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Glad there was no drama this year. I hate that my BnBB brothers didn't place. Sucks about the prizes though, Iwouldn't consider "bucketloads of prizes" to be less than the previous rounds 1st place winnings.

"Congratulations, you are the best player in North America...here's $300"

PanamaG wrote:

Sidstyler wrote:I wouldn't call the 'Ard Boyz tournament "fun", lol...the kind of people you're likely to run into there, I'd have to have some other incentive to even think of going.

But that's just me...

How would you know you dont travel to tournies, you are just a dakka armchair drama general like BrookM.

It amazes me how people who have never even been to an RTT become so knowledgeable on how supposedly toolish the average tourney goer is.

Wait aren't we all armchair generals here. This is toy soldiers after all. OK, no. My FLGS doesn't have armchairs, but the stools are nice and swivel in a most cool fashion.

Modquisition on: Everyone lets remember Rule #1: Be polite, and take it down a notch on the intensity scale a bit lest this have to get more official.

Kirasu wrote:No drama? ...As others have said you need to calculate the cost to ATTEND the tournament vs the prize]

No you don't, playing in torunaments isn't a job. Some of us play for love of the game.

The hard boy didn't even have entry fees! Stores and GW ran it for the fun of the fan base and love of the game!

Calculate travel costs?

$600 in prizes and AWESOME trophies wasn't enough for some people?

You have to be kidding to post these kinds of things, these posts denigrate the noble efforts of all the people who ran Ard Boy.

I was there, all 3 rounds, it was a great free ride the whole way! Thanks to anyone who had a hand in running it I salute you!

If you want to post drivel saying the prizes were inadequate or expense issues etc.

Don't.

You do realize the 'ard boyz is a ploy by the sales team to generate revenue by upping the point limit to 2500? :p

Most TO's DO NOT run tournaments to make a profit.. If GWs motives are to make a profit off the tournament (Same point this year yet lower prizes).. Then why should the players motive be different?

I can attend much better events at the indy cons if I want to go for the experience

Its a tournament coined to be devoid of sportsmanship (Im not saying the players are bad sports, just GW doesnt care much), no comp, no painting.. Whats left? just models

Like I said, 'ard boyz is all about the sales team creating profit. Thats ALL it is :p

You realize travel costs for a lot of people was probably over 300 dollars. I am guessing most of the people who traveled long distances did so for the chance at prizes.

I don't know too many people who will travel 2000 miles just to play 3 games of 40k.

Kirasu wrote:Man that sucks.. I hope you were playing one of the plastic armies and not one of the mostly multipart metal ones

I was playing deamons so I had mix of plastic a multipart metal models. From what I have gone through at this point the bloodcrushersand the soulgrinders took the blunt of the damage with fateweaver and my forgeworld khorne DP taking the next most damage.

BrookM wrote:
Woah wait, a table fell or tipped over? Damn shame, how did that happen? Did the poor victims go away with some reimbursement or the such?

The table was nudged, on accident, such that one of the corners was pushed inside of the support brace causing the table to fall.

Yes the Chicago Battle Bunker hooked each of us with a Guard Super Heavy Tank and trade sales is going to get us an online voucher. The GW staff handled it very well.

Wow 300 dollars first prize that under whelming glad I didn't win 2nd round I would have been tempted to go. Sure I play for the game but if I am gonna spend 500-600 to go to the tourney I'd like a chance to make some profit what happened to mountains of loot and 2500 point armies all around. Skipping out on prize support doesn't save them money infact it makes them money cuz then more people wanna join.

But on the other note GO GUARD!!!!! WOOOOOO I love that we won. I have been unlucky with my guard in touneys lol usually I lose or tie the last round and it costs me the tourney good on ya dude keep it up repin all us guard players.

Timmah wrote:You realize travel costs for a lot of people was probably over 300 dollars. I am guessing most of the people who traveled long distances did so for the chance at prizes.

I don't know too many people who will travel 2000 miles just to play 3 games of 40k.

Hi, I'm Augustus, pleased to meet you!

EDIT ( I was 10th, but I didn't win anything at finals, I gave my 1st round prize away to my (IMO) best opponent after the round 1 qualifiers as a thank you, the host store gave it away.)

Thats why I said "Most".

I think that all of this can be solved if GW just declared up front what all the prizes would be.

I don't think it's unfair or denigrating to point out that the prize support for the finals was far less than in previous years, and in fact less than that of the semi-finals, when it was strongly implied, if not promised, that there would be a higher level of prize support. Didn't first prize last year win a full Dkok army?

People travel to tournaments all the time, they also usually tend to be multi-day tournaments that feature fully painted armies, awards for paint/best army/sports/etc, and in tend to not feature the "if you bring army X, Y, or Z to this mission you will lose" missions that hard boys is known for.

It's not the value of the prizes that I think bugs people, it's that they were lower than they expected.

Polonius you write so well, but I think that compromise in logic, saying "it's ok to complain about less prize support" just creates a finger hold for people to complain about free, and is the wrong position to take.

It boils down to: the prizes weren't good enough for the free tournament.

That attitude shouldn't get supported, it should get shouted down.

Indeed... The prizes were considerably better than at the Games Day tournaments last year, which cost $50 to enter, and had no prize support at all.

I'd also like to throw congrats out the AMAZING custom trophies that were made this year, (as hardboy final round prizes) an Ork Chainsword, an awesome Shoota and a Slugga too, totally first class unique awesomeness!

Had I won one of those, I would treasure it always, perhaps someone has images, sadly I do not.

Whoever made those 1:1 scale unique trophy props, good job!

Well made props are always great prizes. I think they gave away a bolter, chain sword and something else at the Frenzy last year IRC.

hmmmm, You know what, I took a bunch of pictures, but it appears I never did get one of the Weapons...for shame me....for shame.


I would have to agree with Augustus on the Tourney/Prizes/Travel issue. As I think I stated, I drove 13 hours to get to the Tourney, and at no point did I feel that it wouldn't be worth it if I didn't go home with a prize. I was happy to play a game I enjoy, with people who are damn good.
I'm pleased that I went 2-1, and it is a testament to the level of players that even that record placed 27th.

Will I make the trip again, (wife, kids, job allowing) even if there is nothing for a prize other than satisfaction. Yes.


(Note this doesn't mean all prizes should be henceforth eliminated....I think I might have a 10 year run as champ if I am the only one to show up!!)

How about the guy from the UK I played in the Baltimore GT, or the guy I played in the GT from Hawaii (Baltimore again). These were in middle tables, and the prizes are 'small' at the GW GTs. They spent a lot of money to play 5 games of 40k.

For most attendees, its the experience.

Timmah wrote:You realize travel costs for a lot of people was probably over 300 dollars. I am guessing most of the people who traveled long distances did so for the chance at prizes.

I don't know too many people who will travel 2000 miles just to play 3 games of 40k.

I am severely disappointed in the lack of drama. I heard that the table the fell over was actually knocked over in a fit of rage and violence when some dude's Land Raider got immobilized.

Cruentus wrote:How about the guy from the UK I played in the Baltimore GT, or the guy I played in the GT from Hawaii (Baltimore again). These were in middle tables, and the prizes are 'small' at the GW GTs. They spent a lot of money to play 5 games of 40k.

For most attendees, its the experience.

I met someone at a tournament once who was a huge jerk. Everyone that goes to them must be a jerk!!!


Circumstantial evidence does not prove me wrong. How do you know these guys weren't in the states for other reasons and just happened to attend said GT?

Seriously, if TO's could get away without giving out prizes, then why would they? Wouldn't they sink the money into the event to make it better. Oh yea, cause they would get a lot less people to come if they did.

I heard the guy who won the chainsword promptly tried it out on bystanders, which ended up causing a giant room wide Waaaaaaagh and dozens of casualties.

Aduro wrote:I heard the guy who won the chainsword promptly tried it out on bystanders, which ended up causing a giant room wide Waaaaaaagh and dozens of casualties.

heh heh heh.....its a good thing I'm Da Biggest!!

I heard when the table dropped it attracted the attention of a nearby Warmachine tournament. The chainsword had to be used to repel dozens of screaming angry, dorito stained gamers throwing dice in a surpressing fire manner and shouting "play like you've got a pair!" Luckily some epic players were nearby reminiscing about how everything was so much better in 2nd edition, and they promptly repelled the Warmachine boarders with vortex templates and massed volleys of mission cards.

There is no truth to the rumor that, in the midst of the hullabaloo, some chaos players secretly caught and sacrificed some Black Reach newbs to Chansus, the 5th Chaos God of Dice Rolling, to improve their scores in the final round...

Augustus wrote:Polonius you write so well, but I think that compromise in logic, saying "it's ok to complain about less prize support" just creates a finger hold for people to complain about free, and is the wrong position to take.

It boils down to: the prizes weren't good enough for the free tournament.

That attitude shouldn't get supported, it should get shouted down.

Not to derail this, but it's not a compromise in logic to say that when expectations aren't met, people have a certain right to feel disappointed and even share that feeling. This wasn't a kid getting hand knit sweater from Nana instead of a video game; it was a dramatic shift in prize support for the last large tournament GW supports in any way.

I also reject the idea that the tournament was free. It was a competitive invite, virtually everybody incurred travel expenses, and to simply state that because it didn't have an entry fee it should be immune from criticism as to prize support ignores the fact that free events aren't put on, generally, as freely given gifts. There is a reason and an expected return.

I know it was just an end of post zinger, but the idea that opinions you don't like should simply be shouted down might not be the most noble of sentiments.

Polonius wrote:

Augustus wrote:Polonius you write so well, but I think that compromise in logic, saying "it's ok to complain about less prize support" just creates a finger hold for people to complain about free, and is the wrong position to take.

It boils down to: the prizes weren't good enough for the free tournament.

That attitude shouldn't get supported, it should get shouted down.

Not to derail this, but it's not a compromise in logic to say that when expectations aren't met, people have a certain right to feel disappointed and even share that feeling. This wasn't a kid getting hand knit sweater from Nana instead of a video game; it was a dramatic shift in prize support for the last large tournament GW supports in any way.

I also reject the idea that the tournament was free. It was a competitive invite, virtually everybody incurred travel expenses, and to simply state that because it didn't have an entry fee it should be immune from criticism as to prize support ignores the fact that free events aren't put on, generally, as freely given gifts. There is a reason and an expected return.

I know it was just an end of post zinger, but the idea that opinions you don't like should simply be shouted down might not be the most noble of sentiments.

NO, YOU!

You know, a full third of the people there had already won full 2500 point armies, by virtue of winning their semi-final - another tournament in the same series, and another without an entry fee.

You don't go to 'ard boyz round three to win amazing amounts of free product, that's ridiculous. The first prize was $300 from the store - that's not peanuts. Third place was $100. These prizes are on-par with the prizes offered at a GT, without the $100 entry fee (and with similar travel requirements).

You go to 'ard boyz for bragging rights. To say 'I'm the best'. To claim that you pay travel fees to go to a tournament because you expect to break even is about the dumbest thing I've heard. You go because you want to win against the best competition and prove that you're the top dog. That 1st place chainsword is worth more than any prize support...

Frazzled wrote:I heard when the table dropped it attracted the attention of a nearby Warmachine tournament. The chainsword had to be used to repel dozens of screaming angry, dorito stained gamers throwing dice in a surpressing fire manner and shouting "play like you've got a pair!" Luckily some epic players were nearby reminiscing about how everything was so much better in 2nd edition, and they promptly repelled the Warmachine boarders with vortex templates and massed volleys of mission cards.

There is no truth to the rumor that, in the midst of the hullabaloo, some chaos players secretly caught and sacrificed some Black Reach newbs to Chansus, the 5th Chaos God of Dice Rolling, to improve their scores in the final round...

I am now considering making a Chaos army...Shoulder pads white with black dots....I can see it now!

Redbeard wrote:You know, a full third of the people there had already won full 2500 point armies, by virtue of winning their semi-final - another tournament in the same series, and another without an entry fee.

You don't go to 'ard boyz round three to win amazing amounts of free product, that's ridiculous. The first prize was $300 from the store - that's not peanuts. Third place was $100. These prizes are on-par with the prizes offered at a GT, without the $100 entry fee (and with similar travel requirements).

You go to 'ard boyz for bragging rights. To say 'I'm the best'. To claim that you pay travel fees to go to a tournament because you expect to break even is about the dumbest thing I've heard. You go because you want to win against the best competition and prove that you're the top dog. That 1st place chainsword is worth more than any prize support...

And thats exactly the PROBLEM with how GW runs it. It has no legitimacy on who is the best due to lack of time to finish games. If you cannot finish games till the end then the entire game shouldnt even count. Last year was absolute shenanigans with the reduction in time for the final round and uh... the demon debacle. First year had horrible missions and it was 4th edition

By using only 3 rounds you come come up with 10 people who are undefeated.. How the heck can you prove ANYTHING with that kind of result? 1 more bonus point != you are better.. it means your D6 was a 6 one more time than theirs

It may be billed as a BEST OF THE BEST but its created by the SALES team to sell more product. That is why its 2500 pts, that is why it has no painting requirement and presumably bean counters told them that prize support should be lower in round 3 because people already spent enough money on the round 2 army to win the semi final prize

Dont get me wrong, I enjoy 'ard boyz just not the finals :p But thats still a result of me not wanting to travel.. Just lets not give credit where credit isnt due

I'm not arguing the actual merits of the prize support. I'm merely stating that given the past, I don't think attendees are totally out of line being a little disappointed with it. It's hard to deny that it's lower than previous years, and few if any hierarchical events have smaller prizes at nationals than they do at regionals.

Of course few people attend these for the prizes, any more than they attend because of the closest restaurant. That doesn't mean you can't complain a little if they overcooked your steak.

Redbeard wrote:You know, a full third of the people there had already won full 2500 point armies, by virtue of winning their semi-final - another tournament in the same series, and another without an entry fee.

You don't go to 'ard boyz round three to win amazing amounts of free product, that's ridiculous. The first prize was $300 from the store - that's not peanuts. Third place was $100. These prizes are on-par with the prizes offered at a GT, without the $100 entry fee (and with similar travel requirements).

You go to 'ard boyz for bragging rights. To say 'I'm the best'. To claim that you pay travel fees to go to a tournament because you expect to break even is about the dumbest thing I've heard. You go because you want to win against the best competition and prove that you're the top dog. That 1st place chainsword is worth more than any prize support...

I was there. I went 2-0-1 and finished 5th. I agree with Redbeard about prize support, it was fine and the custom weapons were very cool (and heavy).

I dont know about most of you guys but winning 1st place in ard boyz and having bragging rights for a year is a damn good prize in my eyes.