder68


I think this poll is a bit scewed.

In 40k, your moving 100 models or so, and it can be more loose.

Warmachine needs to be more exact.


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2013/04/11 23:37:14


Post by: Earth Dragon


My thoughts with this are the same as about everything else: just don't play with douchebags. If you are playing with someone who "has" to win, you better measure everything. He might cheat. If you are playing with someone who laughs everytime he rolls all 1s and 2s with his terminator squad, I'm gonna say don't sweat it as much.


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2013/04/12 08:26:04


Post by: Vermillion


Went with be exact, as had too many people measure 1 guy in the unit from the front then suddenly the ones behind are arranged in front of him giving them that bit extra movement. Yet these people are the first to scream that their opponent is 0.2mm short of a charge


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2013/04/26 10:49:18


Post by: MarkyMark


First turn or so doesnt really matter to me, of course as long as we are 24inches apart as per the set up its all good. I do try to pre measure a few moves ahead normally, i.e if I want to measure how far away a charge is etc I'll do that and remember. (although this can give away my next move)

I also advocate pre measuring charge distance and agreeing with opponent before rolling the dice, that way there can be no arguement if it is pre agreed.


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2013/04/26 12:35:18


Post by: Mad Boss Morgrot


At the end of the day I play for fun.
Again play with a friend regularly and we will quite happily say, dude that's not cool, we will come to an agreement on what's just happened and move on! And that's the end of that issue.
I also look at it as the squad can move 6" not the individual. But again don take the p*ss with your boyz!
I think it's only important to be really anal about that kinda thing when it's necessary, critical assaults, shooting attacks and so forth.


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2013/05/27 10:13:18


Post by: Dakkamite


Option #3 master race reporting in


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2013/05/27 10:25:12


Post by: ted1138


I'm all for moving the closest model and then bringing up the rest(as long as you're not taking a long line of spaced out troops and ending them all in a tight bunch to get a bit more movement out of the back ones), but I hate it when people pick the tape up after measuring, then place the model down about an inch or so forward of where the tape ended. It's as if they think I didn't notice where the end of the tape had been.


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2013/05/27 11:18:08


Post by: Cliffy_3


Just to add my two cents. I like measuring the first model then estimating the rest. However, if I am going this route I usually intentionally short change myself a bit. If I think the unit will have some action in a turn or two, I will measure each unit.

Also, if I have a unit that I moved to avoid assault, I usually measure how far the threat is in a straight line. If they're 14" away and reach me on a 7" to charge, then someone got a little anxious on their move.


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2013/05/27 21:57:36


Post by: Overlord Thraka


Again like pretty much ALL the other Ork players here I measure and move one guy in a mob then eyeball the rest of 'em.


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2013/05/27 22:53:28


Post by: Eldercaveman


 Overlord Thraka wrote:
Again like pretty much ALL the other Ork players here I measure and move one guy in a mob then eyeball the rest of 'em.


I'd at least ask for the front and back line to be measured, everyone else can be squeezed in. And with the advent of pre-measuring in 40k, there is no reason not to be exact.


Also, holy necro threading guys.


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2013/05/28 04:53:58


Post by: ElSmacko


Personally, I voted for "try to make it exact but don't worry about it Too much". Of course, it's easy for me - I play marines, so using some 6-inch measure to just plot up each member of a unit is fast anyway. If I played Orks or 'Nids it might be a different story, but with Marines movement is pretty quick.

I think a more telling question is, how specifically do you measure distances when it comes to things like a charge or weapon range or whatever?

It seems a major issue to me to be even Slightly lax in movement and then a stickler to weapon ranges. It's like the basketball game where everyone blames the guy who missed the last shot for losing the game. No - it's all the other missed baskets that lost the game. Similarly, it's the Almost correct movements that make trying to be somehow magically EXACT when it comes to range for charge or weapons fire ridiculous.

I have some friends who agree with this and some who don't, but my general policy is, if the business-end of a measurement ends up coming within say, a fourth of an inch, it gets a d6 roll. 4+, it has range, 1-3, no good. As a general policy.


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2013/06/10 13:46:45


Post by: Gandohar


For me it depends what I am playing. In WHFB every single millimeter counts so me and a lot of the people I play with tend to be fairly anal about measurements. 40k on the other hand seems a lot of the time to be just moving models wherever and thinking yeah that looks right.


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2013/06/28 10:19:05


Post by: Fattimus_maximus


Being an 8 year guard Veteran, measuring the first guy and arranging around him IS the only way to measure distance.


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2014/06/15 21:14:08


Post by: Snilbog


Like many people, I also play horde orks, and so just decide to measure one model then eyeball the rest, unless they're being moved through terrain, in which case I measure each one individually.


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2014/09/18 23:25:49


Post by: psnmario


"Measure exactly for the first guy in the unit, then just arrange the rest so they are in roughly the correct position around him"
when playing with friends and in a tourny I move the exact distance with every model


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2014/09/25 20:19:24


Post by: Eldercaveman


psnmario wrote:
"Measure exactly for the first guy in the unit, then just arrange the rest so they are in roughly the correct position around him"
when playing with friends and in a tourny I move the exact distance with every model


I guess you don't play Greentide or hordes of nids then?


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2014/09/30 17:50:18


Post by: Brennonjw


Other: in fantasy every little bit counts, in WH40k measure the first and move everyone around there


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2014/12/21 14:21:28


Post by: flamingkillamajig


For me i feel like doing it a little less is actually fair. I mean if you're a half a centimeter less it's still fair rather than getting the absolute exact amount each time and possibly cheating somebody. I don't have all day but i won't do a small cheat either.


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2014/12/21 23:01:08


Post by: jhe90


Mesure the first guy and roughly do the rest, mesure any that are biyt more tricky but in general stick to the rough measurements.

Long as its not too out, everyone can give a fraction of a inch eather way n save a ton of time.

Against orks, watching 100 boyz n trucks mesure indevidualy would be painful


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2015/10/06 14:16:01


Post by: Tactical_Spam


Unsaid house rule is you. just measure the first guy and move the rest... Until that. one guy tries to move the rest of his squad 12-15 inches


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2015/10/06 14:46:29


Post by: Momotaro


I've played games where one player's handspan became the unit of measurement - about 8" or so. Fortunately, the base model move was 8", and ranges were multiples of that (or thereabouts). Partial distances were guessed, and if there was any question of hitting or reaching cover, the answer was always "yes".

Also a fan of games like Crossfire - you can hit anything you can see on the table, and move as you like between scenery items until the other side gets LOS to you and interrupts.

Between friends, it just works.

God of Battles states explicitly that you measure from the unit leader and arrange models around it. Some guys gain a couple of inches in loose formation. Again, it just works.

In a (slightly) less friendly environment, measuring for the two guys at they ends of the formation and making an attempt to "fill in" correctly between them is fine.

Not a fan of cm or mm-scale shenanigans, which finally drove me away from DBA, and "rulesy" tricks like Rat Dagger (using a minimum-sized unit exactly placed to force an attacker to expose its flank to a bigger threat)... well games like that are not for me.


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2015/10/11 04:37:40


Post by: ZergSmasher


Extreme precision should be used for certain things, but earlier in the game, it can be somewhat relaxed for sake of time. After all, it would suck to have to call a game early before a crucial charge or something just because you were taking too long to precisely measure movement. For the aforementioned crucial charge, you should be precise, as the game could swing based on whether it succeeds or fails. Things like that in any game should be done right.


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2015/12/08 10:54:58


Post by: Stu-GGG


I like it to be exact as possible. I once played a Tau player back when they were first released, in the combat phase some of the Tau suits could move 6 inches, turn 1 he moved them about 7 inches so i let that slip by turn 5 they were going nearly 12 inches, then i asked don't they only move 6 inches and he embarrassedly moved them back 6inches.

I always pull players up on incongruous movement. If a player starts the game and moves a certain way i adopt that movement style and a lot of people then complain to you about your movement.


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2016/01/09 10:08:12


Post by: Quarterdime


I'm pretty much in majority agreement. Wargaming can be a very exact thing, and given the number of models and the number of times they move every game I see every game at least one model that is only a fraction of an inch too far. So yeah, exact measurements are important, but sometimes, speeding up the game can be worth sacrificing the value of that one charge, because at the end of the day, if you're not enjoying yourself why are you playing? It takes perspective both ways.


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2016/01/12 22:12:15


Post by: Dregstar


I try and keep it as exact as possible but I'd rather have the game flow than get into arguments about an inch here or there.
Having said this one of my regular opponents suffers badly from rubber-ruler syndrome but as frustrating as it is sometimes when his guys scoot across the table at a break neck speed he's a really nice guy who I enjoy gaming with so I let it go...


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2016/05/16 14:15:44


Post by: Haravikk


My technique is more along the lines of:
  1. If movement is obstructed or the group is large, move models on each side of the group the exact distance, then move the rest to remain roughly in between.
  2. If movement is unobstructed, move closest model the exact distance, then move the rest to roughly the right position.
  3. If one or more models physically can't get to a location due to a doorway (which we agreed is passible) or the edge of a crater or something else that the model can't physically fit on or through, then these model(s) are marked with counters to show if they had to stop short or be moved further to suit. Often this depends upon whether stopping short would just a disadvantage though, if I don't think it will matter I'll just take the hit on distance and leave them where they are.
  4. If there's much ambiguity, I'll ask my opponent if the move looks okay so they can weigh in, and I'll measure more of the models if I have to (I usually leave the last model where they started to help with this, then put me in place once the move is okay).

It sounds more complicated than it is, as most of time moves are pretty straightforward, the complexities usually come up when movement is more awkward, i.e- around complex scenery and the like. Usually I don't need to measure for more than two models though.

Also, usually these things come down to clear communication; if you're cutting a corner then say it as you do it, so your opponent isn't left watching something that looks suspicious. If you're playing someone who seems to be taking liberties with a move then be polite and say "that looks a bit further than X inches" or whatever, basically always give them a chance to correct it before you assume they're cheating, otherwise you'll (in my experience) end up with a sulky player who'll measure everything at extreme cost to game-speed


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2016/05/16 14:16:36


Post by: locarno24


I'd agree. Front rank exact, rear rank exact, everyone else "ish" - when dealing with a unit of 30+ models, trying to place every single model exact is an exercise in futility.

Unless you know it's going to come down to part of an inch for shooting or charge range, of course.


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2016/05/16 16:15:32


Post by: chaosmarauder


Measure 1 guy, eyeball the rest method.

But

If we are moving to position for a certain tactic - say you want to make sure you are 12" away from an enemy unit if it were to move 6" towards you - then we state what the range is going to be for when that situation pops up.

Often...the distance will magically become shorter (say 10" even though it was only possible to achieve 12" charge if you actually moved the unit 6")

And in these cases we used the measurement we made when the intent was created to stay 12" away during the last movement phase.

-So that means even though unit A is now 10" away, the intent last turn was to stay 12" away (and at that time 12" was the closest possible) so the unit has to make a 12" charge


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2016/05/17 02:13:16


Post by: nateprati


I voted move first guy then arrange accordingly. I will say though it should have said "move first guy then the last guy and place everyone else in between" I agree that the special weapons and charectors are the important ones and leap frogging is totally cool with me say if you want that flamer from the middle to the front. However that is exactly why the last guy is so important, you can't hide the most important weapons in the very back then to the very front without restricting the rest of the squad.

P.s. specially this for horde armies like orks who have 30 guys and 3 special weapons in there!


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2016/05/17 23:08:00


Post by: Phydox


I selected "Try to be exact..."

I measure the model on either end of a "row" accurately, then just move rest of guys up in a line between. If I'm planning any special weapon goodness (moving flamer, melta to front or a diff position) I measure that model accurately.

Look, I play orks. Some units are 30+ guys. If you want accuracy better then this, bring your lunch to games.


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2016/05/18 08:09:38


Post by: Ouze


As others have said, I measure one guy using one of those plastic tools - I don't know what you call them, but the ones that are 6" on once side, and have a 2" part, etc, like a orange protractor kind of? Anyway, I measure one guy with that middle of base to middle of base, then just eyeball the rest so long as no one is ahead of him, and no one changes their relative positions - no special weapon shenanigans. The people I play with aren't very precise on the rules, the game is already stupid enough with bad rules no reason for us to treat it even more like a algebra quiz combined with reading a spreadsheet.

I play Orks as well as Necrons and Space Marines.


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2016/05/19 19:12:20


Post by: infinite_array


 Ouze wrote:
As others have said, I measure one guy using one of those plastic tools - I don't know what you call them.


Measuring templates, I think. They're useful for games that use a lot of precise, low value measurements that repeat often.


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2016/05/19 22:06:43


Post by: flamingkillamajig


I think i've said this before. I don't want to cheat my opponent and i don't want to take all day getting every little millimeter i can. Usually i move 1/4 of an inch less than the maximum or so so i don't have to bother with all that nonsense.


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2016/05/21 04:26:56


Post by: Avatar 720


Unless I'm moving something well within its max distance, or they're maintaining a formation, I try to measure every model as precisely as possible. I've been in positions where a scraping of an inch either way has dramatically altered outcomes, so I try and reduce the chances of that happening through poor measuring.


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2016/07/18 13:30:34


Post by: judgedoug


I'm assuming this is for 40k and 40k style games where individual model positioning matters for movement, shooting, and TLOS.

I prefer unit movement and volume LOS, so... moving one guy in a unit makes life exponentially easier, elegant, and more realistic, than sliding around TLOS stone statues precise measurements.


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2016/07/18 17:57:07


Post by: morgoth


I think that's the main thing I hate about 40K, especially tournaments: people cheat their movement all the fething time.

It feels like the whole game is about keeping others' cheating in check and you *have* to watch every move, as most people steal half an inch or more per movement phase (including running), leaving you open to unlikely assaults and the bunch.

I remember playing a guy from the Belgian ETC team who cheated 3 full inches in a single phase, just to make a 10" charge in the following assault phase and win the game on that (+3 points for an objective, -3 for me, some mael points + KP...).

So yeah, .01 inch is not a problem for me and I would appreciate if other players tried to keep their movements accurate, for example by putting their 6" or 12" ruler on the table, in front of the model, then a dice where it lands etc.

I'm fine with just bringing most of a swarm along and just measuring the first guys of course.


Automatically Appended Next Post:
 chaosmarauder wrote:
Measure 1 guy, eyeball the rest method.

But

If we are moving to position for a certain tactic - say you want to make sure you are 12" away from an enemy unit if it were to move 6" towards you - then we state what the range is going to be for when that situation pops up.

Often...the distance will magically become shorter (say 10" even though it was only possible to achieve 12" charge if you actually moved the unit 6")

And in these cases we used the measurement we made when the intent was created to stay 12" away during the last movement phase.

-So that means even though unit A is now 10" away, the intent last turn was to stay 12" away (and at that time 12" was the closest possible) so the unit has to make a 12" charge


And on the next turn, you forgot all about that, and that unit will have to make a 8" charge instead of a 10" one.

I think the only solution is actual fair play - but it seems so many players insist on obtaining a dishonest victory at plastic toy soldiers.


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2016/08/19 10:43:14


Post by: DeffDred


Why isn't this locked?

Its from January 4th 2012.

I actually had a pile of images to add to a year old thread and had it locked on me despite it had meaningful content to contribute.

Clearly this poll was resolved ages ago. We get it. People move one model on point and drag the rest.


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2016/08/19 13:12:12


Post by: d00mspire


One of the guys in our group measures, but leans forward as he moves the model, taking the tape measure with him. This leads to an inch or two extra on his CSM models moving forward.


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2016/12/29 20:00:44


Post by: Damikeis


Measure as normal, but no need to measure for the small stuff.


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2017/05/22 08:29:42


Post by: Megaknob


Move the first and exactly then eyeball the rest saves slot of time.


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2017/07/07 14:11:26


Post by: ChargerIIC


The Warmachine community is having this exact debate right now. I try to be accurate, but when you start needing to whip out a bunch of tools and proxy bases just to get a miniature from point A to point B it's gone too far.


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2017/08/08 11:55:12


Post by: razarob


It depends on what your playing.

Personally I prefer to be exact as possible but I don't get to upset over 0.1 of inch or anything that silly.

There is a reason something can move 10 inches instead of 9 but it is still just a game so don't be too picky!


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2017/08/08 12:20:27


Post by: Maréchal des Logis Walter


Well, i think that roughly measuring in casual games is enough, so i'm fine with displacing the first guy and then just move the others as exactly as possible. Also, as far as melee, the rules make little sense so I tend to go the Bolt Action way: if after counter charge fire the unit still reaches its target, just move them so that there can be as many of them in contact.

Notice that we also decided to regard the two first ranks to be engaged and the others not to in order to avoid having long armed guys striking models from kilometers or to end up with the second attacker not being able to fight back.

But still isn't the author of this poll salty or bitter? Some of the options sound like he were.


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2018/06/18 16:44:56


Post by: BaconCatBug


Is it any surprise to anyone that I voted for the top option? The rules are the rules.


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2018/06/18 17:16:01


Post by: ProtoClone


Measure exactly for the first guy in the unit, then just arrange the rest so they are in roughly the correct position around him.

I usually measure the front guy to 5.5 inches to give myself some room for accidental bumping/shifting.


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2018/09/03 04:54:45


Post by: Pointer5


Just measure it and get on with it.


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2018/09/21 11:01:53


Post by: vict0988


Half an inch, not a big deal to me, even if you cheated with half an inch every time I don't think I would notice. 2" is hard not to notice though, I could say nothing but I will hate you after the game is over, so I'll usually call you out so we can play again and have more fun together.

I'd hope my opponents call me out on even the tiniest thing, I'm not trying to cheat, but I'd like to do my tactical manouvres and sometimes I might end up pushing the envelope a bit, sometimes I'm just being lazy, did I move that model there 0,1" to fit my model? Did I move 12,1" so I can rapid fire with my Ghost Ark? I don't know, didn't intend to, call it out if you think I did.


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2018/10/23 18:12:24


Post by: thegreatchimp


I believe measurements should be reasonably precise, mainly to avoid possible frustration later in the game, where one player feels the other has gained advantage by being sloppy with movement.

The increments of measurements in a game are a good gauge of how precise we should be. A system which features 1cm or 1/2" measurement increments clearly intends players to be more precise than one in which 1" is the smallest incrament. Whether line of sight and cover rules are literal or abstract also factors in.


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2018/11/23 22:55:11


Post by: deotrims 16th


id say try te be exact but if there is a .1 further don't care and if its a 30 man conscript sward then for sake of keeping game interesting measure 5-10 and roughly the rest


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2018/11/24 00:27:27


Post by: Lemondish


I'm a huge fan of communication. I don't expect things to be exact, but if you weren't clear on your intentions and you're off, too bad.


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2019/01/28 01:18:54


Post by: Edd Crumpett


For me it depends on who I'm playing with. One guy I've played a few times with is super competitive and will cheat at any chance, so with him I have to keep it exact. Most of my other opponents/ friends are just in it for the fun and we just get it "ehh good enough."


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2019/04/28 17:46:51


Post by: Alibasili


Measuring is important but so is fun. For tournaments, I think there should be a enforced rule for measuring to create fairness.


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2019/05/29 21:03:56


Post by: grailuk


I think it's bad gamesmanship to pre measure every possible eventuality. By all means measure moves to avoid it being illegal, but judging ranges for shooting and charging should be based on the skill of the player. it adds some tension when you are measuring to see if that flamer can overwatch you! Or if you didn't quite get in range to fire.


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2019/07/31 19:52:59


Post by: KonTheory


Looks like the general consensus is to try to be as accurate as possible within a reasonable amount of time..
Better to be accurate than be a slob.

And anything less than reasonable accuracy is seriously frowned upon.


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2019/08/02 13:51:59


Post by: Nurglitch


It's not so hard to ask your opponent what they think, and to err on the side of caution and politeness.


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2019/08/06 21:23:01


Post by: Red_Ink_Cat


Honestly depends on the setting, but that .1 inch can make the difference between a successful charge and not one, and I've had too many people eyeball their movement as 1 or 2 inches farther than they should have that it bothers me. Still, I get more or less specific depending on the actions of my opponent.


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2021/02/22 19:12:59


Post by: techsoldaten


 Red_Ink_Cat wrote:
Honestly depends on the setting, but that .1 inch can make the difference between a successful charge and not one, and I've had too many people eyeball their movement as 1 or 2 inches farther than they should have that it bothers me. Still, I get more or less specific depending on the actions of my opponent.

I have no problem walking away from the table when someone is taking that extra 0.1".

Because, over the course of a few turns, that 0.1 reliably turns into a 1 or a 2. Other models in the unit suddenly start moving 10 as your opponent judges the distance and eyeballs it.

The player with the least discipline around movement is the one most likely to cheat. There are plenty of tools that make it easy to measure movement, there's no excuse for not doing so.


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2021/02/23 09:00:07


Post by: kirotheavenger


I play Necromunda, and one of my pet peeves is people cutting corners on the Zone Mortalis board.
Most people start their tape measure at the front of their fighters base (like normal), then bend the tape measure at the corner, and place the front of their fighters base at the other end of the tape measure.
The issue? Their base would be passing through the wall when they're doing that, they should need to swing a radius around the corner. Especially when you get creatures with large bases it can make a significant difference.
I don't call anyone up on it though, it's not worth the fuss.


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2021/02/23 20:50:11


Post by: LunarSol


Measurements matter, but personally, I don't really want them to. I think its most interesting when movement is made with intent. Do I intend to be out of your range here or not?

Some of this comes down to game design. Like how important is range? What happens if I'm just out? Does that model lose its turn completely? Does it still do something at a lowered effect? Is there a randomizer involved? What's not fun is the kind of mutually assured destruction setup, where two models will 100% kill each other, but one of them has a small threat range advantage them completely trumps anything the other model has to offer.


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2022/02/27 17:45:06


Post by: Havic1137


I'm kind of a new player and I've only really played with my friends, so we tend not to sweat the small stuff.

If it's a very minor thing like .1 inch or whatever, we allow a little leeway, though we try to keep it precise.

We're already enough of rules lawyers as it is from D&D to not want to add further to our time in 'court'.


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2022/03/28 21:40:41


Post by: popisdead


Back in the day moving 60 Boyz (5th ed 40k) I would measure the front guy, the two "corners" then the rest aligned behind.

I could measure and move my army in a fraction of the time as opponents who spent all their time measuring and adjusting.


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2022/03/31 13:41:47


Post by: kirotheavenger


popisdead wrote:
Back in the day moving 60 Boyz (5th ed 40k) I would measure the front guy, the two "corners" then the rest aligned behind.

I could measure and move my army in a fraction of the time as opponents who spent all their time measuring and adjusting.

I also see people moving hordes move the back guys to become the front.
So the guys in the back might move 12" and the guys in front stay still, so the models essentially swap places.
Means you only have to move half the number of models.


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2022/07/01 15:21:40


Post by: popisdead


"Measure exactly for the first guy in the unit, then just arrange the rest so they are in roughly the correct position around him."

I used to play about 60 Ork boyz in previous editions (pre-AoS 40k) and also play Beastmen, etc.

Measure outside guys and front then align. The game isn't balanced well enough for one guy being 1 mm out being an issue.

Plus there are worse cheaters in the game as to think measurement is an issue outside some mistakes.


What is your opinion on measuring distances in wargaming. @ 2022/07/03 10:48:30


Post by: Cyel


 kirotheavenger wrote:
I play Necromunda, and one of my pet peeves is people cutting corners on the Zone Mortalis board.
Most people start their tape measure at the front of their fighters base (like normal), then bend the tape measure at the corner, and place the front of their fighters base at the other end of the tape measure.
The issue? Their base would be passing through the wall when they're doing that, they should need to swing a radius around the corner. Especially when you get creatures with large bases it can make a significant difference.
I don't call anyone up on it though, it's not worth the fuss.


There's a simple tool we use in Warmachine to stop models from getting around corners where they shouldn't be able to. I recommend it as, exactly as you're saying it is easy to underestimate how much of your movement has to be used to move a round base around a corner (the bigger the base, the worse it gets)

https://magnetic-tabletop.com/en/measuring-tools/156-1-inch-movement-steppers-9-pcs.html