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I went through the forums to try and find something that fitted my needs exactly, and didn't find anything that satisfied what I was looking for.
So I figured I would re-post this, because I'm sure it's somewhere on Dakka.

Imperial Guard vs. Blood Angels.

I'm playing Imperial Guard. Very new to the game, yet to have really played my first match.
All I have so far is a IG Battleforce, and a Chimera which I kind of regret buying because it seems kind of useless after a lot of things I've read on the forum.

I'll be mostly playing a friend who plays deep strike + bike Blood Angels with Mephiston and Sanguinus.

I immediately find the deep strikes a problem.

But, I was planning on purchasing several squads of meltas and plasmas. Two Demolishers and One Executioner (or should I go for heavy artillery instead?)

Oh, and is putting a powerfist on the company commander a better idea than using a plasma pistol (or bolt pistol?)

We're playing at 2000 points a piece. Does anyone have some advice or lists they can show to help me out? It'd be much appreciated!


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Oh, and he's using several squads of death company, as well as sanguinary priests. Most units have jump packs.

I forget what they are but IG has a choice for a missle launcher that uses the large blast. When they DS fire this and you will see alot of marines die (I know it's happened to me)

Melta Vets in chimera's

If he's keeping the priests seperate, then target them

At 1500 with Mephy, Sanguinus and DC with JP he has a low model count (650+ with 2 5 man DC and the 2 characters)

Use mech and FRFSRF to your advantage. Throw units of guradsmen in front of your tanks and let him charge them and wipe them out in his turn, then shoot him again

Would you go with the demolishers + executioner?

2000 is a lot to keep track of for a beginner. I would ask your friend to start at 1000 or so, so you can focus on learning your units.

With guard, the KISS (Keep it Simple Stupid) Principle is nearly always the right move. Don't use Executioners when a LR Battle Tank will do. Don't tool up your individual figures, even your Company Commander, too much. They *are* going to die. Often horribly. Lucky for you, you are the Guard, and there are a lot more where that came from.

Neutralizing Deep Strike is easy. Have so many troops they have no place to land. Remember they can't assault the first turn after they come down. Keep them away from your tanks, then blow them apart.

For bikes, the Hydra is the best answer, but you have to customize the model, or pay through the nose for FW. Exterminator is nice, along with twin linking your heavy weapon squads with "Bring it Down!"

I can't imagine anyone saying the Chimera is useless. The Chimera is awesome! I have six, and I know people who run twice that many in 2k points.

Target priority is the key. Give him so many good things to shoot at that he can't possibly get them all. The stuff he misses, or ignores, will carve him a new one. Consider getting a Vendetta, Demolisher, Hellhound, or the lovely Manticore. And remember, your best unit by far is the Infantry Platoon. Don't ever leave home without one!

Hope this helps.

Against deep strike armies, of any type, your deployment will set alot of the tone of the game. If you have a deployment zone of 12 inches from the board edge, go up to the line. Let them land behind you. I know this sounds crazy, but, you might just watch a drop pod go off the table.

Yes, a demolisher is a big key to killing blood angels. The 14/13/11 is tough for any army to deal with, however those pesky deep strikers with melta pistols/guns realy give you fits.

Chimeras are awesome. Don't doubt them. CCS in Chimera means they last longer and have more time to give orders. As well, 2000 pts is insane for a beginner. Try 500 first considering you probably only have around 300 pts max with what you have now. Demolishers are also fantastic at anything, so long as it's within 30" of your Deployment Zone. Demolisher with Plasma Cannon sponsons and a hull-mounted Lascannon are best(I find). Beerbeard prettymuch hit the nail on the head, but I can't agree with him on the Exterminator. If you want Autocannons use Blob Squads or triple Hydras(in my opinion, Russes are for Ordnance, not Autocannons). As well, I kind of think I'll try Martin's Deep-Strike behind you shenanigans, as I like the sound of my friend's Chaos Terminators just dropping off my table edge and dying horribly.....

Thanks for all of the advice guys. It's helped a lot.

And I'm guessing this is the Hydra beerbeard was talking about?
http://www.forgeworld.co.uk/Warhammer-40000/Imperial_Guard/Imperial_Guard_Tanks/HYDRA-FLAK-TANK-COMPLETE-KIT_.html

So basically, facing the Blood Angels, The Guard needs a squad Meltas in Chimera, CCS in Chimera, Plasmas, and lots and lots of units. Got it.

I've played Guard for years, and the best piece of advice is to always utilize the Guard's best special rule: "we roll more dice than you"

When it comes to building a Guard army, there is almost no wrong answer. I suggest to pick units/style of play you enjoy and build around that.

As far as it goes in specifically defeating BA (MEQ) armies, focus on taking special/heavy weapons that are AP 3, 2 or 1.

Veteran squads (or Company Command squad) with Plasma Guns in Chimeras do very well against Deep Striking BAs.

At smalerl points (<= 1000) try Guardsman Marbo. Read very carefully "he's behind you" and "demolition charge"

Like you, Guard is my first 40k army and what i learned to play the game using. Dont doubt that chimera, an AV12 front armoured transport has foiled many a plot. Also, a 3 shot S6 laser is nothing to scoff at either. That being said you can do this one of two ways: An armour backed gunline, or a highly mobile mech army. Vendettas are a godsend by the way. 3 flying twin linked lascannons are why some people refuse to even play against my guard anymore.

Wait, what? Chimeras are not useless at all. They are quite good, actually, you just need a LOT of them.

Awesome guys! Thanks for all of the replies! It's helped a lot.

One more thing. HQ recommendations? I read Marbo for smaller games, but what about larger games? I know the CCS is what most people use, but can't you upgrade the CCS with other HQ's?

Marbo is not an HQ, he is an elite choice. If you want to save points you can now, thanks to the most recent FAQ, use a Techpriest or Ministorum Priest as your HQ, but both of those are substandard units. Each of the IG Special Characters, with a couple of exceptions, are upgrades to an HQ. Again, as a beginner, I would stay away from them, as each one requires a certain army build or playstyle.

The CCS is a nice unit, inexpensive, excellent orders, and 4 vets that you can pack special weapons onto or use to fire a Heavy Weapon. A twin-linked lascannon for 70 points is not a bad deal.

Another choice is a Lord Commissar. He has some disadvantages in that he is an IC, and can be picked out and killed. He also can't give orders. But, give him a camo cloak and the entire unit he is attached to has Stealth. The entire unit, meaning a whole platoon can have a 3+ cover save for 10 points. A cheesy rule, but it's there.

The Primaris Psyker is another option. Same disadvantages as a Lord Commie, but has a couple of useful psychic powers.

I would recommend the CCS until you have a better handle on your IG.

BB