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I normally play with a group of about 5 other people so as a result, we try to play on a large table such a a ping pong table. the only problem is that the map is wide enough, but way too long ( because we have to deploy within 24'' of the table edge) so it takes us about 7-8 turn before we even come with shooting range. is there any rule that limits the no man land or how close you can deploy to your opponent (without infiltrate). One of my friend plays tau and hes loving this but with any non-mech army, games take way too long (about 5-6hours)

Play with your deplyment zones as the long table edges adjusting your deployment so there is a 24" no mans land (ie, if your table is 36" wide, you get a 6" deployment zone). You should still be able to get everything on the table and you'll get into combat much quicker. Since a regulation ping pong table is 9 feet long by 5 feet wide ( I assume that's what you are using) I would mark off six inches from each side and six inches from each end probably with tape. This will create a 4X8 table which should be the perfect size for your games.


Play like this: (X is the players, the table in between)

XX
[=====]
XX

Rather than like this:

XX
-----
| |
| |
-----
XX

In my experience, I have often seen people who play tank heavy long range armies (such as Armored Co when that was around) often want to play the long way "just for fun" where their opponent has no chance.

Likewise you can play games with two normal sized tables set up in a 'T' shape. The smaller size lets you minimize no mans land while still fitting in the same number of players. This works especially well for Free For All melees between unallied players as it reduces the 'pig in the middle' and lets everyone have at least one unassailable edge.

Really, if you have a decent amount of terrain, and are playing on a board 5' across, it shouldn't make much difference. And extra 12" is only two turns of movement, and unless the board is so open that your opponant's Tau are pegging you the whole way, I don't really see the issue, beyond another turn or so of movement.

The problem is that you're playing on a PingPong table.

They're a lot wider (I think you referred to it as length) than 4 feet. WH40K is meant to be played on a 4x6 table... The 4' is the most important aspect of the game. Stretching it out makes it longer until you get to your opponent.

If there are 6 of you playing, 3 to a side, try playing it on a 4x9 area of the Ping Pong table & see how that works... unless you're playing small enough armies for a 4x6 section of the table, which would be optimum.


--Edit--

Wait. crap. that's pretty much what MattyBoy said.
How did I miss that?

:shrugs:

Ah, well. GMTA.

--Edit--
Eric

You can always put some masking tape down on the table so that you have a 4x6 area with some space on the sides that you can use for dead modes, drinks, books, dice, etc.