I'll be attending my second tournament at the end of the month. The Assault of Imdaar alpha.

My first tournament I wasn't hardcore with the rules. Things like letting my opponent do his focus after moving other ships and etc. Small things.

This next tournament I really want to win, but I don't want to be a total jerk.

I want to play by the rules as much as possible.

Things like when target locking the first ship you measure the range is the ship you tl if able to do so.

I've read some posts on here where I have seen some say they stick by the rules. I'm curious as to how many do so.

Just want to mention that there isn't a lot of tournaments going on in my area, one every couple months.

I think that if I had more opportunities to play I probably wouldn't care so much but when they are so few and far in between is like to make the best of it, plus it is a couple hour drive.

The last tournament about half were pretty new players along with myself, so I assume there maybe some at this, so in that case they are bound to make mistakes.

Should I let them slide?

What is the communities thoughts on this?

Edit

The main object is to have fun, and last thing I want to do is ruin someone's fun, but if going into a tournament is like to think people understand the rules

The rules are the rules. No fudging. It's one thing if your opponent moves two ships at once and then performs their actions. (You can politely ask them not to do that though.) It's a whole 'nother can of beans if people are breaking out range rulers when they should not be.

Everyone stick to the rules, then everyone knows what to expect. Then we all have fun.

Fly Casual.

When barrel rolling as another example. Your suppose to say if left or right.

So let's say my opponent can barrel roll in either direction, but after seeing that if he moves right first he still in my firing arc, then decided he doesn't want to, or go to the left. Really he had to move right since that is what he declared, and is able to do so.

Would you allow him or just tell him nicely?

One thing I was thinkin of doing was having the tournament faq open on my phone just incase I do have to point something out.

If a player doesn't know, you can't blame him for that, but rules are rules, correct?

When I went to the first tournament I was surprised how many new players there was. I was one of the more experience even though I was only playing for about 4-6 weeks.

Some were playing 6 months but only played 6 or so games (or so they say)

I try to gauge based on my opponent. I'm fairly new, so if I miss an action, I'll ask him if it's ok. If it was a slight oversight and he lets me go ahead, I'll afford him the same courtesy.. If he's a Nazi about it, he can expect the same..

I've given guys firing arcs when some would say it was just outside, I've given guys range as well. I just hope that they afford me the same when it comes to my turn to shoot. All else fails, ask for an outside opinion - there's usually someone observing who you can both agree on to abide by their ruling. If not, go to the TO and ask him for a ruling..

Well as the saying goes, what goes around comes around.

I know for one I make mistakes.I'm sure we all do in casual play. Hell I'm my first tournamentI forgot to set a dial lol.

But lately when playing with my friends we are trying not to let things slide so much. That way you learn and hopefully don't do it again.

I have no problem is a player moves 4 of the same ships all in the same direction and after gives them all a focus, so long as their ps is the same, others however may not. It does state in the new tournamentfaq that each ship had to do is action regardless if it's the same or not

When barrel rolling as another example. Your suppose to say if left or right.

So let's say my opponent can barrel roll in either direction, but after seeing that if he moves right first he still in my firing arc, then decided he doesn't want to, or go to the left. Really he had to move right since that is what he declared, and is able to do so.

Would you allow him or just tell him nicely?

One thing I was thinkin of doing was having the tournament faq open on my phone just incase I do have to point something out.

If a player doesn't know, you can't blame him for that, but rules are rules, correct?

When I went to the first tournament I was surprised how many new players there was. I was one of the more experience even though I was only playing for about 4-6 weeks.

Some were playing 6 months but only played 6 or so games (or so they say)

This is a big part of the game, and I remind players constantly that actions must be declared first! Then the range rulers or movement tiles come out. If it's a legal move, you have to stick with it. If it isn't, you may then declare another action (and repeat the process).

Deja vu....

I'm very much of the opinion that you should expect to play by the rules as written. If someone makes a mistake it's up to you on how to deal with it.

But some people will make a "mistake" when it suits them, so don't feel like you have to allow them to fix it, just because they ask.

In fact IMO, someone should never ask to fix a mistake, if the other person offers then that's cool, but asking for a fix is poor sportsmanship.

I have fun when we all play by the rules. I still see people pulling out their rulers to try the "oh just checking!" attempt when moving or deciding what action they want to do.

Fudging, or the more accurate term - cheating, isn't fun for anyone.

I'm just glad FFG finally instituted the 'may' clause. Oh, you forgot to use Gunner? Sorry, not my responsibility to play your half of the board for you.

When barrel rolling as another example. Your suppose to say if left or right.

So let's say my opponent can barrel roll in either direction, but after seeing that if he moves right first he still in my firing arc, then decided he doesn't want to, or go to the left. Really he had to move right since that is what he declared, and is able to do so.

Would you allow him or just tell him nicely?

One thing I was thinkin of doing was having the tournament faq open on my phone just incase I do have to point something out.

If a player doesn't know, you can't blame him for that, but rules are rules, correct?

When I went to the first tournament I was surprised how many new players there was. I was one of the more experience even though I was only playing for about 4-6 weeks.

Some were playing 6 months but only played 6 or so games (or so they say)

This is a big part of the game, and I remind players constantly that actions must be declared first! Then the range rulers or movement tiles come out. If it's a legal move, you have to stick with it. If it isn't, you may then declare another action (and repeat the process).

Let's say we are playing and I decide in going to barrel roll and I start by placing the 1 Template on the right side, and after a second reconsider and decide I want to focus.

Would you just tell me I can't, or point it out and let it slide this one time (that is what I usually do as I feel the player is still pretty new)

Has anyone ever come across someone who would do something like this and after pointing it out that it is wrong have them get upset at you?

Everyone at the last game was really good (I did over hear someone say he is pretty strict by the rules but I didn't play against him), but ya never know who maybe at the next game

I judge based on my opponent. If it's someone that's clearly struggling, I'll try to help him out by telling him what he can / can't do... I typically do this after the fact. So in your BR example, if he's trying both, I'll let him do both, and then before we get into the combat phase, I'll explain to him that per the rules, if you can go the first way, you must. And since it's after the fact, there's no "oh, I can undo that" and whatnot that could mess with his gameplan.

But if it's someone who knows the rules and has been playing for awhile, I'll straight out tell them nope.

I have fun when we all play by the rules. I still see people pulling out their rulers to try the "oh just checking!" attempt when moving or deciding what action they want to do.

Fudging, or the more accurate term - cheating, isn't fun for anyone.

If player moves a ship and starts measuring before he decides to focus or tl?

I mean in some cases it may not be cheating if the player is half new.

My friends and I use to do things like that, but like I said we are becoming more strict because we aren't noobs anymore,

Things I tend not to enforce: Missed actions so long as it doesn't change anything. Simple "default to focus" is even acceptable to me.

Things I tend to enforce: When you can measure. Picking a target/barrel roll/boost direction before measuring. Activation/action order when movement actions are involved (i.e. Move, Barrel Roll, move next ship, barrel roll next ship, move next ship, etc, not move, move, move, barrel roll, barrel roll, barrel roll).

Things I ALWAYS enforce: Non-optional game effects. If your opponent forgets to add his extra defense die from range or a Stealth Device, and you notice it but don't remind him, you're cheating - period. You're responsible for your own actions, but mandatory effects are the responsibility of both players.

I wouldn't pull out the FAQ at them, though. If there's a dispute in the middle of the tournament, call the TO to resolve it. That's what they're there for.

One thing I always do as a TO is look through the submitted lists for odd interactions, and make sure everyone is aware of how they work. This gets hard with 20+ players, but it can remove a LOT of mid-event angst. Now that FFG has formalized the competitive levels, the TO should be sure everyone knows what level you're playing at. If they don't, you should ask them what level it will be, and to announce it so everyone knows. That should solve most of the questions about things like picking targets or directions first. Making sure people know those things is part of the TO's job.

I have fun when we all play by the rules. I still see people pulling out their rulers to try the "oh just checking!" attempt when moving or deciding what action they want to do.

Fudging, or the more accurate term - cheating, isn't fun for anyone.

what do you mean by "just checking "

If player moves a ship and starts measuring before he decides to focus or tl?

I mean in some cases it may not be cheating if the player is half new.

My friends and I use to do things like that, but like I said we are becoming more strict because we aren't noobs anymore,

I've seen players that, during the action phase, will get out the range ruler to see if someone will in range so will decide if they want to BR/Boost or focus, or if they can end up out of arc or range, based on a boost or BR. I've seen people run the ruler all the way around their ship to see who is at what range before picking which one of them they want to TL. I've also seen people put down the 1-bank template, realize that they're still in arc, and then change their mind and pick a different action. Those are all no-gos. Once you commit to the action, you're doing it if you're in range for it or unless you're going to break another rule of slamming into something.

Anyone is allowed to make a mistake once. After that, it's may be deliberate. Maybe not, but then I'll remind them again.

When barrel rolling as another example. Your suppose to say if left or right.

So let's say my opponent can barrel roll in either direction, but after seeing that if he moves right first he still in my firing arc, then decided he doesn't want to, or go to the left. Really he had to move right since that is what he declared, and is able to do so.

Would you allow him or just tell him nicely?

One thing I was thinkin of doing was having the tournament faq open on my phone just incase I do have to point something out.

If a player doesn't know, you can't blame him for that, but rules are rules, correct?

When I went to the first tournament I was surprised how many new players there was. I was one of the more experience even though I was only playing for about 4-6 weeks.

Some were playing 6 months but only played 6 or so games (or so they say)

This is a big part of the game, and I remind players constantly that actions must be declared first! Then the range rulers or movement tiles come out. If it's a legal move, you have to stick with it. If it isn't, you may then declare another action (and repeat the process).

So how would you handle it?

Let's say we are playing and I decide in going to barrel roll and I start by placing the 1 Template on the right side, and after a second reconsider and decide I want to focus.

Would you just tell me I can't, or point it out and let it slide this one time (that is what I usually do as I feel the player is still pretty new)

Has anyone ever come across someone who would do something like this and after pointing it out that it is wrong have them get upset at you?

Everyone at the last game was really good (I did over hear someone say he is pretty strict by the rules but I didn't play against him), but ya never know who maybe at the next game

Khyros said it best, but I'll say this. It is expected that everyone playing in a tournament knows the basic rules. This is a basic rule. If by pointing this out they get upset, I will politely remind them that we are in a tournament setting and to insure we both have fun and everything is fair we should stick to the books.

How do expect people to learn to play the game properly if you let them slide? To me, BR, TL, and Boost are strict by the book. If you declare, and it's possible, then you have to take it. If you measure when it's not permissible, I give one warning. I'm a pretty fly casual player, but I hold myself to these same standards as I hold others.

Things I tend not to enforce: Missed actions so long as it doesn't change anything. Simple "default to focus" is even acceptable to me.

Things I tend to enforce: When you can measure. Picking a target/barrel roll/boost direction before measuring. Activation/action order when movement actions are involved (i.e. Move, Barrel Roll, move next ship, barrel roll next ship, move next ship, etc, not move, move, move, barrel roll, barrel roll, barrel roll).

Things I ALWAYS enforce: Non-optional game effects. If your opponent forgets to add his extra defense die from range or a Stealth Device, and you notice it but don't remind him, you're cheating - period. You're responsible for your own actions, but mandatory effects are the responsibility of both players.

I wouldn't pull out the FAQ at them, though. If there's a dispute in the middle of the tournament, call the TO to resolve it. That's what they're there for.

One thing I always do as a TO is look through the submitted lists for odd interactions, and make sure everyone is aware of how they work. This gets hard with 20+ players, but it can remove a LOT of mid-event angst. Now that FFG has formalized the competitive levels, the TO should be sure everyone knows what level you're playing at. If they don't, you should ask them what level it will be, and to announce it so everyone knows. That should solve most of the questions about things like picking targets or directions first. Making sure people know those things is part of the TO's job.

So if u have stealth device on Howlrunner let's say. Range 3. Your attack and I roll 3+1 for range 3,but forget to take in account for my stealth device and you notice, but don't say anything, then your are considered cheating?

I didn't know that. I figured I'd the opponent can't count then they is his mistake, but if that is the case then that is good to know, as last thing I want to do is cheat lol.

I know one friendly game I forgot to take in account for my stealth device and after the fact I realized and my opponent said to bad. Though I don't know if he knew it or not, but I figured it was my mistake,and well we had moved on already anyway

you notice, but don't say anything, then your are considered cheating?

Technically yes. That extra dice isn't optional it's required and if you notice but don't see anything you're not playing according to the rules.

Plus that IMO it's pretty poor sportsmanship to not point out stuff like that.

What Vanor said.

Some may take exception to that, but effects which aren't optional MUST be applied. There is nothing that puts the responsibility for those on the player that benefits from it. Both players have a responsibility to ensure that all mandatory parts of the game state are maintained.

Things I tend to enforce: When you can measure. Picking a target/barrel roll/boost direction before measuring

According to the FAQ, page 5, first bullet:

"Players may only measure range and/or use the range ruler to determine whether a ship is inside or outside of a firing arc at the following times:

• When a ship becomes the active ship during the combat phase, the active player can measure range from the active ship to any enemy ships before declaring one as its target."

You can check range on all potential enemy targets within the active ship's firing arc before you declare your target. I used to restrict range checking until after you've declared your target, up until I read this.

you notice, but don't say anything, then your are considered cheating?

Technically yes. That extra dice isn't optional it's required and if you notice but don't see anything you're not playing according to the rules.

Plus that IMO it's pretty poor sportsmanship to not point out stuff like that.

Technically, but is it explicitly? Other, more organized games - ones that some people here are arbitrarily opposed to - actually do have rules to that effect. It seems like common sense, but might be hard to enforce without specific wording. Other questions then arise, like how do you prove it, and how do you enforce it? The X-Wing rules make no mention of game state, nor what the players' specific responsibilities are. More importantly, nowhere in the rules are the powers and responsibilities of a judge outlined, nor how he should apply and enforce them. There should be some kind of uniform and well regulated approach to this issue, including judge education/certification.

In tournaments, rules are rules and need to be followed. Any question on it, call over the TO. That way its not like your picking on them, just getting the right call to be made.

I don't expect my opponent to tell me I missed something and can redo or take a focus when I missed it. And I am not going to tell them either. That is HUGE if you or the other guy misses something and it could cost you or them the game.

I also know mistakes will be made and to roll with it,a nd redo if you both have messed it up and agree that it does change the outcome.

Other questions then arise, like how do you prove it, and how do you enforce it?

That's the trick, there is no way.

If a TO happens to notice that someone isn't throwing enough dice, there's no way he can prove that the other guy noticed and didn't say anything.

There is however nothing in the rules that say I have to point out a mistake the other person makes, so it's a little bit of a gray area... I think it's cheating, or at least poor sportsmanship to not point out something like that. But again there's no way a TO could call you on it.

Things I tend to enforce: When you can measure. Picking a target/barrel roll/boost direction before measuring

According to the FAQ, page 5, first bullet:

"Players may only measure range and/or use the range ruler to determine whether a ship is inside or outside of a firing arc at the following times:

• When a ship becomes the active ship during the combat phase, the active player can measure range from the active ship to any enemy ships before declaring one as its target."

You can check range on all potential enemy targets within the active ship's firing arc before you declare your target. I used to restrict range checking until after you've declared your target, up until I read this.

Yeah. This one was odd, in that the last FAQ just left it off of the restrictions rather than explicitly saying you could. It was email-clarified from FFG and posted to BGG. I had to actually pull out my phone in the middle of a game at GenCon when an opponent objected to me doing that. (Which I still don't recommend - it should have been up to the TO, but with almost 90 players at the event, I couldn't FIND the TO, much less get his attention )

Nice to see it clarified, though.