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MVBrandt wrote:
Can we have a matching thread with literally like 20 times the things to watch out for that are good and awesome?

This is a sincere response to MVBrandt's request.

Good and Awesome things at Tourneys:

1. An opponent who smiles and introduces themselves and says your name right back to you. And they remember it throughout the game.

2. A clear army list with not too many proxies. Excel Spreadsheets being best, IMHO (Shove it, over busy Army Builder! )

3. That moment where your opponent shyly says, "Hey, man. Do you mind taking a moment to look at this model I spent extra time on?" And then you marvel at the conversion and/or paint job.

4. When discussing terrain, your opponent grants your army (orks, bugs) the favor of better Cover Saves terrain (e.g. hills). Although, 7e might have the clearest terrain definitions, but still ....

5. The guys/girls at the next table (or your opponent) who will handily lend you a template, ruler or scatter die when yours is hard to find. Also glue if you've dropped a model.

6. Good communication and patience to make sure your opponent sees every dice roll. "This unit is shooting at that one ... oh, you're under the table. I'll wait."

7. Being generous when you figure out a mistake a Turn later. "Oh, crap, I just realized, my guys *don't* have AP2 guns. They should not have wiped out your dudes. You know what? Just put your entire unit back on the table, and I dunno, what else would be good to fix this? How about I'll scratch off the First Blood score?"

8. Despite getting pasted/tabled, both guys have lunch together and winner buys the defeated a brewsky.**

9. Both players / opponent let's you:
a. count up template hits
b. double check crucial charge distances
c. check direction and measurement on Deep Strike drifts

10. Players have brought and used really clear markers (like skull counters for multi-wound models, GaleForce9 stuff, number Maelstrom objectives, etc).

11 - 19? Other dakka posters can fill these in (and leave the funny/sarcastic ones for say, # 21 and up?)

I've edited them in to this Original Post, but it's still good to read through.

 namiel wrote:
11. the chance to get out of your local meta and play some people you would never get to otherwise. See where other regions are taking a game and what they are doing with armies.

 OverwatchCNC wrote:
12. Getting to see some examples of the best conversion/painting/display work in your game system and others.

13. The chance to be introduced to other game systems and meet people outside your game system.

14. Drinking with Reece.

 Sarigar wrote:

15. Larger events (two day event GT styled) are the games I tend to have the least issues with. In regards to just the game itself:

-terrain is a higher quality than an FLGS
-armies are more or less painted, many to very high levels
-players are more knowledgeable regarding rules
-surrounded by a group of folks with a passion for 40K

I've been attending larger events the better part of a decade now and I can count on one hand how many bad games I've gotten.

RTTs or pick up games at the FLGS- it's a bit more hit or miss.

MVBrandt wrote:

16. Drinking and hanging out with new people, who then become friends, who you then see again and again at events all over the country.

17. Getting to play with gamers from entirely different countries (i.e., we'll have England, Ireland, Australia, Kuwait, Russia, Poland, Germany, Denmark, and more at NOVA this year ... and I got to play and drink with a bunch of Norweigans at AdeptiCon this past year).

18. Getting to do cool stuff in other cities, often with gamers who share your interests and the opportunity for limitless conversation and fun.

Playing awesome games of 40k with fully painted armies and usually really fun socializing among players.

Also, occasionally, getting to play in really competitive, tight games with epic photo finishes (even when they don't go your way ...).

**19**.
Building a social network that has a really special bond beyond that which you experience with your routine local friends. There's a lot to be said for the genuine way in which people who don't get to see each other often interact at tournaments. The Wednesday night opener at Giordano's or the Sunday evening closer at Buffalo Wild Wings at AdeptiCon or NOVA respectively is a truly epic tradition that people talk about for weeks or months leading up to the events, and everyone is welcome in them - I've never heard or seen of someone getting cliqued out or shunned ... it's a really tight-knit community by nature, for any and all who join.

20. The spectacle. Something about turning the corner or opening the door into a giant hall full of thousands upon thousands of lovingly crafted pieces of terrain laid out on hundreds of tables and sideboards and hundreds of players is an experience not worth missing. Plus at the big events like feast, adepticon, nova, etc., you'll also see incredible displays and set-pieces that go above and beyond the game component to true art or just super lolzy geekoutism.

Is epic good time!

Also, thanks for the post

20. You've exchanged e-mails / and have made a friend (cue the "awww" sweatness).

I see no reason to stop there. Many of the reasons in teen numbers cover each other a bit:
a. GT's bringing the overall 40k experience to new levels in quality and quantity
b. Socializing. With beer. GW *did* have a pick of it in their 6e RB with Mat & Andy. So, company sanctioned?
c. Getting out of your local scene, meeting the folks who come to the events, and the joys of travel


If you don't mind Hotsauceman1, I'll bump these to 21 through 23 . I sincerely am on board with 21. Throughout 6e I won one in four games in tourneys.

 hotsauceman1 wrote:

21: Crying because you dont have the skills to do that good
22: Crying because you dont have the money to start them
23. Crying with reece

**This happens to me pretty much every RTT and GT I attend, whether I'm buying or not.

the chance to get out of your local meta and play some people you would never get to otherwise. See where other regions are taking a game and what they are doing with armies.

 namiel wrote:
11. the chance to get out of your local meta and play some people you would never get to otherwise. See where other regions are taking a game and what they are doing with armies.

12. Getting to see some examples of the best conversion/painting/display work in your game system and others.

13. The chance to be introduced to other game systems and meet people outside your game system.

14. Drinking with Reece.

 OverwatchCNC wrote:

 namiel wrote:
11. the chance to get out of your local meta and play some people you would never get to otherwise. See where other regions are taking a game and what they are doing with armies.

12. Getting to see some examples of the best conversion/painting/display work in your game system and others.

13. The chance to be introduced to other game systems and meet people outside your game system.

14. Drinking with Reece.

15: Crying because you dont have the skills to do that good
16: Crying because you dont have the money to start them
17 Crying with reece

18. NEW DRINKING BUDDY.

Larger events (two day event GT styled) are the games I tend to have the least issues with. In regards to just the game itself:

-terrain is a higher quality than an FLGS
-armies are more or less painted, many to very high levels
-players are more knowledgeable regarding rules
-surrounded by a group of folks with a passion for 40K

I've been attending larger events the better part of a decade now and I can count on one hand how many bad games I've gotten.

RTTs or pick up games at the FLGS- it's a bit more hit or miss.

Drinking and hanging out with new people, who then become friends, who you then see again and again at events all over the country.

Getting to play with gamers from entirely different countries (i.e., we'll have England, Ireland, Australia, Kuwait, Russia, Poland, Germany, Denmark, and more at NOVA this year ... and I got to play and drink with a bunch of Norweigans at AdeptiCon this past year).

Getting to do cool stuff in other cities, often with gamers who share your interests and the opportunity for limitless conversation and fun.

Playing awesome games of 40k with fully painted armies and usually really fun socializing among players.

Also, occasionally, getting to play in really competitive, tight games with epic photo finishes (even when they don't go your way ...).

Building a social network that has a really special bond beyond that which you experience with your routine local friends. There's a lot to be said for the genuine way in which people who don't get to see each other often interact at tournaments. The Wednesday night opener at Giordano's or the Sunday evening closer at Buffalo Wild Wings at AdeptiCon or NOVA respectively is a truly epic tradition that people talk about for weeks or months leading up to the events, and everyone is welcome in them - I've never heard or seen of someone getting cliqued out or shunned ... it's a really tight-knit community by nature, for any and all who join.

The spectacle. Something about turning the corner or opening the door into a giant hall full of thousands upon thousands of lovingly crafted pieces of terrain laid out on hundreds of tables and sideboards and hundreds of players is an experience not worth missing. Plus at the big events like feast, adepticon, nova, etc., you'll also see incredible displays and set-pieces that go above and beyond the game component to true art or just super lolzy geekoutism.

Is epic good time!

Also, thanks for the post

Playing armies you don't normally play against.
Looking at awesome paint jobs and conversions.
Meeting up with old comrades.

 Sarigar wrote:
Larger events (two day event GT styled) are the games I tend to have the least issues with. In regards to just the game itself:

-terrain is a higher quality than an FLGS

that is quite the oppsite for me. I see lots of home made stuff that is obviously home made. I was spoiled though at the chicago bunker with the manager there tim building terrain for things like our mordheim league that looks like a studio built terrain piece. Absolutly gorgous. Much better then green mats and pink foam IMO

 Frazzled wrote:

Meeting up with old comrades.

See, this is what I find most fun. I sat with several of the vendors and just talked. I got to see people I havent since the LVO and just talked and joked with them.

 namiel wrote:

 Sarigar wrote:
Larger events (two day event GT styled) are the games I tend to have the least issues with. In regards to just the game itself:

-terrain is a higher quality than an FLGS

that is quite the oppsite for me. I see lots of home made stuff that is obviously home made. I was spoiled though at the chicago bunker with the manager there tim building terrain for things like our mordheim league that looks like a studio built terrain piece. Absolutly gorgous. Much better then green mats and pink foam IMO

Ahem.

i love playing on that terrain

MVBrandt wrote:

 namiel wrote:

 Sarigar wrote:
Larger events (two day event GT styled) are the games I tend to have the least issues with. In regards to just the game itself:

-terrain is a higher quality than an FLGS

that is quite the oppsite for me. I see lots of home made stuff that is obviously home made. I was spoiled though at the chicago bunker with the manager there tim building terrain for things like our mordheim league that looks like a studio built terrain piece. Absolutly gorgous. Much better then green mats and pink foam IMO

Ahem.

Spoiler:

small but that is an 8x4 trench table


Just SOME of the mordheim terrain built by the staff for a league we ran

Anyone have a picture of the freeway terrain from LA's Battle Bunker? Looked great, but once you actually got to playing on it, it was kind of a pain.


While we're on this scenery bend, I'll add that in seeing new terrain you get ideas on how to go home and build some stuff on your own.

Which, I'm going to head out, and wire cutter my way through some Insul-Foam for some FLG inspired 'hills'. Prolly paint 'em green.

To be fair, that NOVA terrain pictured looks... even better when its lights are on. LEDs FTW!
For example, this one from the center background of the above photo

Meeting all the people from the forums with whom you've exchanged comments.

Finding out that those well painted minis you saw on the internet look even better in person.

I am used to adepticon and what not which is mostly pink foam terrain and green mats on folding tables. Now not to say that I am ungreatful because they put a F ton of work into getting everything ready. I just see better stuff at the FLGS and GW because there is more time to do some of the work.

Again I do appreciate all of the work TO's put into getting things ready for the tournments

For me, one of the most thrilling and positive experiences at a GT is the challenge of playing good opponents bringing their A game.

If I lose because someone out played me and is generally a better player, I find that very satisfying as it means I have met a worthy opponent and have a unique opportunity to learn from the experience.

Likewise, if I win because of superior tactics and play against another good player, that makes the victory all the sweeter! =)

My orks show up. That usually makes a good deal of people smile.

 mortetvie wrote:
For me, one of the most thrilling and positive experiences at a GT is the challenge of playing good opponents bringing their A game.

If I lose because someone out played me and is generally a better player, I find that very satisfying as it means I have met a worthy opponent and have a unique opportunity to learn from the experience.

Likewise, if I win because of superior tactics and play against another good player, that makes the victory all the sweeter! =)

I have actually watched Pokemon now that my son is of age for it. I completely missed it in the 90s and 00s.

Thus, nicely, Adam, even as a compliment, I observe that you are truly a product of the Pokemon generation. You may as well be quoting Ash Ketcham.

I wana be the very best...like no one evar was.

I used to watch that show before school while eating breakfast lol...

I liked power rangers and VR troopers better though but that was more after school programming.

It maybe easier to create a static theme display terrain table at ones home or local game store. If for no other reason than you do not have to move it. But you will see some amazing setups at most conventions if you take the time to look about. Been some pretty nice ones at AdeptICon over the years.

Being able to travel with your spouse and at the same time play some 40k games.

Hopefully I can do this next year at LVO and Nova.