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Hello all, I recently have run into a new 40k player in my area. We will be playing a game this sunday, and it is meant to be an intro game because he has never played before. I need help trying to make this the most positive experience possible.
So far my plan is to go nab a pizza from the local pizza place and discuss army lists, list tips, and basic game mechanics that affect lists.
After that we will play a 500pt game at the local library using the "skills" learned at the pizza parlor.
Any Ideas?
Let me know,
-skavenfreak

Um, that is what Battle for McCragge is for.

Small scenarios that teach the basics of infantry move - shoot - assault, and then expand into other unit types, evenually going to large games.

That said, I'd start as small as you can stand. 400 or even 250 pts will be enough for your first "games".

Remember, the first couple games are all about mechanics, not tactics.

Allright, So I should just focus on basic mechanics? That shouldnt be a problem then. About now is when I wish there was a FLGS in my area. closest ones about 70miles away.

If you want to demonstrate mechanics, then I suggest demonstrating using a platoon of Imperial Guard each with perhaps a Sentinel or two.

FWIW, the average kitchen table will easily support small games of up to 500 points, so burning gas to drive 70 miles isn't needed. Just get a sheet of felt so you don't scratch things and annoy the wife.

But yeah, basic mechanics are what he needs to understand. If you have a reference sheet with the turn order, to-hit tables, and to-wound table, the whole thing will be a lot easier.

Force-wise, I'd suggest like this:

1 Troops (prefer Guardsmen Nids), play both sides!

1 HQ, 2 Troops

- then add "new" unit to each side in following games: 1 Walker, 1 MC, 1 unit Jump Infantry, 1 Tank, 1 Transport.

remember: Keep it simple, stupid!

I got taught with 2 squads of dark eldar surrounding a marine squad (3rd edition FTW). Worked fine. It really just needs to be so basic it's almost boring, it won't be for them though, they'll be trying to keep up. Army lists, tactics and points will be a bit much to take in at once imo.

Alright, Ill just bring my marines. or should I bring my tau? which army would be easier to demonstrate with? I know you said guard, but my only guardsmen are mounted in valkyries!

Bring both. See if he has a preference.

Then over the coming years, watch his $$$ shrink. lol

Plus, with both, he can get used to using the T and BS tables., with different numbers ths 4,4,4,4,4,410,10,10.lol

It would make for a good article. Probably best to wait to
see what the new starter set has in it before starting though.

I have to agree w/JohnWang. I would also like to add something else. I have been slowly teaching my daughter since the Mccragg set came out. she's 8 now. Idon't think you'll have to over simplify the game like I had to @ the start. They were @ the kitchen table too. But having lots of varried terrain seemed to realy keep her interest. Maybe thats something you should add to your plan.

I wouldn't bother explaining lists. Just give him a small bunch of troops, explain their basic capabilities and get going with mini scenarios. I don't know what Macragge is like. I would do very limited scenarios that illustrate key game rules. For example, stick a squad in a bunker and have two squads assault it. That illustrates basic movement, shooting and cover, and possibly H2H and will only take 20 minutes.

I agree with everything so far. Macragge is a good walk through, but you can accomplish the same thing on your own.

Before anything, explain the following:
1) Basic movement and difficult terrain for infantry
2) How to shoot, BS scores, and the S/T chart (no weapons yet)
3) BAsic assault, how to hit, wound, armor saves

At first, I'd divide the weapons into move or shoot (heavies) and move and shoot (rapid fire and assualt). In time, you can add more and more detail.

Whatever armies you have on hand (non-MEQ and MEQ work really well) make up two tiny forces. Literally 100pts for you and ~200 for him. run through a basic exercise where you essentially tell him what to do. An example:

You: ~10 ork boys (IG or gaunts work as well)
Him: 5 Marines with flamer and sgt with chainsword
Goal: you have to hold an objective while he has to take you out.

Hint: dont' worry about morale, just end it once you lose a combat.

Run through about 3-4 such vignettes, in each one introduce a new mechanic: morale, jump troops, power weapons, etc.

Basic move & shoot should be a good introduction. Find your best pieces of terrain and have at it. However, this is also a great opportunity, maybe in the post game, to talk about all the other types of troops that are available, maybe show him some of the other codexes, etc to give him a flavor of that the universe looks like. After all, you want to excite him, but not overwhelm him (or her)

Teach them how to keep a job or manage their budgets

I've always taken a pair of 500 point lists with minimally gimmicky armies (Marines), added in a few units to capture different rules (Assault Marines for Jump Packs, a Rhino for vehicle rules), then play a game.

You go through all the mechanics with them, translating what they want to do into game terms.

You may want to take the first turn yourself, to show them how it's done, but it's sorta annoying for them to watch their models get killed off before they get to do anything.

Also, good to explain why you're doing what you're doing "I'm going to not shoot, because I want to assault you. Then I'll be locked in combat and can't be shot by your guys."

I've been running some 'clinics' recently for new players. We've been using 1000 pt lists. Gives a good mix of lists and can resolve a game in an hour or so.

I used to be able to run demos in my sleep. Just giv'em a squad of figs and go for it. Make it fast, fun and furious. Just the basics to start them moving figs and rolling dice.

You should teach him with APOCALYPSE..