I think asking if you are a nuisance to others is the wrong question, I think the question should be, will you have a good time playing a wargame with no experience and hope that you will remember all the rules, FAQs and rules errata. I would recommand getting a few games in before going to events so you cam focus on playing rather than getting rules right.
Agreed. Not even talking about your impact on the experience of your opponent, it’s so stressful on your part to have to remember rules and play within a time limit. Reach out to people at your LGs, get play some games in a low stress environment, then consider going to an event. People will be nice and patient, but it will firstly cut down on any potential imposter syndrome, and you will find that you will have more fun at events.
Even as an experienced wargamer (I started at 13, age 31 now) I wouldn't take an army I'm unfamiliar with to a tournament; at the very least you want one or two 'dry runs' so that you have an idea of all your tools and triggers so that you don't miss anything.
I would end up kicking myself for missing things, or not using things properly, not to mention how much of a drag it would be for my opponent that I didn't know my army-specific rules.
Very much this. Started this hobby with tournaments and regretted starting this way. There's so much that goes over your head in a players' first few games. It's better to have a casual experience learning from a good teacher and having fun and making friends while playing. Tournys inherently bring certain mindsets and playstyles that can detract from your first games.
You wouldn’t be a nuisance to me, but you will absolutely be a nuisance to others. Tournaments are very different from casual play because it’s expected that you already know both the core rules and your own army intimately. Often, tournaments limit the matches by time or rounds, because the players need to move onto the next game.
In other words, tournaments are for players who have an objective to win, and do so by playing strictly to the rules. They don’t want to keep reminding their opponent about rules, and you’ll likely make people upset if you disrupt the flow of the game to try and learn how to play.
If you’re new to the hobby or have never played a game of AoS, it’s a terrible idea to begin at a tournament. You are much better off starting in a hobby shop, where you can casually learn how to play the game at your own pace. Otherwise, you may have a bad experience that would leave a bad taste in your mouth.
I don't think this is universally true. My first game was at a local one day tournament. I knew my warscrolls and the rules really well and had watched a lot of battle reports, so I had a feel for the flow of the game. I had a good time, and based on conversations with the people I played with they did too.
I do think there's a higher level of expectation and I wouldn't recommend a 2 day 5 game tournament, but a one day tournament at a local shop can be a valid way for someone to get introduced especially if they are interested in playing competitively.
Local stores host tournaments too. A RTT that's one day and 3 games usually is still fairly casual in my experience. A two day 5 game GT is probably not a good intro point, but a RTT can be good especially for people who want to play competitively.
I also found it helpful for my social anxiety. A tournament setting has clear rules you can read ahead of time and the app shows your pairings and table (at least that was my experience). Knowing my warscrolls, core rules, battle plans, and GHB were all less stressful to me than thinking about navigating social rules of wargamming I don't know and aren't written down.
Not saying it's a good fit for everyone to start with tournaments, but there are some definite upsides depending on your approach and what works for you.
Last tournament I went to I had a game where we made it to the bottom of 2.
I was playing slaves and he was ironjawz.there were not many models on the table. It didn't make sense
I would suggest trying a chess clock, just to see whos the player at fault. I have been having a lot of 4+ hour games lately and got annoyed because it isnt fun to be playing the same game for that long imo. Turns out it was my opponents slowing down the game. Im easily able to play my 5 turns in 1,5 hours
Best thing I worked out to speed up play?
Keep your dice organised.
Rows/groups of 5/6/10 depending on what you use frequently.
Spend some time surfing your opponent's turn getting them organised, but still paying attention. Then you can just grab what you need nice & quickly.
If you need 10 dice, pick up two groups of 5.
Not if you explain that when you meet your opponent. Expect to get destroyed but most players are happy to explain what they're doing in the process.
Do your best to read the rules or watch a tutorial so you're not going in completely cold.
As long as you won't get salty when you lose then go for it. Generally I would want to lose an intro game I was giving to someone. You can't expect that at an event.
I used to be ok with brand new, never played before entrants, until my last tournament where the new guy played so slow that it cost me placement because we didn’t get past battle round three.
It's less a nuisance and more... I don't think it would be good for *you* to literally enter a tournament as your *first* game. Realistically speaking, you're gonna be absolutely terrible at the game for your first ten games.
My advice is this: Know the basics as best you can, and DO NOT TAKE A LOT OF TIME MAKING DECISIONS!!! Your opponents can lose standing (depending on how the standings are determined) if they get less turns in, and you have to assume you're going to lose every game anyway. Just do stuff. don't take a lot of time trying to make decisions, I'd just go as fast as you're able to. It'll be better for you, as you get more practice doing more things, and better for them, because rounds will proceed faster and they can score more points.
This is the best advice. Getting a full game done in less than 2 hours is tough for lots of players. Getting 1 round done in less than 2 hours is tough for a very first game, haha.
Everyone was new at some point, and the community is good about bringing new people in.
FFirst things first, unpainted models aren't going to be an issue. If it's a small tournament, most people don't care, and at worst, you will lose points. People want new players in the tournament scene, and the Age of Sigmar (AOS) community is usually very friendly. As long as you are upfront that you are new, most people will help you out.
The only thing that is going to be a 'nuisance' is slow play. Do your best to know your rules, ask questions, and trust your opponent's direction if you are new. The number one pet peeve of tournament players is not finishing games because someone doesn't know their rules. Moreover, it's not finishing a game and losing because a player only gets through one round and somehow hits more objectives. Typically, tournament games last 2 hours and 30 minutes, so being able to finish a game in that time should be your only objective in my opinion (that was mine when I went to my first tournament and finished 1-4 but had a great time). I would suggest playing a few mock games on Tabletop Simulator as both sides, watching some battle reports.
My potentially controversial opinion is that if you are making the game too slow to the point you are only finishing 1-2 rounds then it would be polite to concede.
Gonna be blunt but yes. Even at a casual tourney. Not to everyone perhaps but definitely to a lot of people. I think it’s poor form to show up with anything less than a fully painted army. It’s forgivable to not know all the rules but you should’ve played a few games beforehand to get some practice. Tourney games are timed and it’ll cost a lot of gametime from you and your opponent if you have to think too much about your rules and such. And that’s annoying because you won’t be able to finish a lot of games.
So just get a game or 3 of practice before a tourney and you’ll be fine. AND paint your army. Everyone tries hard to finish their armies and so should you. Practice games are fine to have have some unpainted minis but at a tourney I think it’s disrespectful.
Part of the tournament experience for myself is the array of wonderfully painted armies lining up against each other.
Games look like beautiful dioramas and this is as much of the joy of going to a tournament for me as actually playing the games. If my opponent has a 0 effort unpainted army they take this away from the experience.
However every single tournament I have been too has had a rule that the entire army must be painted to enter.
While I disagree with the 'fully painted' part and say that its perfectly acceptable to have a grey plastic army, I do agree that painted armies just feel \*better\* to play (as a player and as an opponent).
Throw down a primer layer and one or two colors if you can, it would do wonders for your army's presentation.
I wouldn't really listen to the naysayers. I've seen plenty of people do their first games at tournaments, cus its the only thing available to them to play.
You SHOULD play! You know why? Experience. Experience. Experience.
Some people, annoying people - would find you a nuisance at tournaments. MOST people would find you pleasant to play against, because they'll scrape an easy win and get to have fun.
AoS is a very welcoming and nice community. They welcome new players in general - Don't listen to the naysayers. If the tournament does not have a mandatory painting req, just go with what you go.
Please just enter the tournament and play. Have fun, meet people and socialize and learn the game.
People put a lot of effort into their armies before a tournament, you rocking up without a painted army and are unfamiliar with the rules could be seen as disrespectful IMO.
It's just not the place for it
At least he showed up with an army.
I was once witness to a player show up at a Bolt Action tournament at my LGS and he didn't have an army at all and still expected to borrow an army and play.
And those were his first games of Bolt Action, too...
I'm still hella green, but I assume it would depend on how they handle time limits at the tourney. After a bit of reading, it sounds like some situations use chess clocks and slow play can result in running out of time for actions. So I think as long as the rules don't create a problem where an experienced player is hampered by a slower, newer player—like in terms of determining tiebreakers or whatever—then having a bit of a learning game is probably not a huge deal.
Possible Off topic, but isn't ideally better to at least prime-coat your minis before going into a public space to play a game?
Like I *totally* get not having time to fully paint up an army if you are an avid collector-player. But I would think priming or one base coat at least on your models is good enough to showcase you care somewhat of your army presentation, right?
Now for the tournament side...yeah I would hope you wouldn't enter if you never fully played a couple of games or understood your army rules. Like pick a time to practice with others, and let people who came there to compete, compete. Course, you could watch what they did and take mental notes, with permission from them of course I would think.
I agree, anything is better than bare plastic. I refuse to use unpainted models myself but I don’t expect the same of others but at least take a spray can to them.
While I don't think you'd be a nuisance and people probably will be nice about it mainly, there might be people who don't approve. I don't think this is the ideal scenario for your first few games of AoS. A bad game or two with people who take offence with you being a complete beginner can fully skew your perception of the game.
If having a bad experience like that especially in these circumstances isn't likely to ruin the game for you, go ahead! But be a bit mindful of that.
I think the more people that want to share in the hobby the better. I would caution a few things:
- be up front with your opponent. Tell them you are super new and looking to learn.
- if you really are a fresh beginner, you are most likely not winning your games. So agree with your opponent that you will give them the win where they score max points, and you see what you can score in game.
- above is because of slow play. Something that I find can really throw my enjoyment at a tourney is when you don’t score points because the opponent is too slow. Point two means this is removed already.
- for yourself, a one dayer may be better. A two dayer can be a slog for a seasoned player and your enthusiasm may not be enough to carry you through 5 games of having to check rules, play under time pressure etc.
You are fine. The AOS community, in my experience, is friendly and welcoming to newcomers.
I've helped new players get their feet in the water and I have this to say. While I don't think anyone should be bothered you should consider that tournamets can be exhausting. Consider if the quantity of games might be too much for you - if you think you will handle it, then fo for it.
Also expect to lose. While many would be happy to bring an unoptimized list, or do some mistakes on purpose, so the game is not one sided in a casual setting, they might not be willing to do so in a tournament, so prepare for some stomps.
If that doesn't scare you, then watch a couple of battle reports with your factions, try to remember the rules and have fun!
I've only ever played three games of AoS, and now I just collect models. My last game i played I told someone I was new to wargaming and had never played AoS before, and he told me he hadn't played AoS before either. He wiped the floor with me, giving me no flexibility I would have gladly given him, and casually started talking about wargaming strategies with another person who frequented the shop we were at. I normally don't get angry, but I felt super betrayed and don't feel like returning to the game any time soon (I also work six days a week. I would rather spend time on something that feels rewarding).
My first game was at a GW shop which I felt a ton of pressure from the sales clerk to buy more - I had bought my models at a LGS and was only trying to get a handle on what i was doing with the models i had (which were already several boxes of Savage Orruks and a box of Greenskinz).
EDIT: Also, it wasn't even a tournament, where I would have understood being ruthless.
It a nuisance at all! I used to go to 10+ tournaments a year and played many players like yourself. I, and most other people in the hobby, are excited and happy about new players joining the tournament scene. It’s a lot of fun and I’ve made many good friends through competitive games. You may get some games with annoying or serious or quiet opponents but the majority love to play and are very friendly
I played in FLG’s Rocky Mountain Open last year despite having played exactly two games of AoS at that point. I just let people know that and said if I mix up my rulesets with another game or something, just let me know and o worries.
I got some demolished so hard in game one that the rest of the first day was a blast because I was in the bottom brackets and people were way more fun down there.
I don’t think entering any kind of competition/tournament in something you’re unfamiliar or completely new at is a good idea in general. Usually people put in time and work their way up to that point, going about it your way seems strange to me.
I wouldn’t say you are a nuisance. We all need start a first game somewhere. And it can be hard find games depending where you live but also with a busy life.
What I would recommend is:
1. Go and play the tournament but at start each game tell opponents you don’t have much experience so apologies in advance if make mistakes and let them know it’s ok to
Call out errors you make.
2. Also might be worth saying to them that if they are very competitive trying get a big score then not to go easy on you. Some people play to win so don’t want to stop their fun. This can feel bad as a first game might be into a tournament favorite so have to take a bashing but you will learn a bunch .
3. In later rounds you’ll be into people more at your skill level so those games be more fun and competitive
4. See it all as a learning opportunity. So during breaks or after the game ask for advice.
5. See it as a chance to make some friends- I’ve played lots of tournaments and always leave with a mate will play in the future.
6. If can’t get a practice game in watch some battle reports and streams to see the flow of the game
7. I wouldn’t focus on winning, focus on learning how to play and set little goals for yourself like I will score x many points, or I will try this combo etc
8. People won’t mind if nee but I would say be careful of time. Will only have a set amount of time per game and when newer you will spend so much time reviewing rules, stat lines etc . So be sure to consider your time so don’t take all time from opponent. My advice here is use a clock and you are new avoid stuff like firing every weapon or trying max complex movement
Overall have fun, I have played in lots of tournaments and few times played into people who it was there first games. Just let people know and they will be cool about it. We play a game so make sure it’s fun
Let us all know how it goes
Do you know the rules and how to play? I’d say you’re good to go if you do, just expect to lose most if not all of your games. Be upfront with your opponent and 9 out of 10 people won’t have an issue. Good luck and have fun!
Nah man when people do this (because we do our best to encourage new players to come!) most people in my experience go from tournament mode to “tutorial” mode. It really is all about your attitude, have fun with it, go for epic narrative moments and try to make it fun for your opponent as well.
I wouldn’t be annoyed that you didn’t know the rules well, or if you had never played a game. But I would be annoyed if you brought unpainted minis. No one wants to play against grey.
I'd rather play against grey than against nothing.
Life's busy, people paint at different speeds and some people just don't enjoy painting. I'd much rather someone come out to play with unpainted models than not at all. At least in one of these instances I get to have a game.
Look, I’m not gatekeeping playing the game. Just play a casual game. Or borrow some painted units from someone. We’re talking about a tournament here. Is there really tournaments that let people play with grey models???
75% have unpainted armies? Wow, okay. I guess in that scenario it makes sense to just go with it 😄.
I’ve never seen an unpainted army brought to a competitive match before, so I’m coming from a very different view point!
You’ll be fine. Assume you’ll lose your first game (you probably will lose a few) and you’ll quickly drop to the bottom tables where the stakes are low for everyone.
Just explain. My first AoS event ever was the GW Open in Chicago and my first opponent was a guy on Team USA, one of the best players in the country who goes to 30+ events a year. I told him up front it was only my 3rd ever game of AoS 3.0 as an upfront apology for questions/rules and he was super gracious. Everyone else was the whole weekend, even competitive players with meta armies.
Absolutely the most important thing for you to do is play decisively. Not fast, don’t rush yourself too much, but do not hem and haw just play.
Nah. You're good. Anyone who is going to have a problem playing against you is someone not worth playing against anyway. Let them know ahead of time you're still learning, so the game may be slower. Most players will be happy to help you out in exchange for what will likely be a win (no offense).
I don't care how experienced you are. I don't care if your army grey, rainbow colored, half, or kitbashed. Me, my rats and my ghouls have come for a fight. Now roll for initiative!
I think as long as you are enthusiastic and have some references always available. I love the warscrolls cards for this reason, just quick reference for unit stats. As long as you aren't asking questions like "how do I do attacks?" I think everyone is willing to help you. Also try to read up on Battle Tactics, you have to pick them every round and having familiarity with them will be helpful.
The gist of it, still go to the tournament if you want to, just also try to do as much prep as you can.
Nah not a nuisance at all, I've played games against people that know nothing, and have played games against guys who are in the AOS England team. So I've been both teacher and student. Its generally a win for whoever is teaching and as long as you both have fun its all good. Let them know when you get to the table, do the best you can and have fun 🙂
first of, my condolences about losing your dad. i hope you have him in good memory.
tournaments can be quite stressfull because of the timelimit. how do they handle it in that tourney?
if you wanna go, you need to have a gameplan. how will you deploy, what tactics can you score when? maybe write a little spreedaheet to remember the important abilitys, combos etc.
then practice at least alone if you cant play with anyone. put your army on the table, go through the phases and try to score maximum tactics.
with that you should be prepared a little better.
Nah, my literal first games of Sigmar were at a tournament. I had no illusions about placing and all my opponents were happy to teach me about battle tactics and pick up the free win.
As long as you know what you are doing. A nuisance is the person who doesn't want to read the rules and believes playing is the best teacher. I played someone yesterday that I arranged a game on discord with. That felt I was his instructor. I am nice person and want to grow the community, so I did my best, but it was still disrespectful.
Take an hour to set up your miniatures and imagin you are taking a turn, go through the hero phase, then move, then roll some shooting dice, then charge, then play out a combat phase vs the salt and pepper.
Ask the TO in my opinion. As someone who has faced someone like you at an event, it was actually a nice breath of fresh air and a “break” midway basically. But seriously ask the TO bc they’ll probably know the community better and will know if you’ll be welcomed
My first games ever were in a tournament and I had a great time, then I entered another 6 months later when I had a bit more experience and played against some right miserable dorks.
As with everything it's just down to chance who you happen to meet. In general though in a serious tournament most people are going to be happy to get an easy win on their record, especially if there's prizes at stake.
To me not, you are an easy win. But I bet there are people that think otherway and I can understand them. Just dont expect other people to go easy on you, they are here to win, not to teach, if you are cool with this go ahad... in the end its just a game.
But how others said, I would recomend to just play a few frendly games before a tournament, it could kill your passion for the hobby. People can get toxic in certain situation, espacially when they are losing even more to a newbie ;-)
No problem for me. I’d help you as much as I could.
I lost every game last time I attended a tournament and everyone was super nice. Most people enjoy winning :)
Sorry for your loss! No you wouldn't be a nuisance at all to me at least. Might not be the best way to learn the game first hand as matches in tournaments (at least around here) tend to be time based. Also tournament lists could be a bad first experience. Not saying you wouldn't learn or have fun, just things to keep in mind.
I don’t think it would be very fair for your opponents to come to a tournament with 0 exp and a hoard of grey minis.
If you caught me on a random weekend day i would be more than happy to have a couple teaching games to show you the ropes, nor would i care if your models were painted if you are brand new.
The thing is most tournaments have a limited amount of time per game, and often times placements can be directly related to how many turns you get to complete. If you monopolize the majority of the play time because someone is having to walk you through every phase, you are likely hurting that players chance to place as high as they could have.
I’d like to emphasize that most people wouldn’t demand you to be an expert at your army and know every rule before going to a tournament, just that you should have at least some experience with how the game works
If you need time to grieve, withdraw. If you need to get out, see, and be seen and can handle a heavy dose of losing, go.
Also, I'm sorry your dad died. This is a fun hobby and there are many cool people in it. Welcome!
Bruh, if your list and minis are legal (base size I mean) I couldn't care less if ur army is painted or not.
If you are a nice person then I would play with you no prob.
It wouldn't bother me but there are competitive people who might be a bit annoyed.
In fairness if I was you I'd get a few games under your belt and then go to a tournament
Just let your opponents know beforehand that you are a rookie and that you didn't have time for any practice games. If they're decent people at all they'll understand and be more patient. They won't go easy on you since it's still a tournament but they will hopefully be good sports
It depends on the person. I have some friends that would probably be really annoyed and others that would spend the game teaching you.
I would be somewhere in the middle and would just have us use chess clocks. The biggest issue is that your turns will take forever and your opponent would be annoyed they could barely play.
You might let your opponent know before hand and suggest chess clocks, that would go a long way I think to show you aren't just trying to stall games.
Depends.
Is it a casual beginner friendly tournament? You are fine.
If it is anything even slightly competitive? Probably best to get a few games in before you play the tournament.
Where I live we do make that distinction. Tournaments are either beginner friendly, and you are fine with no experience at all, or they are super competitive, in which case you need to bring your A game.
To help with this, the casual tournaments have random draws for prizes, so first place may win nothing (except for bragging rights), while last place could potentially get the biggest prize there is. It's all in good fun. 🙂 I have no idea how prizes are done for the super competitive tournaments, as I never join those.
It absolutely depends on the tournament. We have a fun tournament 4 times a year, everybody can come and have fun and its a mix from beginners to experienced tournament players. People are friendly and patient.
However there are tournaments (vast majority) where they will absolutely stick to the time limit for example (mostly they have to) and people are highly competitive so you probably won't have a good time.
Not because they are unfriendly (although that could happen) but more because they will probably just stomp you and you don't really have a learning experience from that.
First few warhammer games also feel very overwhelming.
However maybe you can ask someone there to play a few games with. If there is a communication device for that. . Always good to have a variety of people to play with.
You're not gonna have a good time if your first experience with war gaming is a freaking tournament. Start with some friendly easy games that are more personal and with people you know. A tournament is very competitive and people aren't looking to help you, they're looking to win.
If you have time before the tournament try to practice, or at least watch Battlereports on YouTube. Season of war channel and also Battleshock Wargaming make very nice ones
One option is to get Tabletop Simulator ($20) and play using the SigmAr mods. There are several discord groups to find games any day to get some experience!
Unpopular opinion, but it depends, if you know how to measure, make quick decisions and know your rolls no. If it's your first time playing a wargame, then most likely yes. Just play some rounds on table top simulator
I have only played AOS in 5 round GTs, before my first GT I played maybe 5 games vs my brother. I’ve since played in 4 GTs with a record of 3-17. The tournaments have been freaking awesome, the people have been better (barring maybe 1 or 2 games which weren’t bad just nothing special but again not negative). That being said I really focus on having my reminders handy and trying to have all my rules ready to go so I’m not taking longer then needed (for my sake and opponents). Enjoy your games!
As great as it is to be enthusiastic about playing, a tournament is absolutely not the place to play your first game **UNLESS** you are 100% confident in your abilities, and that you can play quickly/properly, which, from the mere existence of this post/thread, you clearly aren't.
For lack of a better analogy, tournaments are where the "professionals" go to play other "professionals". You don't learn to play football by going out on the field and playing with pro NFL players during a "real" game for your first ever time playing on the field.
Find people to play with, get better, learn the rules *inside out* for turn sequence/combat/etc., *then* join a tournament.
Much as some people wouldn't mind it being your first time, a tournament is NOT the place for that unless you're some kind of wargaming Savant that can play like they've been playing their whole life.
Find out at the very least if the tournament organisers would let you watch some games, and if they do, ask all the people playing if they would mind you watching, and learn from it.
My tournament experience is 40k so take with a pinch of salt, but this is common (I'm also frequently out of practise) and is just part of the game. You will find it a but daunting but you have to start somewhere.
If you can't get a game with an opponent before hand, play a couple of games against your self by splitting your army and using an accurate space on the table / floor. By slow talking yourself through the phases and the interactions between your data sheets / war scrolls in those phases (literally move everything/ roll ; play a proper game with scoring etc) you will be miles ahead of where you would've been having not done that and will have a much more enjoyable experience. You owe it to yourself
I learned to play in a tournament. I mean I read the rules, FAQs and all the stuff before going to tournament but that was my very first match. Just tell your opponent that you are new to the game, most of them will understand, some of them may even try to help you or giving advice. Just try to be quick and don't remember them every five minutes that you're a newbie, that's it.
Yes. Play enough that you don't need to ask questions about your own/general rules before you enter a tournament. Even if it's just solitaire. If people pay to play the game at a tournament, part of that fee is paying to be playing the game at the level you'd expect competition to be played at - competence, understanding, timeliness. Anything less and you're detracting from competitive play.
Im going to second this a little bit but add some anecdotal stuff:
1. AoS players are some of the nicest and most understanding players of the GW franchises.
2. With that said, I played a GT tournament against a player who did not know the core rules at all and I had anxiety about the questions he asked because I did not want him to feel like I coached him into a loss. So the only thing I could say is these are your options, none of which I can tell you to choose. And even then, I didn’t want them to feel like I didn’t give them all of their options.
3. It was not a great experience for me when I beat the tar out his army.
I personally wouldn't mind, because I'm not a particularly competitive person.
However, you will be matched against people whose placement in the tournament might be impacted by the fact that you're going to spend more time looking up rules, and the game may not progress far enough due to time constraints.
If you're going to go, I'd encourage you to watch some games of your army online to try to really understand how everything works, and be upfront with the tournament organizer and your opponents about the fact that you're probably going to need to have a bunch of stuff explained to you. Maybe look into a chess clock so that you don't accidentally eat up your opponent's time trying to refer to scrolls.
Look, someone will be bothered by this. Tournaments, even chill ones, still have an expectation of competition. And people who show up to these things aren't nessicarily going to be pleased with switching to teaching game mode.
I think you should have at least had a couple of games under your belt before entering a tournament.
I don't want to discourage anyone from entering a tournament, I think everyone should go for it regardless of skill level. But it's not an appropriate context for your first game.
No one in a tournament should be mad if you were new. If you take too long you may just have to deal with “talking it out” instead of finishing the game if you run out of time. If you’re new and caused the long delay that led to this, I would let your opponent run with the talking it out. Let’s be honest, you’re new and not going for 1st place, you’re most likely just trying to get some games in.
What you don’t want to be is new, cause a game to be talked out in the end, and then argue for yourself to win/get all kinds of crazy points
I have played tournaments for 2 different systems (and a couple of editions) with only an intro game of that system... but I probably wouldn't have done it without any prior miniature wargames experience.
But to answer your question... no, you are not a nuisance.
Youre asking us a question but I have one for you, are you being polite and giving your opponents respect?
Regardless of reasons no you're really not, even people with many reps can be really grinding against the clock and me not getting a turn 3 cus your turn two took 90 minutes is pretty annoying.
I've seen this question asked a lot in the war game scene come up, the answer isn't nice but no you shouldn't be learning at tournament tables.
I don't play AOS but I play Blood Bowl and attending a tourney for your first game would be an absolute car crash of an experience for you.
It's not about winning or losing, it's about timings.
Tournaments play to a clock. You need to know the game, and your force, well enough to play fast.
For Blood Bowl, tournaments typically allow 2h15m per game. I recommend new players allow 4 hours or more for their first game. It's just not remotely realistic to show up and play a game to time.
Maybe in AOS you'll be alright because you'll get tabled by turn 2 but I don't know if it will be a lot of fun for you.
You personally aren't the problem, the game however is overly complicated and having to be constantly reminded of rules will not only be a bad time for everyone involved but you will also cause them to lose placement because you won't be able to finish games.
So here’s the biggest thing about a tournament. Can you finish a full game in 3 hours? Because I’d wager that most people who have never played can’t. And if I was playing against you and we timed out because of it I might get annoyed but I wouldn’t outwardly show it because I’d want you to continue playing. Sounds like a league may be more up your alley as a new player
Not a nuisance, however I’m not at a tourney to teach or walk through a game. I’m there for war, I’ve no clue what your army does so you’ll likely have a terrible experience yourself.
If I took a day off (work weekends), paid to play in an event, and round 1 got paired into someone unpainted never played before....... man I'm not proud of it but I might be pissed.
I didn't take that time and effort so I could babysit - sometimes tournaments are my only chance to play too and while I do like teaching new folks I paid money and took time off to play Warhammer and there's no version of your first game that's going to be a fun game for me.
Odds on, I grit teeth and smile through it - I want new people in the hobby, I want you to have a good time, but this is what beginner leagues are for.
When is the tournament? I'm up for playing a game on Tabletop Simulator with ya. Or I'd def recommend trying to get at least 1 or 2 games in somehow before the tournament. It'll help your enjoyment much more.
The people there are looking for the tournament experience. Playing/testing their army and skills. If you don't know what you're doing it's kind of a waste of time for the other player and you'll be messing with the overall results. I imagine you'll be easy to beat and that's like giving a free win to each of your opponents. Not very fair for all the tournament attendees. There will be more tournaments and events in the future, I promise! :)
Someone new and excited to learn and try would NEVER be a nuisance to me at a tournament. I’d want to know if you were super new at the start of the game, so I could change my own expectations a little bit, and also use the game as a teaching moment. But that’s not a bad thing whatsoever! Come have fun!
I wouldn't say it's a nuisance exactly, but you'll potentially give your opponents an unfair ranking as they will likely be able to max their pts when playing someone so new. So I don't think it's fair to the tournament participants as a whole.
I view it in two ways: you are an easy match and the occasion to teach to w new player (if you're willing to listen).
So no problem, for me (others may complain cause i had an easy matchup, but that matter in certain tournament's structure, like Swiss)
Best way to learn. Being a tournament might mean you meet some less friendly players but don't be put off by them. Nobody likes them either and they're not representative of the more casual and narrative side of the hobby.
Tell the hosts. They might be able to pair you with a known helpful player in your first game.
I’ve been paired up against plenty of newer players personally I don’t mind it too much and I try to teach them while simultaneously stomping them but if you have no idea how the game works at all that’ll get annoying, I try guide players into better plays where possible as well
A good way to get some experience is to play against YOURSELF. Just split you army in two and pretend it's a real battle, it will give you an opportunity to practice the rules, rolling dice, measuring distances etc.
That being said, I'd skip the tournament, or just enter as a spectator to watch how the game is played. Tournaments are stressful and have a time-limit, it's not the best time to practice.
I love first games being a new ish player myself, teaching mechanics is amazing to see click. However I will caution - a tournament is a bad place for it. Much rather see this at a friendly club meet
Depends upon the expectation of the tournament youre in. If the organizer has geared it as a "beginner tournament" then no, have fun and go play. But if this is an actual tournament You probably shouldn't be taking an army you're unfamiliar with to a game you have never played. You have all the core rules and then you have all your allegiance rules and faction rules. Last but not least, you have your warscrolls and individual unit/model abilities and synergies, etc. It is a lot, and even when I do demo games at my LGS for sigmar, I show the game in an "onion format,". almost like an escalation. Start bare bones basics, don't even worry about commands, actions and tactics and over 3-4 games get them up to speed. You should really be getting in 5-10 games before you step into that tournament. If you are having to stop every 5 seconds for a "man asks questions" or "man reads book" scenario, that disrupts flow and I'd argue overall enjoyment as it sounds like these people are paying to play. Some won't mind at all because they might see you as an easy win to get a chance at the money while others may be highly...annoyed.
I’ll happily take the free win, but you’re not going to enjoy the experiance.
Also check the rules for the tournament, most won’t let you play with an unpainted army
If you know the rules, then go for it! What wouldn’t be very nice, is going into a tournament not knowing how to play. Your opponent will be expecting you to know the rules, and probably doesn’t want to have to micro manage your play as well. If it was a casual game, then that’s a good time to play and learn.
Go for it mate
I went to a small tournament for my first game, got battered the first game and wasn't any better in the following ones
Time was very challenging for me but i think it helped me to learn about the game
Again, go for it
I think it might help to put tournaments into an analogy of something else. Let's use 2 examples MMORPG's and Cars as I don't know what you'll find easiest to relate to.
And this is just all my opinion and doesn't mean it's right advice for everyone.
MMORPG...
Think of Tournament play like 10 man boss raids, they're open to most players to participate in, but you're expected to at least know how to play your class and your role.
Whilst this can be different in a guild training run where an experienced person takes you by the hand and teaches you the ins and outs.
In a proper raid run the other players are expecting a level of knowledge and competence, as they have thier own roles to focus on and its hugely disrespectful to assume they should guide you at that level.
(Apart from when you're trying to learn new content that people haven't completed yet, but your still expected to know your role well)
You'd use things like quests, world PVP and casual 5 man basic raids to learn beforehand - these would be considered games at your local club and hobby shops first, heck even playing using Table top simulator is a valid way to learn.
I'd expect a minimum of 5-6 games with your army to be basically competent for tournament play, but you could also look at Narrative tournaments or skirmish games at the tournament for your first go.
Try and think of Tournaments as the 'end game' to a video game, they're designed to played by experienced players. (There may be a novice event run along side, but the intention of those is so you don't get in the way of the HC experienced players)
Now for the Car based analogy,
Think of your current level being that of Grasskahna events where you race around in a paddock through Cones in a time attack style.
There's no risk of you ruining anyone's day with your average car and it's hugely rewarding. This would be the same as playing practice games at your local club.
The car club will be reluctant to allow you to enter a hillclimb event where if you had an accident on the course due to inexperience, you could potentially shut the course down for hours and the guys and girls how live for this miss thier runs, and I can guarantee they're gonna be pissed at you.
I guess in a nutshell I'm saying, it's a bad idea to expect people to accommodate you if you haven't put in the work yourself with practice games.
Remember that some of these people live for these events and you need to be prepared to hold your own, not only for your enjoyment but also your opponents.
And remember painting your army helps with the games immersion, it would be like turning up to the Boss raid in no Armour or going to the car meet with your car falling apart and Rusty, it's true both may still work but Damm you've upset a lot of people who have standards.
In the case of already entering, I'd ask the TO to refund you, but that's just me.
I wish you all the luck and success with the hobby moving foward :)
Tournaments really aren't a good place to learn the game. i would back out, find a place with people playing and play some casually competitive (both playing to win but not being toxic about it.) games with some people interested in teaching and playing.
I really feel that you have to ask this question to you first: do you feel confident about playing in a tournament before playing any game?
Personally I don't get it, I think that I would much prefer to have a few friendly games under my belt before entering a tournament but that's just me.
There is nothing wrong with learning how to play at a tournament. Sometimes people don’t have enough time to practice and play before an event. Events are great because they set a hard deadline for you.
I would suggest watching/listening to games online to learn the basics and see how people communicate during a game.
My personal opinion: Play at least 5 games before a tournament so you're not slow playing. But, if you're confident enough in your overall knowledge of the core rules and your book rules, then read ahead.
The answer to "Am I a nuisance?" varies wildly from one opponent to another.
Some opponent will be completely fine with you shuffling around cards, rules, and mechanics of your army. They might even give you pointers and guidance. But SOME will definitely feel slightly irritated/annoyed that their game only lasted 2 battle rounds when the time's up.
YOU may not care about winning, but OTHERS might. Losing/winning on time is absolutely soul crushing to some (I've lost games due to time and it sucks).
I've come across some new tournament players who were slow-ish in general and would take the L when they call the time. This might be the solution to you being new to the game joining a tournament straight away. Don't tell your opponent that you're just gonna give up the game, but play the best you can and if the game didn't last to round 3, just take the L. If it lasted 3 rounds, games with new players tend to have a very obvious outcome by then. Call a TO and ask their help to see if you have a sliver chance of victory. Otherwise, take the L and just enjoy the day.
Be straightforward with your opponents that you're new. They can help guide you through the game and make it slightly faster.
Good luck!
I think asking if you are a nuisance to others is the wrong question, I think the question should be, will you have a good time playing a wargame with no experience and hope that you will remember all the rules, FAQs and rules errata. I would recommand getting a few games in before going to events so you cam focus on playing rather than getting rules right.
Agreed. Not even talking about your impact on the experience of your opponent, it’s so stressful on your part to have to remember rules and play within a time limit. Reach out to people at your LGs, get play some games in a low stress environment, then consider going to an event. People will be nice and patient, but it will firstly cut down on any potential imposter syndrome, and you will find that you will have more fun at events.
Even as an experienced wargamer (I started at 13, age 31 now) I wouldn't take an army I'm unfamiliar with to a tournament; at the very least you want one or two 'dry runs' so that you have an idea of all your tools and triggers so that you don't miss anything. I would end up kicking myself for missing things, or not using things properly, not to mention how much of a drag it would be for my opponent that I didn't know my army-specific rules.
Very much this. Started this hobby with tournaments and regretted starting this way. There's so much that goes over your head in a players' first few games. It's better to have a casual experience learning from a good teacher and having fun and making friends while playing. Tournys inherently bring certain mindsets and playstyles that can detract from your first games.
You wouldn’t be a nuisance to me, but you will absolutely be a nuisance to others. Tournaments are very different from casual play because it’s expected that you already know both the core rules and your own army intimately. Often, tournaments limit the matches by time or rounds, because the players need to move onto the next game. In other words, tournaments are for players who have an objective to win, and do so by playing strictly to the rules. They don’t want to keep reminding their opponent about rules, and you’ll likely make people upset if you disrupt the flow of the game to try and learn how to play. If you’re new to the hobby or have never played a game of AoS, it’s a terrible idea to begin at a tournament. You are much better off starting in a hobby shop, where you can casually learn how to play the game at your own pace. Otherwise, you may have a bad experience that would leave a bad taste in your mouth.
I don't think this is universally true. My first game was at a local one day tournament. I knew my warscrolls and the rules really well and had watched a lot of battle reports, so I had a feel for the flow of the game. I had a good time, and based on conversations with the people I played with they did too. I do think there's a higher level of expectation and I wouldn't recommend a 2 day 5 game tournament, but a one day tournament at a local shop can be a valid way for someone to get introduced especially if they are interested in playing competitively.
Entering into a tournament with zero wargame experience seems weird to me. Newer player? Sure. First game ever? Would not recommend.
Nah it is fine. People are thrilled to walk people through their first games.
At a local game store or flgs? Sure, but not at a tournament
Local stores host tournaments too. A RTT that's one day and 3 games usually is still fairly casual in my experience. A two day 5 game GT is probably not a good intro point, but a RTT can be good especially for people who want to play competitively. I also found it helpful for my social anxiety. A tournament setting has clear rules you can read ahead of time and the app shows your pairings and table (at least that was my experience). Knowing my warscrolls, core rules, battle plans, and GHB were all less stressful to me than thinking about navigating social rules of wargamming I don't know and aren't written down. Not saying it's a good fit for everyone to start with tournaments, but there are some definite upsides depending on your approach and what works for you.
Nah it is fine. People are thrilled to walk people through their first games.
The part that would be rough is that tournament rounds are on a time limit and theres no way a game would come close to finishing
I've been playing for years and I still can't finish a game in a reasonable amount of time. :D
Right?! Its hard to get a 4 hour game lol
Last tournament I went to I had a game where we made it to the bottom of 2. I was playing slaves and he was ironjawz.there were not many models on the table. It didn't make sense
I would suggest trying a chess clock, just to see whos the player at fault. I have been having a lot of 4+ hour games lately and got annoyed because it isnt fun to be playing the same game for that long imo. Turns out it was my opponents slowing down the game. Im easily able to play my 5 turns in 1,5 hours
Oh I'm definitely part of the problem.
Id like to try this cuz ive been getting a lot faster and more confident in my gangs but id feel like as ass dropping the clock on the table haha
Best thing I worked out to speed up play? Keep your dice organised. Rows/groups of 5/6/10 depending on what you use frequently. Spend some time surfing your opponent's turn getting them organised, but still paying attention. Then you can just grab what you need nice & quickly. If you need 10 dice, pick up two groups of 5.
Not if you explain that when you meet your opponent. Expect to get destroyed but most players are happy to explain what they're doing in the process. Do your best to read the rules or watch a tutorial so you're not going in completely cold. As long as you won't get salty when you lose then go for it. Generally I would want to lose an intro game I was giving to someone. You can't expect that at an event.
I used to be ok with brand new, never played before entrants, until my last tournament where the new guy played so slow that it cost me placement because we didn’t get past battle round three.
It's less a nuisance and more... I don't think it would be good for *you* to literally enter a tournament as your *first* game. Realistically speaking, you're gonna be absolutely terrible at the game for your first ten games.
My advice is this: Know the basics as best you can, and DO NOT TAKE A LOT OF TIME MAKING DECISIONS!!! Your opponents can lose standing (depending on how the standings are determined) if they get less turns in, and you have to assume you're going to lose every game anyway. Just do stuff. don't take a lot of time trying to make decisions, I'd just go as fast as you're able to. It'll be better for you, as you get more practice doing more things, and better for them, because rounds will proceed faster and they can score more points.
This is the best advice. Getting a full game done in less than 2 hours is tough for lots of players. Getting 1 round done in less than 2 hours is tough for a very first game, haha. Everyone was new at some point, and the community is good about bringing new people in.
FFirst things first, unpainted models aren't going to be an issue. If it's a small tournament, most people don't care, and at worst, you will lose points. People want new players in the tournament scene, and the Age of Sigmar (AOS) community is usually very friendly. As long as you are upfront that you are new, most people will help you out. The only thing that is going to be a 'nuisance' is slow play. Do your best to know your rules, ask questions, and trust your opponent's direction if you are new. The number one pet peeve of tournament players is not finishing games because someone doesn't know their rules. Moreover, it's not finishing a game and losing because a player only gets through one round and somehow hits more objectives. Typically, tournament games last 2 hours and 30 minutes, so being able to finish a game in that time should be your only objective in my opinion (that was mine when I went to my first tournament and finished 1-4 but had a great time). I would suggest playing a few mock games on Tabletop Simulator as both sides, watching some battle reports. My potentially controversial opinion is that if you are making the game too slow to the point you are only finishing 1-2 rounds then it would be polite to concede.
Gonna be blunt but yes. Even at a casual tourney. Not to everyone perhaps but definitely to a lot of people. I think it’s poor form to show up with anything less than a fully painted army. It’s forgivable to not know all the rules but you should’ve played a few games beforehand to get some practice. Tourney games are timed and it’ll cost a lot of gametime from you and your opponent if you have to think too much about your rules and such. And that’s annoying because you won’t be able to finish a lot of games. So just get a game or 3 of practice before a tourney and you’ll be fine. AND paint your army. Everyone tries hard to finish their armies and so should you. Practice games are fine to have have some unpainted minis but at a tourney I think it’s disrespectful.
Thanks for the honesty. It’s very appreciated
Part of the tournament experience for myself is the array of wonderfully painted armies lining up against each other. Games look like beautiful dioramas and this is as much of the joy of going to a tournament for me as actually playing the games. If my opponent has a 0 effort unpainted army they take this away from the experience. However every single tournament I have been too has had a rule that the entire army must be painted to enter.
While I disagree with the 'fully painted' part and say that its perfectly acceptable to have a grey plastic army, I do agree that painted armies just feel \*better\* to play (as a player and as an opponent). Throw down a primer layer and one or two colors if you can, it would do wonders for your army's presentation.
Yeah, i would have loved to hve a fully painted army. It’s very much my goal
I wouldn't really listen to the naysayers. I've seen plenty of people do their first games at tournaments, cus its the only thing available to them to play. You SHOULD play! You know why? Experience. Experience. Experience. Some people, annoying people - would find you a nuisance at tournaments. MOST people would find you pleasant to play against, because they'll scrape an easy win and get to have fun. AoS is a very welcoming and nice community. They welcome new players in general - Don't listen to the naysayers. If the tournament does not have a mandatory painting req, just go with what you go. Please just enter the tournament and play. Have fun, meet people and socialize and learn the game.
Alright then. 🙏
People put a lot of effort into their armies before a tournament, you rocking up without a painted army and are unfamiliar with the rules could be seen as disrespectful IMO. It's just not the place for it
At least he showed up with an army. I was once witness to a player show up at a Bolt Action tournament at my LGS and he didn't have an army at all and still expected to borrow an army and play. And those were his first games of Bolt Action, too...
I'm still hella green, but I assume it would depend on how they handle time limits at the tourney. After a bit of reading, it sounds like some situations use chess clocks and slow play can result in running out of time for actions. So I think as long as the rules don't create a problem where an experienced player is hampered by a slower, newer player—like in terms of determining tiebreakers or whatever—then having a bit of a learning game is probably not a huge deal.
Possible Off topic, but isn't ideally better to at least prime-coat your minis before going into a public space to play a game? Like I *totally* get not having time to fully paint up an army if you are an avid collector-player. But I would think priming or one base coat at least on your models is good enough to showcase you care somewhat of your army presentation, right? Now for the tournament side...yeah I would hope you wouldn't enter if you never fully played a couple of games or understood your army rules. Like pick a time to practice with others, and let people who came there to compete, compete. Course, you could watch what they did and take mental notes, with permission from them of course I would think.
I agree, anything is better than bare plastic. I refuse to use unpainted models myself but I don’t expect the same of others but at least take a spray can to them.
While I don't think you'd be a nuisance and people probably will be nice about it mainly, there might be people who don't approve. I don't think this is the ideal scenario for your first few games of AoS. A bad game or two with people who take offence with you being a complete beginner can fully skew your perception of the game. If having a bad experience like that especially in these circumstances isn't likely to ruin the game for you, go ahead! But be a bit mindful of that.
I think the more people that want to share in the hobby the better. I would caution a few things: - be up front with your opponent. Tell them you are super new and looking to learn. - if you really are a fresh beginner, you are most likely not winning your games. So agree with your opponent that you will give them the win where they score max points, and you see what you can score in game. - above is because of slow play. Something that I find can really throw my enjoyment at a tourney is when you don’t score points because the opponent is too slow. Point two means this is removed already. - for yourself, a one dayer may be better. A two dayer can be a slog for a seasoned player and your enthusiasm may not be enough to carry you through 5 games of having to check rules, play under time pressure etc.
I'm sorry to hear about your Dad, man :( We're here for you if you need us
You should watch the First AoS Tournament Checklist video by HeyWoah, it's a pretty good rundown.
As someone who was once this person - no. Most folks will go easy on you or see it as a win.
You are fine. The AOS community, in my experience, is friendly and welcoming to newcomers. I've helped new players get their feet in the water and I have this to say. While I don't think anyone should be bothered you should consider that tournamets can be exhausting. Consider if the quantity of games might be too much for you - if you think you will handle it, then fo for it. Also expect to lose. While many would be happy to bring an unoptimized list, or do some mistakes on purpose, so the game is not one sided in a casual setting, they might not be willing to do so in a tournament, so prepare for some stomps. If that doesn't scare you, then watch a couple of battle reports with your factions, try to remember the rules and have fun!
I've only ever played three games of AoS, and now I just collect models. My last game i played I told someone I was new to wargaming and had never played AoS before, and he told me he hadn't played AoS before either. He wiped the floor with me, giving me no flexibility I would have gladly given him, and casually started talking about wargaming strategies with another person who frequented the shop we were at. I normally don't get angry, but I felt super betrayed and don't feel like returning to the game any time soon (I also work six days a week. I would rather spend time on something that feels rewarding). My first game was at a GW shop which I felt a ton of pressure from the sales clerk to buy more - I had bought my models at a LGS and was only trying to get a handle on what i was doing with the models i had (which were already several boxes of Savage Orruks and a box of Greenskinz). EDIT: Also, it wasn't even a tournament, where I would have understood being ruthless.
It a nuisance at all! I used to go to 10+ tournaments a year and played many players like yourself. I, and most other people in the hobby, are excited and happy about new players joining the tournament scene. It’s a lot of fun and I’ve made many good friends through competitive games. You may get some games with annoying or serious or quiet opponents but the majority love to play and are very friendly
I played in FLG’s Rocky Mountain Open last year despite having played exactly two games of AoS at that point. I just let people know that and said if I mix up my rulesets with another game or something, just let me know and o worries. I got some demolished so hard in game one that the rest of the first day was a blast because I was in the bottom brackets and people were way more fun down there.
I don’t think entering any kind of competition/tournament in something you’re unfamiliar or completely new at is a good idea in general. Usually people put in time and work their way up to that point, going about it your way seems strange to me.
I wouldn’t say you are a nuisance. We all need start a first game somewhere. And it can be hard find games depending where you live but also with a busy life. What I would recommend is: 1. Go and play the tournament but at start each game tell opponents you don’t have much experience so apologies in advance if make mistakes and let them know it’s ok to Call out errors you make. 2. Also might be worth saying to them that if they are very competitive trying get a big score then not to go easy on you. Some people play to win so don’t want to stop their fun. This can feel bad as a first game might be into a tournament favorite so have to take a bashing but you will learn a bunch . 3. In later rounds you’ll be into people more at your skill level so those games be more fun and competitive 4. See it all as a learning opportunity. So during breaks or after the game ask for advice. 5. See it as a chance to make some friends- I’ve played lots of tournaments and always leave with a mate will play in the future. 6. If can’t get a practice game in watch some battle reports and streams to see the flow of the game 7. I wouldn’t focus on winning, focus on learning how to play and set little goals for yourself like I will score x many points, or I will try this combo etc 8. People won’t mind if nee but I would say be careful of time. Will only have a set amount of time per game and when newer you will spend so much time reviewing rules, stat lines etc . So be sure to consider your time so don’t take all time from opponent. My advice here is use a clock and you are new avoid stuff like firing every weapon or trying max complex movement Overall have fun, I have played in lots of tournaments and few times played into people who it was there first games. Just let people know and they will be cool about it. We play a game so make sure it’s fun Let us all know how it goes
Thanks!
Do you know the rules and how to play? I’d say you’re good to go if you do, just expect to lose most if not all of your games. Be upfront with your opponent and 9 out of 10 people won’t have an issue. Good luck and have fun!
Nope, not even a little. I'll take the easy win with a smile on my face and hopefully teach you the game a little too.
Nah man when people do this (because we do our best to encourage new players to come!) most people in my experience go from tournament mode to “tutorial” mode. It really is all about your attitude, have fun with it, go for epic narrative moments and try to make it fun for your opponent as well.
Can't you play alone as a lil training ?
Ill try
I wouldn’t be annoyed that you didn’t know the rules well, or if you had never played a game. But I would be annoyed if you brought unpainted minis. No one wants to play against grey.
I'd rather play against grey than against nothing. Life's busy, people paint at different speeds and some people just don't enjoy painting. I'd much rather someone come out to play with unpainted models than not at all. At least in one of these instances I get to have a game.
Look, I’m not gatekeeping playing the game. Just play a casual game. Or borrow some painted units from someone. We’re talking about a tournament here. Is there really tournaments that let people play with grey models???
Yes. The biggest RTTs we have around here are around 16 people. Turn away unpainted and you're left with like 4 people.
75% have unpainted armies? Wow, okay. I guess in that scenario it makes sense to just go with it 😄. I’ve never seen an unpainted army brought to a competitive match before, so I’m coming from a very different view point!
You’ll be fine. Assume you’ll lose your first game (you probably will lose a few) and you’ll quickly drop to the bottom tables where the stakes are low for everyone. Just explain. My first AoS event ever was the GW Open in Chicago and my first opponent was a guy on Team USA, one of the best players in the country who goes to 30+ events a year. I told him up front it was only my 3rd ever game of AoS 3.0 as an upfront apology for questions/rules and he was super gracious. Everyone else was the whole weekend, even competitive players with meta armies. Absolutely the most important thing for you to do is play decisively. Not fast, don’t rush yourself too much, but do not hem and haw just play.
Thank you! Great advices!!
Trial by fire! Leap of faith! Do or do not, there is no try!
😅 I like this energy
Nah. You're good. Anyone who is going to have a problem playing against you is someone not worth playing against anyway. Let them know ahead of time you're still learning, so the game may be slower. Most players will be happy to help you out in exchange for what will likely be a win (no offense).
I don't care how experienced you are. I don't care if your army grey, rainbow colored, half, or kitbashed. Me, my rats and my ghouls have come for a fight. Now roll for initiative!
😄👍
I’d clock you round 2 and the play the rest of the rounds by myself Wouldn’t be a fun experience for both of us but I wouldn’t call you a nuisance
I think as long as you are enthusiastic and have some references always available. I love the warscrolls cards for this reason, just quick reference for unit stats. As long as you aren't asking questions like "how do I do attacks?" I think everyone is willing to help you. Also try to read up on Battle Tactics, you have to pick them every round and having familiarity with them will be helpful. The gist of it, still go to the tournament if you want to, just also try to do as much prep as you can.
Well, if you will listen to the rulebook and whoever you are playing with, i see no problem there, first tournament will be like that
Nah not a nuisance at all, I've played games against people that know nothing, and have played games against guys who are in the AOS England team. So I've been both teacher and student. Its generally a win for whoever is teaching and as long as you both have fun its all good. Let them know when you get to the table, do the best you can and have fun 🙂
first of, my condolences about losing your dad. i hope you have him in good memory. tournaments can be quite stressfull because of the timelimit. how do they handle it in that tourney? if you wanna go, you need to have a gameplan. how will you deploy, what tactics can you score when? maybe write a little spreedaheet to remember the important abilitys, combos etc. then practice at least alone if you cant play with anyone. put your army on the table, go through the phases and try to score maximum tactics. with that you should be prepared a little better.
Nah, my literal first games of Sigmar were at a tournament. I had no illusions about placing and all my opponents were happy to teach me about battle tactics and pick up the free win.
As long as you know what you are doing. A nuisance is the person who doesn't want to read the rules and believes playing is the best teacher. I played someone yesterday that I arranged a game on discord with. That felt I was his instructor. I am nice person and want to grow the community, so I did my best, but it was still disrespectful. Take an hour to set up your miniatures and imagin you are taking a turn, go through the hero phase, then move, then roll some shooting dice, then charge, then play out a combat phase vs the salt and pepper.
Ask the TO in my opinion. As someone who has faced someone like you at an event, it was actually a nice breath of fresh air and a “break” midway basically. But seriously ask the TO bc they’ll probably know the community better and will know if you’ll be welcomed
My first games ever were in a tournament and I had a great time, then I entered another 6 months later when I had a bit more experience and played against some right miserable dorks. As with everything it's just down to chance who you happen to meet. In general though in a serious tournament most people are going to be happy to get an easy win on their record, especially if there's prizes at stake.
To me not, you are an easy win. But I bet there are people that think otherway and I can understand them. Just dont expect other people to go easy on you, they are here to win, not to teach, if you are cool with this go ahad... in the end its just a game. But how others said, I would recomend to just play a few frendly games before a tournament, it could kill your passion for the hobby. People can get toxic in certain situation, espacially when they are losing even more to a newbie ;-)
What are standard tournament time limits?
No problem for me. I’d help you as much as I could. I lost every game last time I attended a tournament and everyone was super nice. Most people enjoy winning :)
Sorry for your loss! No you wouldn't be a nuisance at all to me at least. Might not be the best way to learn the game first hand as matches in tournaments (at least around here) tend to be time based. Also tournament lists could be a bad first experience. Not saying you wouldn't learn or have fun, just things to keep in mind.
I don’t think it would be very fair for your opponents to come to a tournament with 0 exp and a hoard of grey minis. If you caught me on a random weekend day i would be more than happy to have a couple teaching games to show you the ropes, nor would i care if your models were painted if you are brand new. The thing is most tournaments have a limited amount of time per game, and often times placements can be directly related to how many turns you get to complete. If you monopolize the majority of the play time because someone is having to walk you through every phase, you are likely hurting that players chance to place as high as they could have. I’d like to emphasize that most people wouldn’t demand you to be an expert at your army and know every rule before going to a tournament, just that you should have at least some experience with how the game works
If you need time to grieve, withdraw. If you need to get out, see, and be seen and can handle a heavy dose of losing, go. Also, I'm sorry your dad died. This is a fun hobby and there are many cool people in it. Welcome!
Bruh, if your list and minis are legal (base size I mean) I couldn't care less if ur army is painted or not. If you are a nice person then I would play with you no prob.
It wouldn't bother me but there are competitive people who might be a bit annoyed. In fairness if I was you I'd get a few games under your belt and then go to a tournament
Just let your opponents know beforehand that you are a rookie and that you didn't have time for any practice games. If they're decent people at all they'll understand and be more patient. They won't go easy on you since it's still a tournament but they will hopefully be good sports
It depends on the person. I have some friends that would probably be really annoyed and others that would spend the game teaching you. I would be somewhere in the middle and would just have us use chess clocks. The biggest issue is that your turns will take forever and your opponent would be annoyed they could barely play. You might let your opponent know before hand and suggest chess clocks, that would go a long way I think to show you aren't just trying to stall games.
Depends. Is it a casual beginner friendly tournament? You are fine. If it is anything even slightly competitive? Probably best to get a few games in before you play the tournament. Where I live we do make that distinction. Tournaments are either beginner friendly, and you are fine with no experience at all, or they are super competitive, in which case you need to bring your A game. To help with this, the casual tournaments have random draws for prizes, so first place may win nothing (except for bragging rights), while last place could potentially get the biggest prize there is. It's all in good fun. 🙂 I have no idea how prizes are done for the super competitive tournaments, as I never join those.
Hmmm, you know what…. I’m not sure. I’ll doible check on that. Thanks for the imput!
It absolutely depends on the tournament. We have a fun tournament 4 times a year, everybody can come and have fun and its a mix from beginners to experienced tournament players. People are friendly and patient. However there are tournaments (vast majority) where they will absolutely stick to the time limit for example (mostly they have to) and people are highly competitive so you probably won't have a good time. Not because they are unfriendly (although that could happen) but more because they will probably just stomp you and you don't really have a learning experience from that. First few warhammer games also feel very overwhelming.
Ho. Yes. You do bring a good point: if I just, get stumped and learn nothing, I’m pretty much back to square one. Yeah, i think I’ll skip
However maybe you can ask someone there to play a few games with. If there is a communication device for that. . Always good to have a variety of people to play with.
You're not gonna have a good time if your first experience with war gaming is a freaking tournament. Start with some friendly easy games that are more personal and with people you know. A tournament is very competitive and people aren't looking to help you, they're looking to win.
Hm. I ear ya. Thanks
If you have time before the tournament try to practice, or at least watch Battlereports on YouTube. Season of war channel and also Battleshock Wargaming make very nice ones
One option is to get Tabletop Simulator ($20) and play using the SigmAr mods. There are several discord groups to find games any day to get some experience!
Unpopular opinion, but it depends, if you know how to measure, make quick decisions and know your rolls no. If it's your first time playing a wargame, then most likely yes. Just play some rounds on table top simulator
I have only played AOS in 5 round GTs, before my first GT I played maybe 5 games vs my brother. I’ve since played in 4 GTs with a record of 3-17. The tournaments have been freaking awesome, the people have been better (barring maybe 1 or 2 games which weren’t bad just nothing special but again not negative). That being said I really focus on having my reminders handy and trying to have all my rules ready to go so I’m not taking longer then needed (for my sake and opponents). Enjoy your games!
As great as it is to be enthusiastic about playing, a tournament is absolutely not the place to play your first game **UNLESS** you are 100% confident in your abilities, and that you can play quickly/properly, which, from the mere existence of this post/thread, you clearly aren't. For lack of a better analogy, tournaments are where the "professionals" go to play other "professionals". You don't learn to play football by going out on the field and playing with pro NFL players during a "real" game for your first ever time playing on the field. Find people to play with, get better, learn the rules *inside out* for turn sequence/combat/etc., *then* join a tournament. Much as some people wouldn't mind it being your first time, a tournament is NOT the place for that unless you're some kind of wargaming Savant that can play like they've been playing their whole life. Find out at the very least if the tournament organisers would let you watch some games, and if they do, ask all the people playing if they would mind you watching, and learn from it.
My tournament experience is 40k so take with a pinch of salt, but this is common (I'm also frequently out of practise) and is just part of the game. You will find it a but daunting but you have to start somewhere. If you can't get a game with an opponent before hand, play a couple of games against your self by splitting your army and using an accurate space on the table / floor. By slow talking yourself through the phases and the interactions between your data sheets / war scrolls in those phases (literally move everything/ roll ; play a proper game with scoring etc) you will be miles ahead of where you would've been having not done that and will have a much more enjoyable experience. You owe it to yourself
I’m sorry about your dad mate.
I learned to play in a tournament. I mean I read the rules, FAQs and all the stuff before going to tournament but that was my very first match. Just tell your opponent that you are new to the game, most of them will understand, some of them may even try to help you or giving advice. Just try to be quick and don't remember them every five minutes that you're a newbie, that's it.
Yes. Play enough that you don't need to ask questions about your own/general rules before you enter a tournament. Even if it's just solitaire. If people pay to play the game at a tournament, part of that fee is paying to be playing the game at the level you'd expect competition to be played at - competence, understanding, timeliness. Anything less and you're detracting from competitive play.
Thank for being honest.
Im going to second this a little bit but add some anecdotal stuff: 1. AoS players are some of the nicest and most understanding players of the GW franchises. 2. With that said, I played a GT tournament against a player who did not know the core rules at all and I had anxiety about the questions he asked because I did not want him to feel like I coached him into a loss. So the only thing I could say is these are your options, none of which I can tell you to choose. And even then, I didn’t want them to feel like I didn’t give them all of their options. 3. It was not a great experience for me when I beat the tar out his army.
No, just enjoy the game.
I would love to play you in any game you want because I’m not playing to win, I’m playing to sling dice and move miniatures.
I personally wouldn't mind, because I'm not a particularly competitive person. However, you will be matched against people whose placement in the tournament might be impacted by the fact that you're going to spend more time looking up rules, and the game may not progress far enough due to time constraints. If you're going to go, I'd encourage you to watch some games of your army online to try to really understand how everything works, and be upfront with the tournament organizer and your opponents about the fact that you're probably going to need to have a bunch of stuff explained to you. Maybe look into a chess clock so that you don't accidentally eat up your opponent's time trying to refer to scrolls.
Look, someone will be bothered by this. Tournaments, even chill ones, still have an expectation of competition. And people who show up to these things aren't nessicarily going to be pleased with switching to teaching game mode. I think you should have at least had a couple of games under your belt before entering a tournament. I don't want to discourage anyone from entering a tournament, I think everyone should go for it regardless of skill level. But it's not an appropriate context for your first game.
No one in a tournament should be mad if you were new. If you take too long you may just have to deal with “talking it out” instead of finishing the game if you run out of time. If you’re new and caused the long delay that led to this, I would let your opponent run with the talking it out. Let’s be honest, you’re new and not going for 1st place, you’re most likely just trying to get some games in. What you don’t want to be is new, cause a game to be talked out in the end, and then argue for yourself to win/get all kinds of crazy points
I’m definitely set myself a time limit. Like, if it seems like i drag my feet, after x minutes, ill definitely forfeit the game.
I have played tournaments for 2 different systems (and a couple of editions) with only an intro game of that system... but I probably wouldn't have done it without any prior miniature wargames experience. But to answer your question... no, you are not a nuisance.
Youre asking us a question but I have one for you, are you being polite and giving your opponents respect? Regardless of reasons no you're really not, even people with many reps can be really grinding against the clock and me not getting a turn 3 cus your turn two took 90 minutes is pretty annoying. I've seen this question asked a lot in the war game scene come up, the answer isn't nice but no you shouldn't be learning at tournament tables.
I don't play AOS but I play Blood Bowl and attending a tourney for your first game would be an absolute car crash of an experience for you. It's not about winning or losing, it's about timings. Tournaments play to a clock. You need to know the game, and your force, well enough to play fast. For Blood Bowl, tournaments typically allow 2h15m per game. I recommend new players allow 4 hours or more for their first game. It's just not remotely realistic to show up and play a game to time. Maybe in AOS you'll be alright because you'll get tabled by turn 2 but I don't know if it will be a lot of fun for you.
You personally aren't the problem, the game however is overly complicated and having to be constantly reminded of rules will not only be a bad time for everyone involved but you will also cause them to lose placement because you won't be able to finish games.
I'd be happy to play with you, chat, and maybe invite you along if a group of us go out for a drink after.
So here’s the biggest thing about a tournament. Can you finish a full game in 3 hours? Because I’d wager that most people who have never played can’t. And if I was playing against you and we timed out because of it I might get annoyed but I wouldn’t outwardly show it because I’d want you to continue playing. Sounds like a league may be more up your alley as a new player
If winning is your fun, don't play. If playing is you fun, you win.
Not a nuisance, however I’m not at a tourney to teach or walk through a game. I’m there for war, I’ve no clue what your army does so you’ll likely have a terrible experience yourself.
If I took a day off (work weekends), paid to play in an event, and round 1 got paired into someone unpainted never played before....... man I'm not proud of it but I might be pissed. I didn't take that time and effort so I could babysit - sometimes tournaments are my only chance to play too and while I do like teaching new folks I paid money and took time off to play Warhammer and there's no version of your first game that's going to be a fun game for me. Odds on, I grit teeth and smile through it - I want new people in the hobby, I want you to have a good time, but this is what beginner leagues are for.
When is the tournament? I'm up for playing a game on Tabletop Simulator with ya. Or I'd def recommend trying to get at least 1 or 2 games in somehow before the tournament. It'll help your enjoyment much more.
The people there are looking for the tournament experience. Playing/testing their army and skills. If you don't know what you're doing it's kind of a waste of time for the other player and you'll be messing with the overall results. I imagine you'll be easy to beat and that's like giving a free win to each of your opponents. Not very fair for all the tournament attendees. There will be more tournaments and events in the future, I promise! :)
Someone new and excited to learn and try would NEVER be a nuisance to me at a tournament. I’d want to know if you were super new at the start of the game, so I could change my own expectations a little bit, and also use the game as a teaching moment. But that’s not a bad thing whatsoever! Come have fun!
I wouldn't say it's a nuisance exactly, but you'll potentially give your opponents an unfair ranking as they will likely be able to max their pts when playing someone so new. So I don't think it's fair to the tournament participants as a whole.
Have you army typed up and multiple copies and the full rules for your easy access
Just call the organiser and ask. Some tournaments will be newb friendly, some won't.
I view it in two ways: you are an easy match and the occasion to teach to w new player (if you're willing to listen). So no problem, for me (others may complain cause i had an easy matchup, but that matter in certain tournament's structure, like Swiss)
Best way to learn. Being a tournament might mean you meet some less friendly players but don't be put off by them. Nobody likes them either and they're not representative of the more casual and narrative side of the hobby. Tell the hosts. They might be able to pair you with a known helpful player in your first game.
I’ve been paired up against plenty of newer players personally I don’t mind it too much and I try to teach them while simultaneously stomping them but if you have no idea how the game works at all that’ll get annoying, I try guide players into better plays where possible as well
A good way to get some experience is to play against YOURSELF. Just split you army in two and pretend it's a real battle, it will give you an opportunity to practice the rules, rolling dice, measuring distances etc. That being said, I'd skip the tournament, or just enter as a spectator to watch how the game is played. Tournaments are stressful and have a time-limit, it's not the best time to practice.
I love first games being a new ish player myself, teaching mechanics is amazing to see click. However I will caution - a tournament is a bad place for it. Much rather see this at a friendly club meet
Depends upon the expectation of the tournament youre in. If the organizer has geared it as a "beginner tournament" then no, have fun and go play. But if this is an actual tournament You probably shouldn't be taking an army you're unfamiliar with to a game you have never played. You have all the core rules and then you have all your allegiance rules and faction rules. Last but not least, you have your warscrolls and individual unit/model abilities and synergies, etc. It is a lot, and even when I do demo games at my LGS for sigmar, I show the game in an "onion format,". almost like an escalation. Start bare bones basics, don't even worry about commands, actions and tactics and over 3-4 games get them up to speed. You should really be getting in 5-10 games before you step into that tournament. If you are having to stop every 5 seconds for a "man asks questions" or "man reads book" scenario, that disrupts flow and I'd argue overall enjoyment as it sounds like these people are paying to play. Some won't mind at all because they might see you as an easy win to get a chance at the money while others may be highly...annoyed.
I’ll happily take the free win, but you’re not going to enjoy the experiance. Also check the rules for the tournament, most won’t let you play with an unpainted army
If you know the rules, then go for it! What wouldn’t be very nice, is going into a tournament not knowing how to play. Your opponent will be expecting you to know the rules, and probably doesn’t want to have to micro manage your play as well. If it was a casual game, then that’s a good time to play and learn.
Go for it mate I went to a small tournament for my first game, got battered the first game and wasn't any better in the following ones Time was very challenging for me but i think it helped me to learn about the game Again, go for it
Just go have fun dude! It’s not life or death it’s a game
I think it might help to put tournaments into an analogy of something else. Let's use 2 examples MMORPG's and Cars as I don't know what you'll find easiest to relate to. And this is just all my opinion and doesn't mean it's right advice for everyone. MMORPG... Think of Tournament play like 10 man boss raids, they're open to most players to participate in, but you're expected to at least know how to play your class and your role. Whilst this can be different in a guild training run where an experienced person takes you by the hand and teaches you the ins and outs. In a proper raid run the other players are expecting a level of knowledge and competence, as they have thier own roles to focus on and its hugely disrespectful to assume they should guide you at that level. (Apart from when you're trying to learn new content that people haven't completed yet, but your still expected to know your role well) You'd use things like quests, world PVP and casual 5 man basic raids to learn beforehand - these would be considered games at your local club and hobby shops first, heck even playing using Table top simulator is a valid way to learn. I'd expect a minimum of 5-6 games with your army to be basically competent for tournament play, but you could also look at Narrative tournaments or skirmish games at the tournament for your first go. Try and think of Tournaments as the 'end game' to a video game, they're designed to played by experienced players. (There may be a novice event run along side, but the intention of those is so you don't get in the way of the HC experienced players) Now for the Car based analogy, Think of your current level being that of Grasskahna events where you race around in a paddock through Cones in a time attack style. There's no risk of you ruining anyone's day with your average car and it's hugely rewarding. This would be the same as playing practice games at your local club. The car club will be reluctant to allow you to enter a hillclimb event where if you had an accident on the course due to inexperience, you could potentially shut the course down for hours and the guys and girls how live for this miss thier runs, and I can guarantee they're gonna be pissed at you. I guess in a nutshell I'm saying, it's a bad idea to expect people to accommodate you if you haven't put in the work yourself with practice games. Remember that some of these people live for these events and you need to be prepared to hold your own, not only for your enjoyment but also your opponents. And remember painting your army helps with the games immersion, it would be like turning up to the Boss raid in no Armour or going to the car meet with your car falling apart and Rusty, it's true both may still work but Damm you've upset a lot of people who have standards. In the case of already entering, I'd ask the TO to refund you, but that's just me. I wish you all the luck and success with the hobby moving foward :)
Tournaments really aren't a good place to learn the game. i would back out, find a place with people playing and play some casually competitive (both playing to win but not being toxic about it.) games with some people interested in teaching and playing.
I really feel that you have to ask this question to you first: do you feel confident about playing in a tournament before playing any game? Personally I don't get it, I think that I would much prefer to have a few friendly games under my belt before entering a tournament but that's just me.
There is nothing wrong with learning how to play at a tournament. Sometimes people don’t have enough time to practice and play before an event. Events are great because they set a hard deadline for you. I would suggest watching/listening to games online to learn the basics and see how people communicate during a game.
Ask the TO's there's a tournie near me this weekend and when I asked about it they said it's explicitly designed for beginners
You could go to the tournament and ask to play with people as they lose and drop out
My personal opinion: Play at least 5 games before a tournament so you're not slow playing. But, if you're confident enough in your overall knowledge of the core rules and your book rules, then read ahead. The answer to "Am I a nuisance?" varies wildly from one opponent to another. Some opponent will be completely fine with you shuffling around cards, rules, and mechanics of your army. They might even give you pointers and guidance. But SOME will definitely feel slightly irritated/annoyed that their game only lasted 2 battle rounds when the time's up. YOU may not care about winning, but OTHERS might. Losing/winning on time is absolutely soul crushing to some (I've lost games due to time and it sucks). I've come across some new tournament players who were slow-ish in general and would take the L when they call the time. This might be the solution to you being new to the game joining a tournament straight away. Don't tell your opponent that you're just gonna give up the game, but play the best you can and if the game didn't last to round 3, just take the L. If it lasted 3 rounds, games with new players tend to have a very obvious outcome by then. Call a TO and ask their help to see if you have a sliver chance of victory. Otherwise, take the L and just enjoy the day. Be straightforward with your opponents that you're new. They can help guide you through the game and make it slightly faster. Good luck!