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I like to think i'm a relatively experienced gamer - but I'm a tournament Virgin. I'm going to October TOS in the UK, and I just wanted a bit of advice from some of you tournament vets about what to expect? Not about lists, just about the whole tournament experience as a whole? It would be nice to know what i'm getting into.

Tournaments are generally very good experiences. A few tips though:

- be on time. I can't stress this enough.

- Bring something to drink, you'll get thirsty during the tournament

- Have fun!

http://www.dakkadakka.com/wiki/en/Tournament_Preparation_Guide

Dakka's guide on tournament preparation is a good read. No army list advice, but it details everything else.

One thing more I'd like to mention, watch the clock. Know when each game starts and how much time you have and adjust your gaming accordingly. I've had more then a few screwed up games because I've run out of time, but if I'd have realized how much time I had left I would have adjusted my strategy in earlier turns.

Carnage makes a really good point. I'd set a watch to alarm you at 20 minute intervals. I'd benefit from this advice personally - my own tourney games have suffered from a lack of watchful timing. Also, if you're not young and/or strong, bring a mild pain reliever as well as a stool or chair if one is not provided. After 8 hours of standing, kneeling, and bending your back and legs will be ready to kill you.

Check out dashofpeppers guide as well, it's well put together by an experienced veteran.
http://hulksmash-homeplace.blogspot.com/2011/06/dashofpeppers-guide-to-tournament.html

Unlucky, the Dakka guide was written by Dash.

Remember, eyes on the prize! There's only one 'I' in 'winner'; nobody else matters as long as you come out on top! Wherever possible make sure that you push to your own advantage. If your opponent isn't paying attention then shuffle for that extra inch. In fact try stretching out your tape measure a little; an inch is an arbitrary distance anyway so why does it matter if your definition is just a little longer than everyone else's?

If you have something like an Avatar or Daemon Prince which used to have a much smaller model then try and find one before the event. Trukks are good for this too!

Should a rules question arise, make sure to argue the interpretation that favours you regardless of how true it might be. Think like Rorschach - never compromise! If a judge comes over and tells you different then accept it but make sure to hit the other guy's sportsmanship as hard as possible; if there's no sports scores then just tell people after the game that he cheated or he's friends with the judge.

Last of all, make sure to stock up on some 'special' dice. Sometimes you just really need that 6!

Even the most fit, in-shape person will begin to get a little 'ripe' after 9 hours of movement and being on your feet. Don't underestimate the strain a tourney is.

Something about combining a mental aspect with seemingly easy physical conditions really can tire you out.

Take a good shower, use sport deodorant and wear comfortable clothes and shoes. And if you know you are fat and tend to sweat, it is not a bad idea to bring a second shirt or something. Nothing is worse than having someone (including myself) all drippy hovering above the table (and my models!!!)

Let every necron player table you.

Be sure to bring lots of money for drinks, food, and drink plenty of water during the tourney.

Practise with your list, and make sure it's a list that you can play to a time limit. Be aware of how long it takes to set up and move your army.

Also, bring a tray! Arrange the units by squad on the tray, and when casualties are taken off, put them back by squad on the tray. Then, at the end of the game, there's very little 'reset' to do before the next one.

Be social!

Tournaments are about having fun, so don't sulk in the corner. If your a nice person, chances are people will be nice to you.