Pretty simple. With the huge thread about allowing FW in tournaments the topic of it keeping people from attending a tournament or not came up several times. I was curious as to what actually does or will keep them from attending a tournament. While not a strictly scientific poll it will be nice data to see and I couldn't find a previous version of this poll, especially 6th edition.

No tournaments where i live! ...... Damn Islands!

Mission Design. Too many tournaments, to my mind, try to 'fix' things they believe are in need of fixing. Leave well alone and use book missions, I say.

Distance. I don't mind whether a tournament allows Forge World or not, my main problem is being a student and my lack of ability to travel.

Cost of attendance to include travel and stay

Distance as well. Gas prices have wrecked our household budget and my favorite store (Game Empire) is 70 miles away (140 round trip or about $50 in gas). I would come every single time if it was closer.

I got spoiled before I moved to Cali with my FLGS being right down the street...

While I'm pretty much up for anything when it comes to format for a 40k tournament. The "character" of players that frequent any given LGS is often the deciding factor on whether or not I attend a tournament. The chance of being paired up with an opponent who simply isn't fun to play against, for any number of reasons, will keep me from traveling whatever distance. I'm aware that I'm certainly missing some good opponents and possible friends. But with my luck, it isn't worth the aggrivation.

I chose other; I hate rule lawyers and tournaments are just places for them to thrive and ruin the game for me. I dont play to face 'good opponents' i play for fun with my friends and for painting purposes. I actually dont like the 40k game, not as dynamic as I'd like it to be and it leaves many armies unbalanced/crippled due to length between updates.

Having to deal with the WAAC players and dice throwers. No thanks. I'll stick to FLGS RTTs and gaming groups.

Allowance of unpainted Minis and lack of an event FAQ.

Poll needs more options. Lack of painting and softscores being on there is two of the hotly debated reasons people don't like formats.

 Riker210 wrote:
I chose other; I hate rule lawyers and tournaments are just places for them to thrive and ruin the game for me. I dont play to face 'good opponents' i play for fun with my friends and for painting purposes. I actually dont like the 40k game, not as dynamic as I'd like it to be and it leaves many armies unbalanced/crippled due to length between updates.

How many rules lawyers have you actually run into at tournaments? Most people who debate rules online do not at tournaments.

I chose other. My major limiter is that I can really only hit one one-day event per month due to family requirements. Other than that, I would do any kind of event.

nkelsch wrote:
Allowance of unpainted Minis and lack of an event FAQ.

Poll needs more options. Lack of painting and softscores being on there is two of the hotly debated reasons people don't like formats.

Updates with those thanks.

You forgot boredom. Gamer fatigue. 6th edition in general. Blech.

 Dok wrote:
You forgot boredom. Gamer fatigue. 6th edition in general. Blech.

6th edition was an option.

Perhaps I should have included inability to adapt to a new edition? Then again I could have said jumping ship for warmahordes and finding it to be a difficult transition. But I can't tailor the poll specifically for my friends

As a caveat to everyone reading that; Dok and I know each other in real life and play each other at our FLGS, all that was in jest between to real life friends.

@Dok: 6th edition is up there.

I voted type of player... it's the only thing that would truly keep me from attending an event. Distance, comp or no comp, etc hasn't stopped me before, and won't in the future for events I really want to attend.

Well then, I will happily vote! Also, inability to adapt is one of my key features. It's why I still play NES games.

I'm really curious about the 'rules lawyer' 'type of player' answers... Do you guys really run into that many donkeycaves at tournaments or is it a 'I heard they would be there' kind of thing?

 Dok wrote:
Well then, I will happily vote! Also, inability to adapt is one of my key features. It's why I still play NES games.

It's the superiority of early gaming platforms games that you play them. Never admit the inability to adapt in that case. NEWS and SNES > Anything put out today. Sorry I am derailing my own thread again aren't I?

Also, the combination of lack of interest and distance makes for a cruel mistress. If I lived closer to a worthwhile game store, I would probably drag my ass out of bed to throw some dice regardless of my feelings about the system. I paid for all these minis and I want to use them... and I do like bull-s***ting with my friends regardless of how rude they are on the internet. However, the 30 minute drive and the cost of gas on a saturday morning keeps me in bed now more often than not.

I'm prolly just getting old.

 Dok wrote:
Also, the combination of lack of interest and distance makes for a cruel mistress. If I lived closer to a worthwhile game store, I would probably drag my ass out of bed to throw some dice regardless of my feelings about the system. I paid for all these minis and I want to use them... and I do like bull-s***ting with my friends regardless of how rude they are on the internet. However, the 30 minute drive and the cost of gas on a saturday morning keeps me in bed now more often than not.

I'm prolly just getting old.

Guilty as charged! Or were you not talking about me? I'll take it either way. I thought you lived like 20 minutes from the store, is 30 that far to you? I would drive an hour if I had to, luckily I don't have to.

 pretre wrote:
I'm really curious about the 'rules lawyer' 'type of player' answers... Do you guys really run into that many donkeycaves at tournaments or is it a 'I heard they would be there' kind of thing?

It could be what I hear about an event- particularly the group/club running it, as they set the tone. The ones I was thinking of were from personal experience, though- knowing the players attending it / club running it from past tournies.

Vast majority are fine, but there are a few I will avoid, and is the only thing that would truly keep me from considering an event.

For something amazing like Adepticon, I may go to great lengths to attend! Schedule is unfortunately the most limiting factor for me.

 RiTides wrote:

 pretre wrote:
I'm really curious about the 'rules lawyer' 'type of player' answers... Do you guys really run into that many donkeycaves at tournaments or is it a 'I heard they would be there' kind of thing?

My case is what I hear about an event- particularly the group/club running it, as they set the tone.

Vast majority are fine, but there are a few I will avoid, and is the only thing that would truly keep me from considering an event.

For something amazing like Adepticon, I may go to great lengths to attend! Schedule is unfortunately the most limiting factor for me.

I find a well-documented comprehensive FAQ really cuts down on the number of incidents because all of the potential angles and arguments or explotive tactics have been 'pre-settled' one way or another and regardless how you feel, it is settled before it becomes a mid-game debate. Even the biggest rule lawyer can't argue on with an event FAQ as the call has been made. When there is a lack of clear direction and the disagreements happen mid-game, that is when events spiral out of control with fights.

That is why good FAQ or avenue to pre-clarify rulings is almost a requirement for events for me as it usually prevents any incidents.

Simply - Painted Models.

I'm a very slow converter and painter, and I hardly ever just leave models stock. Why does this stop me attending you may ask?

Well simply, I'm of the opinion armies in tournaments should be painted, even if I rarely do it myself.

It's a weird snobbery, normal games it bothers me not a jot.

Allowing Forgeworld, and not dicking around with too many house rules are always a + for me.

Allowance of none GW models all my finished tournament armies include none GW armies. My Zulu IG arguably my best finished army is actually impractical due to being an Infantry Horde army and therefore unfair to my opponents.

It's generally a combination of things for me. I try to attend events monthly (generally RTT's) with between 4-6 GT's a year. So I obviously enjoy going out and playing with toy soldiers. I generally support any GT event within driving distance for it's first year just to give it a go. If it's poorly run, poorly organized, or just plain poor I likely will avoid it in the future in exchange for an event I'd need to travel too. If it's an intermediate distance (i.e. 2ish+ hours away) then I consider the number or quality of player who might be attending.

It really does depend on the situation. We're just heavily spoiled for choice round here. It's interesting actually that what I used to have in Cali really started up crazy here in Minnesota but with more GT's I can get too

I go to so many tournaments that I'm pretty easy to please

I don't think 6th is very balanced in terms of shooty/assault and armies in general.

There needs to be an accepted tournament ruleset with more thought put into balance than "add allies...well allies that we let you add."

 Hulksmash wrote:
It's generally a combination of things for me. I try to attend events monthly (generally RTT's) with between 4-6 GT's a year. So I obviously enjoy going out and playing with toy soldiers. I generally support any GT event within driving distance for it's first year just to give it a go. If it's poorly run, poorly organized, or just plain poor I likely will avoid it in the future in exchange for an event I'd need to travel too. If it's an intermediate distance (i.e. 2ish+ hours away) then I consider the number or quality of player who might be attending.

It really does depend on the situation. We're just heavily spoiled for choice round here. It's interesting actually that what I used to have in Cali really started up crazy here in Minnesota but with more GT's I can get too

I go to so many tournaments that I'm pretty easy to please

I just wish I had the time to be as involved as you. I still live in So. Cal and the choices around here really are amazing. The one thing I don't like is our bigger GT style events tend to be soft score heavy and I am not a fan of that.

I voted distance because that is one of the main reasons I don't attend tournaments, but the other bigger reason I don't wasn't listed: Painting Requirement. I am all for having at least a three color minimum, but with my own inability to paint (I'm currently paying two others to paint my models) that more so than anything else keeps me from attending any sort of tournament event.

The 6th ed rules set for me. Guess I have a reason to dust off the fantasy army now.

I selected "Other". I don't attend more tournaments because I have too much other gak to do, mostly involving my wife and her family.

 pretre wrote:
I'm really curious about the 'rules lawyer' 'type of player' answers... Do you guys really run into that many donkeycaves at tournaments or is it a 'I heard they would be there' kind of thing?

When I played Star Wars CCG, yes. Oh my god, yes.

I've never played a 40k Tournament.

 OverwatchCNC wrote:

 Dok wrote:
Also, the combination of lack of interest and distance makes for a cruel mistress. If I lived closer to a worthwhile game store, I would probably drag my ass out of bed to throw some dice regardless of my feelings about the system. I paid for all these minis and I want to use them... and I do like bull-s***ting with my friends regardless of how rude they are on the internet. However, the 30 minute drive and the cost of gas on a saturday morning keeps me in bed now more often than not.

I'm prolly just getting old.

Guilty as charged! Or were you not talking about me? I'll take it either way. I thought you lived like 20 minutes from the store, is 30 that far to you? I would drive an hour if I had to, luckily I don't have to.

It builds up over time. I work 10ish minutes from the store and that's a 45+ minute drive from my house in traffic. I just get tired of driving to pasadena. I might make it to the one tomorrow, but I've been saying that a lot lately, haha. You also have more commitment to the cause than most, John.

I said other. Usually it's not distance, or paint, or anything like that. Usually it's just because I suck. Horribly. Like, I suck so bad that it just wouldn't be fun for me to end up getting steam-rolled at a tourny. Even a friendly one. Hahahahaha

I suck too - I think I've finished above the middle one time. But I always have fun even getting steamrolled.

This should have been multiple choice...

Sportsmanship and painting scores in final decision, the WAAC TFGs that tend to show, and spam lists are what woild keep me out of tournaments.

How would you determine the "spam list" criteria, SoloFalcon? Knowledge of attendees who are likely to show up, and what they usually run?

For me its the people. Don't get me wrong I'm a nerd, but some of these people look like they've been living in their moms basement for the last 30 years and never had a girlfriend, and I have yet to meet any female wargamers. On top of all that I love my cigarettes, and most places are non-smoking.

My perfect tournament would be the 'go play a bunch of games against new armies and people you've never met over the course of a weekend and have a laugh.'

I suppose a 'campaign weekend' would fit my tastes more, but they're not too common.

I do think it's possible to have that kind of game in a tournament, but if you win your first match or two, you're kinda stuck.

In my first proper tournament, I won my first game handedly, then ran into an ETC player (I think?), got crushed, then played a normal guy, won, then ran into an ETC team captain, got crushed, then played a semi-normal guy who was a bit better than me - Sadly he was a bit of waac-ey.

So yeah, it didn't quite work out really. I can't help but think I was basically wasting the ETC guys time

 Dok wrote:

 OverwatchCNC wrote:

 Dok wrote:
Also, the combination of lack of interest and distance makes for a cruel mistress. If I lived closer to a worthwhile game store, I would probably drag my ass out of bed to throw some dice regardless of my feelings about the system. I paid for all these minis and I want to use them... and I do like bull-s***ting with my friends regardless of how rude they are on the internet. However, the 30 minute drive and the cost of gas on a saturday morning keeps me in bed now more often than not.

I'm prolly just getting old.

Guilty as charged! Or were you not talking about me? I'll take it either way. I thought you lived like 20 minutes from the store, is 30 that far to you? I would drive an hour if I had to, luckily I don't have to.

It builds up over time. I work 10ish minutes from the store and that's a 45+ minute drive from my house in traffic. I just get tired of driving to pasadena. I might make it to the one tomorrow, but I've been saying that a lot lately, haha. You also have more commitment to the cause than most, John.

I won't be there tomorrow. 3 week old baby and all, I would rather . I am not sure if the last bit is a compliment or not

People. Bad luck makes for a humorous anecdote. Bad balance can be adapted to or embraced. One turd in the punch bowl, however, ruins the party for everyone and kills attendance for up and commingle events. I am pretty tolerant but once my limit is hit, I avoid events with a person who exceeds it because even if I do not have to play them it bothers me watching them pushing others around.

Pretty much only outright cheaters get on my personal ban list, but those engaging in threats of violence also count. Right now there are three people who will make me avoid an event and they all know who they are and why. The only reason they turn up at tournaments is no one will play them willingly otherwise, for the most part.

Rules change and different areas trend differently, but cheating dbags never change their stripes and are a blight on the game that prevents newer people from staying.

6th ed. It's so poorly written, i have 0 interest in pursuing in any sort of competitive format, at least until flyers have a check on them.

 pretre wrote:
Do you guys really run into that many donkeycaves at tournaments or is it a 'I heard they would be there' kind of thing?

Perhaps its just my own peronal curse of terrible luck, But if there is anyone who is NEVER FUN to play against at a tournament, I'll end up facing them at some point.

#1 Had a guy that insisted on picking up my models that were casualties and tossing them to my side the table. Asked him not to do that the first time, and got rather ticked off when he did it again. TO sided with him and gave me a poor sportsmanship penalty, Won't be back.

#2 Had a Deathwing player take out all of my SoB rhino's in one turn back in 3rd. Threw an absolute full on 5 minute fit that I was moving behind them where he couldn't see. "I blew them up there on purpose". Love the Venue, but if he's at an event, I won't be.

#3 Spectators watching a game berate me the entire time for not taking wargear on my Tac squad sergeants. TO's response was to support his opinion, and then join in berating me about how dumb it was. Won the tournament despite Sgt's with bp/ccw, took their prizes, wont be back.

#4 Was at a tournament where you could only win best Army if you had a "FULLY" painted army, and hadn't won any other awards. Watched the only player who fit that category, a nine year old with some very respectable Blood Drinkers that I could personlly verify he painted himself, lose out to an Ork player who had one painted boss and "the rest of his army was primed black, thats painted.... Players agreed with it, TO did too. Won't be back.

There are others, sadly too many to remember all of the specifics. I'm a firm believer in people, if they show you they are a dishonest jackwagon who will do all they can to piss in your cheerio's, you should read their sign and believe it.

Disallowance of FW by far. Without my FW units I don't have a legal army, and I'm not going to spend hundreds of dollars and months of painting time on models I don't like just so a TO with delusions of grandeur can have the fun of banning anything they don't like.

(I have just as much dislike for people who run comp events, but thankfully those are completely absent in my area.)

OverwatchCNC wrote: I won't be there tomorrow. 3 week old baby and all, I would rather . I am not sure if the last bit is a compliment or not

Take it as you will, haha.

@Dracpanzer: It sounds like you have horrible TO's. I would not want to participate in those events either. Fortunately, I haven't had the misfortune to run in to an event like that.

I would stay clear of a tourney that used soft scores as part of the scoring, unless they were completely separate categories with separate prizes.

 Lord Sludge wrote:
For me its the people. Don't get me wrong I'm a nerd, but some of these people look like they've been living in their moms basement for the last 30 years and never had a girlfriend, and I have yet to meet any female wargamers. On top of all that I love my cigarettes, and most places are non-smoking.

Funny story. I've found that I see a lot fewer basement dwelling rejects at GTs than at a random game store. My average GT opponent has been, like myself a married 30 to 45 year old professional who just wants to relax, have a few beers, and play with his toy soldiers for a weekend. The win at all costs douchebags don't want to be bothered with paint scoring, sportsmanship scoring, travel, hotel rooms, or anything other than putting theei unpainted plastic on a Ralm of Battle board to stomp high school kid at the local GW.

I've yet to play a tournament in 6th, and I'm not sure I will. The idea of coming up against TFG in the new rules set, really puts me off. The new edition is complicated, I don't know it very well, and there are lots of "gotcha" bits in the rules, even playing against a friend. Playing a few casual games has been Ok, but I need to have a very firm grasp of the rules when I'm up against some stranger who may or may not be cool. Plus, there is a whole layer of FAQs on top of the rules that you need to know. An opponent who wants to play fast and loose for their own benefit has plenty of opportunity to do so, especially with forge world in the mix.

To qualify my answer. I put down disallowing forgeworld as the number one thing because there are no tournaments around me and my work schedule does not give me days off that I could go to a tournament. Any event I want to attened has to be well planned out and I have to take time off of work and spend a bunch of money to participate in them. So the real thing that keeps me from going is distance but when I look at the events if I am going to spend the time and money to attend than I want to attend one that plays the game as close to the rule book as possible so I want all of the random terrain and objectives and such. I also very much want to bring what ever toys I want to play with from my collection and I have a lot of forgeworld.

When I lived where there were events and gaming on a regular basis and I had a lot more disposable income I was not a choosy about what I did, but now that an event is most of the actual gameplay I get to do I want it to be worth the time and money.

When I ran events I allowed forgeworld and tried to stay close to the rules because I found that people had more fun that way.

I voted cost.

I just entered for a tournie in March next year, was $30 because of early bird and because I entered before.

However, will be about $80 in petrol round trip, then theres accomadation for two nights, food etc. It all adds up, probably end up being a good $250 trip.

I voted the type of player but wow that doesn't even begin to cover it. I can't stand the WAAC mentality tournaments bring out, the spam lists and rules lawyering. This game is meant to be played for fun not for tournaments. The rules are not written for tournaments or the whole RAI v. RAW would never exist. There would not be the ridiculous amount of inconsistancies and armies would be more balanced. FAQ's would be updated etc.

Now I am not knocking people for wanting to play in tournaments, the game is awesome and some people want to take it to the next level. I get it. I have tried it myself but I realized that GW ruleset is not appropriate for competitive play. I feel there are other games better suited to tournaments and I would rather play those games in a competitive environment.

I only really play in tournaments, have never really played against a WAAC player, rarely have game stopping rules arguments (and those last all of 30 seconds) and I can remember 1 game in the last year I did not have fun playing.

Maybe it's just my area is good, but I feel like the horrible player tournament scene is more made up and Internet rumor than actual experience.

Edit: or maybe it only happens at the "higher level" tournaments?

Work is the main thing that stops me from getting to tournies.

rigeld2 wrote:
I only really play in tournaments, have never really played against a WAAC player, rarely have game stopping rules arguments (and those last all of 30 seconds) and I can remember 1 game in the last year I did not have fun playing.

Maybe it's just my area is good, but I feel like the horrible player tournament scene is more made up and Internet rumor than actual experience.

Edit: or maybe it only happens at the "higher level" tournaments?

I have never done a "higher level" tournament just the small local store ones and that is where I experience the WAAC people. I don;t usually run into long rules arguments though as the tournament crowd are the type that really study the rules.

I've actually had more problems at smaller events, as well. I feel like once you've paid a lot of money to play in a GT, stay in the hotel, etc etc... everyone just mellows out a bit and also wants to get their money's worth and have a good time.

Vast majority of events are fine, btw! But particularly when things like 'Ard Boyz were going on (free event, no painting requirement, not necessarily a lot of organization depending on the site... all the makings of a bad experience!) there were a few places I knew not to go.

But I've never had a truly bad experience at a GT. Even one tough game I did have a misunderstanding with my opponent in, we resolved it afterwards and put it behind us, and I now think he's an awesome guy

Morale of the story for me... attend high quality, well-organized events, and you likely won't have any problems!

Only Tournament i have been to is at my local FLGS, the best we had was 9 people at once. But its distance that stops me. I cant afford to take a weekend off because of schoolwork. And because i hate dealing witth lists that are WAAC.

the people, 6th ed... they're usually too expensive and since I don't powergame i haven't a chance in hell in winning any prizes
so I waste a day playing games, most if all of which aren't fun, waste lord knows how much money
all for nothing
rather sit home and order a pizza and watch a b movie

I know, In one of those tournements i mentioned, someone said i wasnt a real player because i dont play across state lines for tourneys.
I mean he wwas nice about it, but still that kinda stung.

I don't think you'd get that at a GT- the only problem players I've run into were at RTTs.

I do it to get fun games in and as a goal to build armies toward I don't have to win.

I said cost, but for me that also is included with how far to get there, this is also bundled into when. So the cost of my time and money, since say Adepticon is on the other side of the US from me and is in April. I'm still in college, don't have much money, and it's a long way from here.

 RiTides wrote:
I don't think you'd get that at a GT- the only problem players I've run into were at RTTs.

I do it to get fun games in and as a goal to build armies toward I don't have to win.

TBH i think he was ticked at me, When i meant to compliment his army, I insulted it, I meant to say "Mine is nothing compared to his" and i jumbled up some words and said the exact opposite.
But then again, he gave me pointers at the end how to i could have beat his army.

I said unpainted armies. However lots of factors come into play. Cost is a close second. WAAC types don't tend to be an issue for me due to the natural equilibrium that exists after round 2+. Having said that I would never attend a GT type event. I love the throne of skulls format because its a tourney with all the annoying bits removed. I don't think I've ever regretted going to a tourney though. The last 5th ed one I ran my Tau, and after facing horde orks... was so happy 5th was over it was untrue!

My dice!

Or maybe, my ability to roll them? Because they always seem to end up as any other number than I need at the moment.

I think with 6th edition GW has finally admitted they don't know how to balance all of their varied rules, so they have stopped trying. It will be interesting to observe the local tourney scene to see what type of meta emerges in regards to what will and won't be allowed (rules-wise) - can you imagine how annoying it would be to have a 'fluff' item (for example, rolling for the dangers that await in EVERY PIECE OF TERRAIN that you enter) bone your plan?

Looking forward to learning what the internet consensus is on what rules will be allowed and what won't.

Allowance of unpainted models, and I'm happy to see that a few others are out there that agree with me. I've always thought that players should run unpainted models and proxies leading up to a tournament to test army lists, get a feel for their list, etc. But the actual tournament is supposed to be when you bring your finished product to the battlefield. I'll get my arse handed to me over the course of a tournament, so after I'm tabled on the third turn I usually have a half hour before the next round and I like to walk around and take a look at the other armies involved to check out neat conversions and perhaps learn a new painting technique. I've found that it's easier to have a good conversation with a stranger at a tournament over a neat conversion in their army rather than debating interpretations in the rulebook.

I voted "Other" as I feel that the increased focus on winning moves 40K away from the game it is intended to be, ie a fun time between two friends.

Where is the section for flying units not in your codex/flying units period?

Looking at your storm talon

Obviously location and cost are major hurdles for events as well as time.....but all that being equal, and I could afford any tournament at anytime, the biggest deterant for me would be allowing non-painted armies to participate.

I think unpainted stuff should be for pick up games, painted armies for tournaments.

That being said, even though Ard Boyz allowed unpainted models, that was my favorite tournament/format to date(even though fighting against grey plastic hordes really grated on my nerves). Hopefully Feast of Blades takes off and becomes a similar style event.

Drama school. On Saturdays when my tourneys mostly are.

Zeork33 wrote:
Drama school. On Saturdays when my tourneys mostly are.

If you went to a tournament you could totally practice your "Drama." I bet you could get other people to as well.

I'll be honest with you, I don't always like the idea of people bringing Forgeworld units into a game. That's a friendly, noncompetitive game, mind you. Basically unless I already know you as a player or am very familiar with the unit you intend to bring I'm not going to be thrilled about it, because I don't believe the FW unit selections are balanced in terms of what is available to what army. Biased towards IG, etc.

But the biggest reason I don't attend most tournaments? The players who tend to gravitate there. I don't play this game to win, to brag, or to pwn people. I play it for fun. Arguing rules to the point where the English language fails and otherwise pure intentions to gather and enjoy a game become twisted into an opportunity to browbeat your opponent with fuzzy logic and superior manipulation of the rules is not my idea of fun. Especially if said players / opponents have a real bad attitude in the process.

I like to play tournaments so that I can test myself against competitive opponents even though I run themed lists and have never even won anything besides "best painted" or whatever.

The only thing that would stop me from playing a tournament is if it has those goddamned Death World scenarios.

Sorry, but losing ALL of my troops to poisonous flora/fauna while nothing significant happens to my opponent is not my idea of fun

It depends on the level of tournament, if its a GT I'm going, if it a RTT, then it depends on the location. The other then about FW.......dam cry babies....it part of the game and it here to stay...told you so.

The reason I don't play in Tournaments is simply because I don't find them fun. The point of a tournament is to win, which means people generally will build a list which is meant to completely stomp the opponent versus having a list that was made with fluff/story in mind. Personally that's not my idea of fun, although I know it is for many others (otherwise tournaments wouldn't exist) and that's fine... just not for me.

Travel, I need to go through a highway triangle to get to the closest place.

 Boneblade wrote:
I'll be honest with you, I don't always like the idea of people bringing Forgeworld units into a game. That's a friendly, noncompetitive game, mind you. Basically unless I already know you as a player or am very familiar with the unit you intend to bring I'm not going to be thrilled about it, because I don't believe the FW unit selections are balanced in terms of what is available to what army. Biased towards IG, etc.

But the biggest reason I don't attend most tournaments? The players who tend to gravitate there. I don't play this game to win, to brag, or to pwn people. I play it for fun. Arguing rules to the point where the English language fails and otherwise pure intentions to gather and enjoy a game become twisted into an opportunity to browbeat your opponent with fuzzy logic and superior manipulation of the rules is not my idea of fun. Especially if said players / opponents have a real bad attitude in the process.

Yeah. I completely agree.

 Boneblade wrote:


But the biggest reason I don't attend most tournaments? The players who tend to gravitate there. I don't play this game to win, to brag, or to pwn people.

Then why do you put your win loss record in your sig? Not trying to be a jerk, just seems like the opposite of what you said. Lots of people think everyone else is a TFG but fail to notice how they are approaching a situation in the first place.

So many reasons.

Not a WAAC player. Can never be familiar with all codices. Don't like typical wargamers very much. Would hate to have models stolen. Hate transporting models. Don't like the game enough to go through set up more than once a day.

Most of all, it's the people.

 Davylove21 wrote:
So many reasons. (...)
Most of all, it's the people.

This.

 BladeWalker wrote:
Distance as well. Gas prices have wrecked our household budget and my favorite store (Game Empire) is 70 miles away (140 round trip or about $50 in gas). I would come every single time if it was closer.

I got spoiled before I moved to Cali with my FLGS being right down the street...

Even at $4.50 a gallon (the average price per gallon in CA), you'd have to be getting 14 mpg or so for it to cost you $50 round trip. With an average gas mileage of 25, which most 6 or 7 year old cars, if not better, you're looking at $25 for 140 miles. If you get better gas mileage, it's even cheaper.

Maybe you drive a huge, Texas sized truck (I swear there are more Ford F250s out there than F150s), you're exaggerating your point.

For me, it's a matter of the kind of people that are there. I've met some really cool guys at the couple of tournaments I've played in, but some players simply ruin the experience and take this game way too seriously. For them, it's all about winning and not about having fun.

I doubt any of us would go to a tournament with the explicit desire to lose, but there's only one winner, so the odds are against you. You might as well have fun and look at winning as a bonus.

If I were to go to a tournament again, I probably would go with the explicit desire to lose my first game. As I mentioned earlier, that's my theory on how to avoid being matched against people who are clearly a million times better at the game than me.

Which sorta goes back to my starting question, any tips on how to look for events that aren't tournaments, but are just 'play a load of games against new folk over a weekend?'

 kcwm wrote:

 BladeWalker wrote:
Distance as well. Gas prices have wrecked our household budget and my favorite store (Game Empire) is 70 miles away (140 round trip or about $50 in gas). I would come every single time if it was closer.

I got spoiled before I moved to Cali with my FLGS being right down the street...

Even at $4.50 a gallon (the average price per gallon in CA), you'd have to be getting 14 mpg or so for it to cost you $50 round trip. With an average gas mileage of 25, which most 6 or 7 year old cars, if not better, you're looking at $25 for 140 miles. If you get better gas mileage, it's even cheaper.

Maybe you drive a huge, Texas sized truck (I swear there are more Ford F250s out there than F150s), you're exaggerating your point.

For me, it's a matter of the kind of people that are there. I've met some really cool guys at the couple of tournaments I've played in, but some players simply ruin the experience and take this game way too seriously. For them, it's all about winning and not about having fun.

I doubt any of us would go to a tournament with the explicit desire to lose, but there's only one winner, so the odds are against you. You might as well have fun and look at winning as a bonus.

I am pretty sure he drives a big truck. He goes to my FLGS for tournaments, I am familiar with his drive which often times has at least 2 spots of stop and go traffic. This is Los Angeles we are talking about exageration is not required when talking about fuel prices, traffic, distances, and travel time

I may have exaggerated a bit but we have a Town and Country and it gets crappy gas mileage especially when you have to climb the big ass hill from where I live up and over into the valley and beyond. LIke Overwatch said, you never know when the 101 will be a parking lot.

If we had 2 or 3 other Ventura/Oxnard area guys we could carpool but in my experience so far everyone who lives up my way is a garage gamer because of the perceived TFG syndrome this poll is showing.

(I blame Overwatch for being a WAAC TFG)

 BladeWalker wrote:
I may have exaggerated a bit but we have a Town and Country and it gets crappy gas mileage especially when you have to climb the big ass hill from where I live up and over into the valley and beyond. LIke Overwatch said, you never know when the 101 will be a parking lot.

If we had 2 or 3 other Ventura/Oxnard area guys we could carpool but in my experience so far everyone who lives up my way is a garage gamer because of the perceived TFG syndrome this poll is showing.

(I blame Overwatch for being a WAAC TFG)

This is clearly the problem across the board. I should have put "OverwatchCNC" as one of the options in the poll.

On a serious note that "hill", read mountain, is a huge gas guzzler. I used to make the trek out that way quite often for various reasons and I hated watching the mileage counter on my car when we went up that hill in either direction. Plus the 101 is terrible, and the 405, and the 134, oh and the 210 when it's a Saturday the Bruins are playing, and the 5. I hate LA traffic.

 OverwatchCNC wrote:
I hate LA traffic.

Why do think I live clear up here! (Well that and I could not afford to live on the beach in LA county )

On topic: I am very surprised that the biggest reason is people at tournaments. I've played in a few GT's and lots of local stuff in different cities over the years and never had a problem. If you don't think there are very many TFG's does that mean you are one of them?!??! (looks around nervously)

In my opinion, when people make the step from local store gaming or garage gaming to tournaments they have the "big fish, small pond" feeling go away that they are probably used to. I know that I got my ass handed to me and was a little upset about it when I started tournaments. I still lose more than I win but I have no expectations because I build my armies on theme (or what I feel like painting). I think if I was more competitive and tried to "run with the big dogs" that win most of the battle points I'd get very little from tournaments. But I feel that I genuinely go just to have a good time and get in some games. Less expectations = less stress and less chance of accusing your opponent of TFG behavior.

TFG.

re: nes/snes, agreed. the only games i play on my phone are snes roms. i have two super nintendos and a nes upstairs, too.

I only take part in smaller tournaments.

My main reason is the stupid arms race you have to take part in if you want to win. You don't want to buy tons of the currently most overpowered units? TOO BAD, YOU LOSE.

I want the competitive experience but minus the WAAC I GOT SO MUCH MONEEEEEEEY crap and thus, I only play at smaller tournaments with 20- participants.

It is usually the people who attend. I've been to one (400 point alternate FOC) but I've seen people "practice" for some and watched a few tournament bat-reps. They play a bit too cut-throat for me and some even outright abuse rules. There are even a few who get into shouting matches (because whoever is louder is right apparently ). If I wanted to listen to a bunch of people take a game so seriously it no longer becomes leisure, I would go play CS:GO. Besides, I can lose against casual players just fine .

BladeWalker wrote:

 OverwatchCNC wrote:
I hate LA traffic.

Why do think I live clear up here! (Well that and I could not afford to live on the beach in LA county )

On topic: I am very surprised that the biggest reason is people at tournaments. I've played in a few GT's and lots of local stuff in different cities over the years and never had a problem. If you don't think there are very many TFG's does that mean you are one of them?!??! (looks around nervously)

In my opinion, when people make the step from local store gaming or garage gaming to tournaments they have the "big fish, small pond" feeling go away that they are probably used to. I know that I got my ass handed to me and was a little upset about it when I started tournaments. I still lose more than I win but I have no expectations because I build my armies on theme (or what I feel like painting). I think if I was more competitive and tried to "run with the big dogs" that win most of the battle points I'd get very little from tournaments. But I feel that I genuinely go just to have a good time and get in some games. Less expectations = less stress and less chance of accusing your opponent of TFG behavior.

I don't think you need to worry about being TFG when you bring fluffy lists like you do and drive as many miles as you being TFG just doesn't fit the bill. The only time we've had a problem with a guy at GE in Pasadena was a couple years ago at the first tournament of 5th when a guy from Chicago came and literally ruined a game for me and 2 other people.

hemingway wrote:TFG.

re: nes/snes, agreed. the only games i play on my phone are snes roms. i have two super nintendos and a nes upstairs, too.

NES/SNES comments FTW even if it's off topic!

 BladeWalker wrote:

 OverwatchCNC wrote:
I hate LA traffic.

If you don't think there are very many TFG's does that mean you are one of them?!??! (looks around nervously)

This is possible but you could also be extraordinarily patient or so use to seeing such behavior that you no longer recognize it.

I voted other. What kept me from signing up for our local tournament this weekend was the fact that I just don't feel "tournament ready" with my army. Going in and getting shelled by people with a lot more experience/competence than myself isn't something that I want to pay money for (I can do that just fine for free on game night ).

For me its the total cost of a trip now. It is basically $500 minimum between flights, hotel, food, and entrance fee.

 Sigvatr wrote:
I only take part in smaller tournaments.

My main reason is the stupid arms race you have to take part in if you want to win. You don't want to buy tons of the currently most overpowered units? TOO BAD, YOU LOSE.

I want the competitive experience but minus the WAAC I GOT SO MUCH MONEEEEEEEY crap and thus, I only play at smaller tournaments with 20- participants.

Ahhh well I need to move where you are because a 10-14 player tournament here where I live consists of guys with 27 Flamers and 27 Screamers lists.

The ludicrous amount of competition takes the fun out of it for me sometimes. I don't like arguing over things written in books... reminds me too much over the conflict of religion. I like keeping my wars on tables and computers where they belong.

 BladeWalker wrote:
In my opinion, when people make the step from local store gaming or garage gaming to tournaments they have the "big fish, small pond" feeling go away that they are probably used to. I know that I got my ass handed to me and was a little upset about it when I started tournaments. I still lose more than I win but I have no expectations because I build my armies on theme (or what I feel like painting). I think if I was more competitive and tried to "run with the big dogs" that win most of the battle points I'd get very little from tournaments. But I feel that I genuinely go just to have a good time and get in some games. Less expectations = less stress and less chance of accusing your opponent of TFG behavior.

That is a good attitude to have.

I just wonder how many people are turned off by tournaments because of the bad reputation they have for being WAAC? A lot it seems, from this poll.
I know that I have these preconceptions, yet one of my best friends tells me constantly it's not always like this (and I know he's probably right). Yet I still cannot bring myself to go to one. I don't see it as 'big fish - small pond'. I see it as having fun vs arguing over every single action with people slightly too obsessed...The latter I just couldn't handle and wouldn't enjoy. I also think I am slightly ageist being older than the average wargamer. Stupid I know, but I am set in my ways I guess...

I've been enjoying tournament play, but it's the new $85 codexes that will kill it off for me. Not being able to keep up with the new rules (because despite buying every codex since 2nd edition I refuse to pay that much for a codex) means that I'll be too far out of date before too long... so I'll be switching to a different game for my tournament fix.

 pretre wrote:

 Riker210 wrote:
I chose other; I hate rule lawyers and tournaments are just places for them to thrive and ruin the game for me. I dont play to face 'good opponents' i play for fun with my friends and for painting purposes. I actually dont like the 40k game, not as dynamic as I'd like it to be and it leaves many armies unbalanced/crippled due to length between updates.

How many rules lawyers have you actually run into at tournaments? Most people who debate rules online do not at tournaments.

I chose other. My major limiter is that I can really only hit one one-day event per month due to family requirements. Other than that, I would do any kind of event.

LOL normally and 95% of the time in my experience I would say 'the person who says they never see or had that happen are the problem/thing mentioned' but ive never played with you so I cant say. If you have never ran into one, you are blessed. I stopped playing between 3rd and 5th edition because of...them, just doesn't make the game fun to argue and nit pick wordings, count every millemeter and sit there for hours reading between turns to prove gak right or wrong. ive left many games because of it, its why now i try to play with the more 'i wanna try this today' people than 'DIE I NEED TO WIN, SHOW YOU MY NERD PENIS MUHOAHAHAHAHAH SPAM SPAM FLYERS' players. hahahahahah

Go to local tourneys. You'll be surprised. I really don't run into all these TFGs that people are afraid of... Unless, like previously mentioned, that means I'm one.

 BladeWalker wrote:


(I blame Overwatch for being a WAAC TFG)

He can't be that much the WAAC TFG, he only won the last tourney (Sept) and came in second in August.

Been a few years since he did much better.


Me? GTs are pricey and distance (made one trip form LA to San Diego's Game Empire - fun time, but long drive).

RTTs - I make 10 out of 12 at Game Empire, with family taking out a couple Saturdays. Even attended one of the others at a closer, but less 40k supportive store.

Ive got almost 150 ork boys that I bought cause they were cheap AOBR models. I run them as shootas; I couldn't do that at a tournament cause someone would bitch.

Conversion is half the fun with orks?

there should be an option that says kids. i bet it would be to top voted. keep gaming dads!

 pretre wrote:
Go to local tourneys. You'll be surprised. I really don't run into all these TFGs that people are afraid of... Unless, like previously mentioned, that means I'm one.

This.

 TheContortionist wrote:
there should be an option that says kids. i bet it would be to top voted. keep gaming dads!

No joke! I get one a month (1 day events only) if I'm lucky.

 TheContortionist wrote:
there should be an option that says kids. i bet it would be to top voted. keep gaming dads!

No doubt! The awesome side effect is that they want to play with you! Distance keeps me from tourneys but my wife and kids being gamers keeps me from going crazy.

 BladeWalker wrote:
I may have exaggerated a bit but we have a Town and Country and it gets crappy gas mileage especially when you have to climb the big ass hill from where I live up and over into the valley and beyond. LIke Overwatch said, you never know when the 101 will be a parking lot.

If we had 2 or 3 other Ventura/Oxnard area guys we could carpool but in my experience so far everyone who lives up my way is a garage gamer because of the perceived TFG syndrome this poll is showing.

(I blame Overwatch for being a WAAC TFG)

Fair enough...those are big trucks. All's fair and I'm happy to acknowledge that your fuel costs there in California suck!

@ compel - isn't this basically Throne of Skulls? I mean, a tourney that is actually just about having a fun weekend? I've only been once but thats my experience of it.

GW keeps me from attending big tournaments. GW's poor codex rule writing, lack of internal and external balance and lack of desire to even seriously try to balance/correct dex problems when simple errata could make so many mediocre units-biomorphs-wargear more effective. My main army is tyranid (and I don't play tervigons - still cannot stand them (concept and GW execution of the unit) though I understand why others will use them). Most of a dex should be viable (that is good choices) to fight most armies. If I am going to spend travel time and money going to a big tournament I would like a decent chance of winning games and the game to be enjoyable (win or lose).

Also, I have found in local tournaments (and from the internet it seems many other people experience this too) that as the size of armies continues to increase insufficient time is available to play horde type armies. I have seen this with other players that use horde orks also.

I can play horde Nids at 2k in a 2hour slot. Horde on horde is difficult, but doable.

I dunno, troy, I've never been!

If so, it might be something worth me looking into.

*Clicks on link*

Hmm.... Werrry Interesting. Flipping expensive, but werry interesting. And monthly.

It's the tournament howler monkeys. If I wanted poo flung at me, I'd go to the zoo.

Playing horde armies in a timely matter is a question of practice and knowledge. I rarely touch my wifes green tide, but I can still bang out a game in two hours with it at 2k. My guard foot horde is easy to get a quick game in. If you are not the stalling Dbag who takes forever to deploy and agonizes/argues over every little detail, its actually easy to pull off. There are people who play hordes who are simply incapable of playing at the brisk pace needed to complete a game in a timely manner, though.

 Phazael wrote:
Playing horde armies in a timely matter is a question of practice and knowledge. I rarely touch my wifes green tide, but I can still bang out a game in two hours with it at 2k. My guard foot horde is easy to get a quick game in. If you are not the stalling Dbag who takes forever to deploy and agonizes/argues over every little detail, its actually easy to pull off. There are people who play hordes who are simply incapable of playing at the brisk pace needed to complete a game in a timely manner, though.

I'm not massively slow, but decided not to play Nids at a recent 1,750 tourney as the rounds were only 1hr40mins and with 2 tervigons I know there's no way I can get through 5 turns in that time, including set up. I think it's unfair to infer that a horde army who can't finish in time is stalling. Often my opponents turn will take just as long as mine as there are so many shooting options to consider, movement choices, multi assaults to resolve etc.

Tervigons are the only real competitive troop choice Nids have and with no allies, no emplaced guns etc you're semi-losing anyway never mind not taking your best troop choice. With multi spawns and then having all the different broods to move it takes time - you then have all the psychic powers to consider. A non-tervigon/non-psyker list would be quicker to play but will also prove to be a losing list. Not fun.

100 minute games? 50 minutes per player, 10 minutes per turn. Easy. IF you're taking longer than that there's something wrong. Make plans during your opponents turn.
And yes, I use 2 Tervigons in all my lists. I dislike the unit, but I need the flexibility it provides.

rigeld2 wrote:
100 minute games? 50 minutes per player, 10 minutes per turn. Easy. IF you're taking longer than that there's something wrong. Make plans during your opponents turn.
And yes, I use 2 Tervigons in all my lists. I dislike the unit, but I need the flexibility it provides.

Yeah... that's not even remotely feasible for the vast majority of players, especially in 6th edition. You also failed to take into account everything that happens before Turn 1 (e.g., deployment). And you're assuming a 5-turn maximum.

Over the years I've seen lots and lots of experienced players make the claim that they can finish tournament games with superhuman speed, but when these guys get pitted against equally experienced opponents the games tend to run longer than average, not shorter.

 Danny Internets wrote:

rigeld2 wrote:
100 minute games? 50 minutes per player, 10 minutes per turn. Easy. IF you're taking longer than that there's something wrong. Make plans during your opponents turn.
And yes, I use 2 Tervigons in all my lists. I dislike the unit, but I need the flexibility it provides.

Yeah... that's not even remotely feasible for the vast majority of players, especially in 6th edition. You also failed to take into account everything that happens before Turn 1 (e.g., deployment). And you're assuming a 5-turn maximum.

Over the years I've seen lots and lots of experienced players make the claim that they can finish tournament games with superhuman speed, but when these guys get pitted against equally experienced opponents the games tend to run longer than average, not shorter.

I do it, in 6th edition, counting deployment, and I've had games go to 7 turns.
It's not some extraordinary skill or magic. And I'm not saying that every game is that fast - that'd be silly. But it can be done, and on average I finish 1850 point games in 1:45, 1:30.

rigeld2 wrote:

I do it, in 6th edition, counting deployment, and I've had games go to 7 turns.
It's not some extraordinary skill or magic. And I'm not saying that every game is that fast - that'd be silly. But it can be done, and on average I finish 1850 point games in 1:45, 1:30.

Whether or not it can be done here or there isn't the point. Whether or not it can be done by most (or, preferably, all) attendees consistently throughout the event is what matters.

I've completed games in the allotted time in 6th edition as well, but if Nova and BFS are any barometer, completing more than 5 turns is the exception, not the norm (and that's with 2.5 hour rounds at 2,000 points).

Game speed greatly depends on the people playing. I've had no games currently not go to 5 and possibly 3 that didn't end naturally total. That's with an all foot army pumping out 100+ shots per turn. I'd say I wouldn't be surprised if my opponents used 75% of my game time though. I don't spend much time thinking

However, and this is a big however, the majority of players aren't at this standard. This isn't a knock since quite a few players couldn't get to this standard in 5th edition either. It's a new edition and people that are less comfortable are going to take longer than normal. Add in two horde players and you're hosed. Add in two horde players that spend time thinking in their own turn and you're lucky to get past turn 3.

A lot of it is not arguing over minor bs. I guarentee that you could put Hulk and I across from one another with 150 model count armies and we would breeze through the game, simply because neither one of us would argue with the other, let alone nitpicking over meaningless early turn moves. A lot of hypercompetitive people do that and it just bogs the game, intentionally or not. This does not happen as much in Fantasy, but I think thats because the Fantasy crowd still uses soft scores as a firewall against assclownery of this sort.

The easy fix in 40k would just be to award bonus battle points for completing X number of turns in a game. I bet if you did that games would go five turns a lot more often. I am not saying intenional stalling is at play entirely here (or that it would even be completely stopped), but people being concious of bonus points being on the line would make them more focused on getting the turns in.

 Phazael wrote:
A lot of it is not arguing over minor bs. I guarentee that you could put Hulk and I across from one another with 150 model count armies and we would breeze through the game, simply because neither one of us would argue with the other, let alone nitpicking over meaningless early turn moves. A lot of hypercompetitive people do that and it just bogs the game, intentionally or not. This does not happen as much in Fantasy, but I think thats because the Fantasy crowd still uses soft scores as a firewall against assclownery of this sort.

The easy fix in 40k would just be to award bonus battle points for completing X number of turns in a game. I bet if you did that games would go five turns a lot more often. I am not saying intenional stalling is at play entirely here (or that it would even be completely stopped), but people being concious of bonus points being on the line would make them more focused on getting the turns in.

At Game Empire in Pasadena there is a turn 4 rule. If your game doesn't get past turn 4 it counts as a loss for both players.

If it was at a convention with scantily clad booth babes I would not attend the tournament.

I'd be in the dealer's hall...

@Phazael

The only issue with this is that someone can intentionally tank you out of the running. It's a thin line.

Granted I've run into exactly 1 person at a GT level event I'd never want to play again in the last 4 years. And maybe one or two people at the RTT level who I just don't enjoy playing with in the same time frame. I will say though I tend to run into them more in the middle to the bottom tables rather than at the top tables so my perspective is a bit skewed.

Back on topic:

For RTT type events I find the group that attends is an important part. The same person bringing the same list and winning can quickly kill the fun and the small tournament scene. Having groups that's top players regularly play around with things, try new lists, and generally be upstanding gentlemen can keep a tournament scene going even if the same group is generally taking home the prizes (that said, donating prize support to someone is also a good way). Just some additional thought. A lot of the RTT scene comes down to the local group.

It doesn't surprise me at all, but it still makes me sad to see the answer to this question as "the type of player that attends."

I go to more tournaments by a long shot that most people and I can honestly say I can count on one hand the amount of bad games I have had.

Tournaments are super fun, and 99% of the people are really nice, fun people to game with. A lot of folks don't actually go to the big events because of a preconceived notion of what it will be like and miss out on the fun. It's a shame.

@Reece

I can understand it. You don't spend much time in the middle to bottom either so you're opinion is skewed. That being said you're in the same boat as me that it would take someone of truly epic a-hole proportions to get us bent out of shape

Overall though I share the same thoughts as Reece. Tournaments are a blast and they are mostly full of great people.

 kronk wrote:
If it was at a convention with scantily clad booth babes I would not attend the tournament.

I'd be in the dealer's hall...

You have it wrong Kronk. You follow Reecius's sterling example, and get them into the gaming area!

 Reecius wrote:
It doesn't surprise me at all, but it still makes me sad to see the answer to this question as "the type of player that attends."

I go to more tournaments by a long shot that most people and I can honestly say I can count on one hand the amount of bad games I have had.

Tournaments are super fun, and 99% of the people are really nice, fun people to game with. A lot of folks don't actually go to the big events because of a preconceived notion of what it will be like and miss out on the fun. It's a shame.

This has always been a reason why some people stay away from tournaments, and I go back to the first GW US GT. But I also think trends in the competitive scene such as no soft scores, no painting requirements, etc. are helping keep more middle-of-the-road hobbyists away than ever. Those trends just reinforce some people's stereotypes about tournament and tournament gamers, whether that's an accurate assessment or not.

Reece, I love attending tournaments, and I still voted for the last option.

It's a real concern, and while I love playing against the vast majority of my opponents, it only takes a few bad apples to give people a bad impression.

Also, as gorgon says, current trends are leaning towards a more competitive style (not saying that's a bad thing) rather than a "hobbyist" type of event, so that can also be intimidating to new players.

The dominant fantasy players in my area being... not all that much fun... to play is the reason I moved into other games. The warmahordes players have been, for the most part, an absolute blast to play with. And there's no soft scores there

So, really I think that last one is the most important factor in any game- enjoying playing against your opponent. So, it makes sense that that would be folks' primary concern in attending a tournament, too.

And I say this having had a fantastic time at almost every tournament I've been to, especially the GT-level events. But, I can definitely see where people are coming from, and even share the opinion, that the only thing that could keep me from an event is the type of player attending. Playing you or Hulk or pretty much anyone posting here would be a no-brainer but we've all run into the type of player that people are worried about when they choose that option, and unfortunately they tend to show up to tournaments, too.

 sharkticon wrote:


You have it wrong Kronk. You follow Reecius's sterling example, and get them into the gaming area!

Good old Reece! That's thinking with your noggin!

I might go to a local tournament here in Houston some time and see what all the hubbub is about. Or that large one in San Antonio.

@Kronk and Sharkticon

Haha, we did actually get some hottie cosplay girls to come hang out at Comikaze both years!

@Hulk

That's true. I think a lot of it depends on the person. I find that if you come into a game with a good attitude, the other person will reciprocate.

@RiTides

I am sorry to hear that, but I have experienced unpleasant gamers. Not the norm at all, but it does happen. Like you said though, the bigger GT level events are so much fun, and for some reason you get less of the lame brains that can make an event not fun. A lot of it is the organizers, too. You set the tone for an event and the way you handle situations during the game make a big impact on player attitudes, too.

@Gorgon

Funny, I always felt removing the strict "must be painted rules" would open things up to newer gamers and people that don't have their armies painted. I guess it also opens things up to power gamer lists, too. We are old school in that regard and require people bring painted stuff, but that is because we feel a big part of the tournament experience is coming to see all the cool, fully painted armies!

Don't be sorry, I've moved on to 40k and Hordes and am enjoying both of them more, anyway

The main reason I don't get to go is my 3 young children. I love them dearly, but the do limit me to lurking on forums and painting.

My 8 month pregnant wife came in for a couple of minutes with her sister to see how I was doing at a RTT I was in a few years back and started getting hit on by one of the attendees.
What more needs saying?

Well I guess they figured if she is preggers she probably puts out!

my only reason that i dont attend is when I have to work. I love my local tourneys! My TO is pretty well versed in the rules (may not always know every little part, but will make a fair judgement) and most of the guys have been fun to be around.

I have yet to be in a tournament (even ard boyz or other nat'l qualifiers) where people threw dice or were too much of a jerk. We do have a few that try to skim the rules a bit.

Overall I enjoy the experience, and even if i cant make the beginning, I do hang out if the tourney is still going when I get out. Guess I'm lucky.

I don't really have the army to actually play in a tournament. Maybe if i would if I improved my army i would go, because its really a mixed bag with key pieces missing.

I hear so many stories of games being called due to time restrictions. Not sure how true they are, but I really like to relax and take my time while playing. (Not wasting time, butnot feeling constantly rushed) .

HAH! Got a new truck over the weekend... cutting my gas to travel to tournaments in the LA area in half... watch out punks!

Combine that with a new job and now no one in Cali is safe from my mediocre tournament play!

I will also echo the sentiment that time constraints and the people at tournaments have never been a problem for me and I hope no one bases their opinion on what the interwebs says before giving it a try themselves.

Strippers. That is why you should come to events. Because we have strippers in our room...

I have to concur with the type of people in the tournament being a real kill joy. I played in a teams tournament a few months back where I play specifically for the hang out fun of it all, until we came up against team douchery (the name was changed to protect the douchebags involved). We knew we were in for a go when the first words out of the one guys mouth was " I am not really a rules lawyer a$$hole" and then proceded to prove how much he really was for the next 1 1/2 hours. Btw, last time I checked, unbased D&D models really shouldn't be allowed as "counts as" =I= henchmen. Ya, it really was that bad.

I do attend tournaments but the ones I really want to attend are far out of my reach because they are clear across the country. I'd love to try to win Adepticon or Nova but those events seem to always happen on the east coast so it will always be a no go.

Roadkill Zombie wrote:
I do attend tournaments but the ones I really want to attend are far out of my reach because they are clear across the country. I'd love to try to win Adepticon or Nova but those events seem to always happen on the east coast so it will always be a no go.

The Bay Area Open is a fantastic, and large, West Coast event. I suggest checking it out, it is going to be in the 3rd year and I have attended the first 2 and they were excellent.

Definately the people. I'm a pretty easy going person, but it kinda irks me when someone wants to nitpick every little rule. Like a crouching tau fire warrior not being able to see over a defense line, just to make someone have one less shot. Technically he would be correct about it, but its just that type of character that drives me away. Good poll!!!

rbacus wrote:
Definately the people. I'm a pretty easy going person, but it kinda irks me when someone wants to nitpick every little rule. Like a crouching tau fire warrior not being able to see over a defense line, just to make someone have one less shot. Technically he would be correct about it, but its just that type of character that drives me away. Good poll!!!

Why would playing by the rules irk you? If you have a crouching figure and know it is TLoS then why not position that figure so it is crouching behind the eye slit in the ADL so it can see? Then you are following the rules and your opponent doesn't have the opportunity to call you out for not following the rules.

That said I agree about the nitpicky opponent, and probably wouldn't call you out on the crouching fire warrior thing anyway. Then again the only time I have run into true WAAC, rules lawyering, nitpickers is in non-competitive non-tournament events and games. I have only had 1 bad experience in a tournament but 10+ in non-tournament play.

WYSIWYG is what keeps me from tournys because I would rather paint and model my guys in awesome poses then use magnets, or get stuck with one list.

Scorpiodragon wrote:
WYSIWYG is what keeps me from tournys because I would rather paint and model my guys in awesome poses then use magnets, or get stuck with one list.

That's fair. Usually I try to model each squad so I can represent whatever I want. For example I try to model my tactical squads of 10 with 12-14 models with the same squad marking. The extra 2-4 models will have the other Special and Heavy Weapons options I may want to run. That way my army is both WYSIWYG and I keep my painting and modelling time requirements at a minimum.