But, the basis of the range ruler and movement means that you won't have much fun if you are very anal about the millimeters.

The only real difference between X-Wing and 40k, WFB, Flames of War, Warmahordes, ect... Is that those other games use a standard tape measure not cardboard templates. But none of them are any more precise when it comes to movement, in fact they tend to be less precise.

In all of those games, a little nudge here or there is just accepted as part of the game. Not that you should be trying to nudge your models for an advantage or anything. But you just can't get precise moment when you're using a tape measure.

I agree that X-Wing wasn't designed to be a competitive tournament type game. But the movement in the game isn't the issue.

I feel I try to play fairly competitively when it comes to making killer builds and trying to make the best moves possible. However, where I am a lot more casual is forgiving silly mistakes, as I'd prefer superior tactics and strategy to be the deciding factor in a win. If someone forgets to take a focus action or accidentally sets a move on their dial they clearly didn't intend to make, I am fine letting that sort of thing slide. Truthfully, I make enough of those mistakes myself that I appreciate the good will .

Of course, there is no excuse for just being a bad sport even if you play ultra by the book.

But, the basis of the range ruler and movement means that you won't have much fun if you are very anal about the millimeters.

The only real difference between X-Wing and 40k, WFB, Flames of War, Warmahordes, ect... Is that those other games use a standard tape measure not cardboard templates. But none of them are any more precise when it comes to movement, in fact they tend to be less precise.In all of those games, a little nudge here or there is just accepted as part of the game. Not that you should be trying to nudge your models for an advantage or anything. But you just can't get precise moment when you're using a tape measure.I agree that X-Wing wasn't designed to be a competitive tournament type game. But the movement in the game isn't the issue.

A player was just banned for at least a year from international Warmachine competition for getting caught on video taking some rather shady little nudges.

IMHO 'Fly Casual' is playing to have fun for the group. For us it is still competitive but relaxed and occasionally forgiving.

This reminded me of something.

When I was buying my first ships and learning how to play the game, I remember thinking that the game lends itself to arguing. It's not played on a grid and depending on the surface on which you play, its possible for ships to get moved accidentally and it's just not a game of exact angles, ranges, and movements.

I'm not saying the game is bad. I've played other games that were non-grid, and you have the same opportunities, but I was amazed at the laid-back approach to this that I encountered with the X-wing players I've met.

For a miniature game without grid, I find X-Wing to be one with less arguing than others.

-Your movements is not counted in inch with varying length depending on terrain. You use a template.

-There is no degree of cover depending on percentage of the miniatures covered when looking at it as if you were the shooter. You draw a line from closest point to closest point.

Bumping is something that will happen in every miniature game without a grid. That's something the player has to accept and should not argue about because it is bound to happen to both side. Like Vanor said, the current spot is what matters, not where it could have been. When a ship is accidently bumped, both side should agree on the initial position and place it accordingly.

Grid-base games give you precision, miniature games give you freedom. X-wing hit the sweet balance of freedom without too much arguing that can't be settled by the roll of a dice.

"If it's just a game, then why do we keep score?"

- Unknown Munchkin

No Lieutenant Worf TNG

"If winning isn't everything, why do they keep score?"

-Vince Lombardi

Now, I don't subscribe to that attitude for a game like X-Wing, but I'd like to make sure the great Lombardi gets his proper respect.

As to the topic at hand, I can't relate. In almost 30 years of gaming, X-Wing is the least serious I have experienced. My wife and her friends get more serious about party games when we go out with friends, than our local players are about X-Wing. I run the local X-Wing events at my FLGS, and I take pride in the laid-back attitude of our players. I try to make sure the store has two prize kits for our events (though I don't do the ordering, so have to cajole the store event coordinator ), so every player gets a couple participation prizes and top 4 get the top prizes. This may help, I'm not sure, but I've been to GenCon to see a big event in action, and what I observed seemed to be a pretty high level of sportsmanship there as well (GenCon 2013).

If you feel your area is getting too serious, try to get some like-minded players together and play home games (pretty much the only way I actually play is home games, and our little group gets together every week). Or lobby to play different styles (scenarios 2x2 games, epic games, some kind of league format, etc.).

I should also add that what i see with X-Wing is directly counter to what I see with Star Trek Attack Wing events. The games are very similar mechanically, though there is more flexibility with AW builds, so min-maxing is way easier. I think the combination of this with the fact that there are so many game elements that you HAVE to get through Organized Play, leads to a less healthy play environment (IMO). I *don't* think the difference is the players - while the two groups are distinct, I don't believe there is anything inherently more "win at all costs" in Star Trek fans compared to Star Wars fans. I think FFG has just done a much better job of encouraging a less stressful event scene.

Re: Why is this game taken so seriously?

Why? Because Vae Victis, that's why you bunch of bleeding pansies.

Re: Why is this game taken so seriously?

Why? Because Vae Victis, that's why you bunch of bleeding pansies.

You're absolutely right. It really did suck the other night after I lost a match and I was chained to the back of the victor's chariot before the victory procession through the local colosseum.

I really should not have let him have that move where his ship fit snugly against mine.

Re: Why is this game taken so seriously?

Why? Because Vae Victis, that's why you bunch of bleeding pansies.

You're absolutely right. It really did suck the other night after I lost a match and I was chained to the back of the victor's chariot before the victory procession through the local colosseum.

I really should not have let him have that move where his ship fit snugly against mine.

Really? I just give hugs after a well fought match...

Re: Why is this game taken so seriously?

Why? Because Vae Victis, that's why you bunch of bleeding pansies.

You're absolutely right. It really did suck the other night after I lost a match and I was chained to the back of the victor's chariot before the victory procession through the local colosseum.

I really should not have let him have that move where his ship fit snugly against mine.

Really? I just give hugs after a well fought match...

Has someone forgotten to take their meds again today?

Medication only severs my mental link to Insanity Wolf. He would get very angry if I failed to report in every 15 minutes. I do not want to upset Insanity Wolf...neither would you.

IMHO 'Fly Casual' is playing to have fun for the group. For us it is still competitive but relaxed and occasionally forgiving.

This reminded me of something.

When I was buying my first ships and learning how to play the game, I remember thinking that the game lends itself to arguing. It's not played on a grid and depending on the surface on which you play, its possible for ships to get moved accidentally and it's just not a game of exact angles, ranges, and movements.

I'm not saying the game is bad. I've played other games that were non-grid, and you have the same opportunities, but I was amazed at the laid-back approach to this that I encountered with the X-wing players I've met.

Ever play Battletech? Its a fantastic "GRID" table top strat game.

Medication only severs my mental link to Insanity Wolf. He would get very angry if I failed to report in every 15 minutes. I do not want to upset Insanity Wolf...neither would you.

Here's my fave insanity wolf :