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Hi, I have never done tournaments before but would like to know some basic rules, like what is allowed and not.
Ill set off a few examples that I do know:

1. Must have a complete army

2. Must be painted.

3. A deatiled list on points, army list and abilities (army builder program is a great tool)

4. Models must depict what is on the list.

5. Army size or points?

What are the normal standard size for a tournament army 1500, 1750? I would prefer 2000 points... rules?

There is no set of standardised rules for 40K tournaments. Some require painted armies, some don't. Some require WYSIWYG, some don't. Some require GW models, some don't. And points values can be set wherever...

It's all down to the individual event, and whoever is running it.

Ah I see thx

All the tournaments I have been to in the last 2 years have required

1. At least two copies of your army list (put in around a month early for checking)
2. A fully painted army that is cohesive (you can't have ten marines painted like blood angels, ten painted like wolves and ten painted like BT and say they are codex marines)
3. Based and flocked army
4. Everything WYSIWYG

A detailed list of points is an absolute must at any and every tournament. You'd be hard pressed to find a tournament where this wasn't a requirement, as it prevents cheating by squeezing in extra points. All models must be built, and while counts-as is acceptable, it has to be reasonable and consistent. In other words, you could get away with using Wyches for Death Cult Assassins in a Grey Knight list, but you couldn't get away with cardboard cutouts. This is all up to the individual tournament though.

Tournament size varies wildly. I've heard of small 750 point tourneys all the way up to bloated 2500 point 'Ardboyz games. Painting isn't a requirement for most tourneys, but there is often a painting score or best painted award. Personally I wish painting scores factored in more, as my favorite part of the hobby is seeing two beautifully painted armies kick the crap out of each other.

To break it down, general rules of thumb:
- Bring an organized army list with exact point values and whatnot
- Make sure all your models are built and WYSIWYG to prevent confusion
- And always remember the most important rule: Don't be a dick. Even if it's a tournament, you're still just playing a game. I know it wasn't a question, but it always bears mentioning.

thx guys, usefull insight for sure!.

Generally, you are required to have 1 printed army list for the judge and 1 for each opponent. and you should also have one for yourself too.

Painting depends on the tournament. Straight up competitive events normally do NOT require it to be painted, but there are often prizes for this. If paint is required they usually follow the 3 color rule(3 Colors minimum)

WYSIWYG is nearly always in effect, Counts As is also usually used(so you could have Night Lords Count As Blood Angels providing everyone had equipment properly modeled)

You won't ever get in trouble for being WYSIWYG, but you can or will for not being.



the Points size for competitions varies although you rarely see tournaments smaller then 1750. 1850 is super popular. 2500 is Ard Boyz level.

1750, 1850, 2000, and 2500 are probably the most common. you might see 1500 tournaments too, anything smaller will be a fluke.



Always ALWAYS check the specific tournament rules. thats what will tell you Who's Who.