Preparing for a Tournament.

Thinking about playing in a FOW/TY tournament? Worried about what to expect? I will go through some things that new (and experienced players) can do before an event. Here are 10 tips.

Sabre - Picture from www.panzerangriff.org.au

1. Read the player pack. This could be a multi-page document. It could be a single paragraph on a forum or a poster. The items to look for are what you can or cannot bring. What are the points levels being played? What period is it? Are there any restrictions (For example Red Bear and Grey Wolf only or must only be a tank company)? The point here is get all the relevent information about what you need to bring/paint up/borrow.
2. Look for what missions are being played. Does it suit a certain type of list? Are there a lot of mission with reserves? Do the missions allow spearhead and / or infiltration? Are there to be special rules in play? For example snow or dusk. Basically work out what armies are likely to be taken. You want to make sure you understand these missions and how they work. Likewise any special rules that might be in place.
3. Write some lists. Every player is inspired to take lists for different reasons. Some are interested in an historical battle, general or unit. Others care less for the history and like to write killer lists. Either way, write a few and make plans for the missions you expect to be playing. If I attack in fighting withdrawal, can I push my opponent off an objective in 8 turns? If I need to move in hasty attack, can I get to the objective by turn 6. If I defend in hold the line, what will I put in reserve? Understanding these questions - and the answers to them will not only make you a better player, it will speed up your games and leave you more time to work on your opponents list.
4. Check and re-check you army. Nothing worse than leaving a unit behind. Imagine travelling to an event only to work out that you had the wrong army in the bag/box/base. Make sure you go through unit by unit and check that it is all there - including transports and options if applicable.  



Cancon - Photo from www.cgs.asn.au


5. Enter on time and send your list to the tournament organizer (TO). This eliminates any chance of missing out on a place and makes the life of the organiser easier. In the end the TO is usually giving up their weekend. Any help you can give them will only encourage them to run another event in the future.
6. Print out a copy of the list for each opponents. Nothing is nicer than receiving a copy of  a list with all the relevant information - units, special rules, key statistics and warriors in a list. It is nice to be able to keep a copy too.
7. Check all your tools, markers, dice, rules, list books and counters. Do you have the templates for your arty? Do you have counters and dice? Do you have smoke markers if you intend to shoot smoke?
8. If you have a large army, bring a tray. This will allow you to leave the army out between games and speed up play. 
9. Read the rules. Does shooting priority really work the way your mates say it does? How do you play bocage? Knowing the rules speeds up play and make players better.
10. Don't stress! Tournaments are generally full of people there to enjoy their games and spend time with like-minded gamers. Enjoy the experience.

ETC 2016 - Photo from www.flamesofwar.com

Stay tuned for another post where I look at what to do on the day.

I hope you enjoyed this article.