I'm having trouble deciding what to play at Imdaar Alpha. I have three lists prepared.

List 1:

Blue Squadron x3

Prototype x2

In my test match I struggled with my low pilot skill when it came time to shoot. The list has 32 hit points and 13 attack dice.

List 2:

Roarke Garnet w/Blaster Turret and Recon Specialist

Wedge w/Swarm Tactics

Blue Squadron

Rookie Pilot

This one has fewer hit points and one less attack die, but it has one shot at PS12 and two at PS9, or two at PS12.

List 3:

Roarke Garnet w/Ion Turret

Wedge w/Swarm Tactics

Blue Squadron x2

More hit points than list 2 but a loss in firepower. Same high pilot skill for shooting.

I'd appreciate any insight from more seasoned players than myself. Let me know what you guys think. Also, how should I fly the list you'd pick? I'm always up for pointers.

Thanks in advance.

Nobody has any opinions to share? I find that hard to believe seeing as to how this is the internet...

List 3 looks like the most fun to me; List 1 is a fairly popular one, and with practice it can be very effective. If you don't have the practice, I'd steer clear of it.

As a small caveat, though: don't get in the habit of counting attack dice. As one quick example, 5 TIE Fighters have 10 dice, which is more than 3 Bounty Hunters. But if you were wagering on the outcome, where would you put your money?

I could spend the last point on an R2 for Wedge, or I could stay at 99 for initiative. Thoughts?

Awww yeah! Cant get enough hawk! This is pretty close to what I intend to run. Personally, I felt I didn't get enough mileage out of wedge to warrant his point cost. I would take someone less expensive and buff the rest of your team.

Also, keep the blaster turret and recon spec...ion cannon is unlikely to help out your squad since your maneuverability is low. You won't get out of arcs or pounce on crippled ships very easily.

With all the stress weapons and abilities, I would try FCS on b's, so at least you're getting some sort of boost, regardless of stress.

Good luck, please update or send me a message on how you do...since this is so close to my list, I'd really like to know!

I have never had much problem with shooting last but I usually play imperials and run low PS ties as filler ships quite often. I think low PS ships have a distinct advantage of better using their focus tokens. If you get hit on defense the spend it to negate damage and it's likely a wash or you may get a good roll and not need the focus on offense anyway. With that in mind I would run the 5 ship list. 13 attack dice is a lot of dice and you get a ton of HP with that list. Those A-wings can be the best blockers in the game with that superior dial.

I'm so torn over this. I really just don't know what to do. I get way stressed out over these things. Pretty sad, huh?

List 2.

I have used that exact list for a LONG time, and it did well in my two store championships. 5-2 with a 5th place finish and top 4 finish.

The reason for Wedge was to get the two shots at PS9.

I like list three, with the ion cannon. It will really come in handy against opposing B-wings. Yea, it is invaluable. I flew a similar list and have been wanting to return to it, but I caught the Imperial Aces fever. My list was:

Wedge Antilles (R2 Astromech)

Roark Garnet (Flight Instructor, Ion Cannon Turret)

Rookie Pilot

Rookie Pilot

That Flight Instructor was helpful. I don't think it was game changing in the matches I played, but I sure rerolled a LOT of agility dice against the Rebel Convoy squad (even though I still lost). The Ion Cannon immobilized an opposing B-wing and secured the win in one of my matches.