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I am planning on going to my first FLGS/GW store game, since it is my first time (and yes I have a codex and a fully legal, mostly painted army) I was wondering how to find a game once I'm there and any other social things I should be aware of.

It's just a game. Show up on 40k night (so there are other people at the store), say "anyone want to play a game of 40k", and play a game.

So I just... Shout it out?

 thepowerfulwill wrote:
So I just... Shout it out?

pretty much. I was trying to figure out the same thing last Thursday night. so I just said "anyone up for a game of 40k?"

I too am having this issue. ( Not trying to thread steal promise! Lol) I showed up on Warmachine night with my rulebook and fully painted army. Not one person said hi, offered to play, or responded to me asking to learn. Worries me on going to 40k. Local groups are sometimes tight knit and it can be hard being the new guy and joining so if anyone can offer tips on how ease in better it would help.

honesty/
SMELL good, no joke, no one wants to play a BO monster.
be friendly, make sure your hair is out of your face, it gives the impression of intimidation/ challenge/aggression when some one cant see tyour eyes properly.
talk clearly, don't mumble
/honesty.

I'll second the hygiene thing! And find out if the store has a Facebook page/forum and ask on there. When I started going to my local club I organised my first game on the forum ( gobstyks.co.uk people, Lincoln's finest) and have used it ever since.

^

The Division Of Joy wrote:I'll second the hygiene thing! And find out if the store has a Facebook page/forum and ask on there. When I started going to my local club I organised my first game on the forum ( gobstyks.co.uk people, Lincoln's finest) and have used it ever since.

the shrouded lord wrote:honesty/
SMELL good, no joke, no one wants to play a BO monster.
be friendly, make sure your hair is out of your face, it gives the impression of intimidation/ challenge/aggression when some one cant see tyour eyes properly.
talk clearly, don't mumble
/honesty.

Well These have never been a problem with me, so I go go in, "hey, anyone up for a game of 40k?" and just see what happens? Sounds like a plan.

If there's a dedicated 40k/miniatures night then show up then, and mingle with people; comment on somebody's paint job (in a positive way ofc, ask about what units they have, gush over a cool model like a Riptide or Wraithknight or similar). If you're new to the game, make it known that you're new and looking to learn the rules. Even if you don't get a game that night, you should be able to socialize with the locals so you can at least see the type of people there. I have noticed that many game stores, especially ones that have been around for a while, have "cliques" where the regulars all know each other for years, and tend to be unfriendly towards new faces. Often it makes for a not-so-nice experience as nobody seems to be friendly and wanting to talk.

I've been to very friendly gaming clubs and very closed off ones. If you keep at it, you can usually find someone to play a game with you even in the more cliquish areas. I personally prefer a one-on-one approach, finding someone to talk to and then asking if they'd like to play a game, or finding a game that is wrapping up and asking if someone wants 'next.'

I always make a point to introduce myself to the owner. Ask the usualy questions, what sorts of games are played, when events are, when game nights are, they will tell you a l tand to be honest, they will be very helpful in introducing you out and helping you find a game. it will also help you stick out in their mind for future events and occasions.
get their card, website, facebook page (the stores) and so forth cause then you can talk to more of the others more directly.

Although, i think beyond smelling good, being clean and so forth (good call on those BTW ), that first introduction of yourself to the owner will go a loooongway.

Another way to break the ice is if they have small tournaments. My FLGS has one/two a month. Show up, hand the owner the $5 entry fee, play 3 games. You just met 3 new friends. Or WAAC TFGs, depending on your luck, but now you have your foot in the door. (Joking about the TFGs, nice crowd at my local, YMMV) Oft times there are a few singletons who show up at the doubles tournaments that get paired up at the start.

Talk to people. Ask. The worst that happens is you get a "no" Best is you get a game in.

I rarely take my army to the LGS without setting up a game via the store's FB page in advance- last time I did that the only 40K players who showed up had prearranged games so I only got to play a short "1000pts no FOC vs my TrC'tan*" challenge against the guy waiting for his opponent to show up (surprise surprise, my C'tan won... ) before giving up and signing up for a MTG draft.



*I don't play my Transcendent C'tan in regular games, so it wasn't as if I was scaring people away with it.

 thepowerfulwill wrote:
So I just... Shout it out?

Yes. Don't forget your megaphone though. They are essential

Explain your intent to play a game of 40k through interpretive dance.

Make sure to wash your leotard.

 Badablack wrote:
Explain your intent to play a game of 40k through interpretive dance.

Make sure to wash your leotard.

Alas, I lost my leotard in a poorly thought out attempt to communicate with a bear.

 thepowerfulwill wrote:

 Badablack wrote:
Explain your intent to play a game of 40k through interpretive dance.

Make sure to wash your leotard.

Alas, I lost my leotard in a poorly thought out attempt to communicate with a bear.

Was this on a Sunday?
I'm pretty sure I was a bear on a sunday

Watch some games first, introduce yourself "hi, I am new, mind if I watch you game...".

Be polite.

See what players who might match your play style, and ask them for a game.

Make sure to go over terrain with them before the game "my friends would call this area terrain, but what do you guys here call it?" This can prevent problems later.

Bring food and share. I find it's easier to get on with new players when they get something for playing you.

I showed up for my first one at a GW store, and the owner was talking, got really excited (I hadnt been in much with him) and kinda matched a game together.

1. See if your area has a 40k/ war games Facebook group.
2. Ask for a game, in including your army (I.e. tau, eldar, etc.)
3. ????
4. Profit

As others have said, be clean and brush your teeth.

If the store staff are really cool, talking with them will break the ice with strangers and help land you a game. Otherwise, ask aloud (not shouting) if anyone plays and is interested in a game. It really is that simple.

But I have been to stores where the staff are uncaring (poor understanding of how it affects their business) and players are completely resistant to playing new faces. It can really be luck of the draw, which trumps the friendliest demeanor.