A quick note.

I was considering putting Vader on Kenkirk. But I'd have to lose Weapons Engineer for it. I'll be taking note of how many times the second TL came into play tonight, and we'll see if its worth keeping. Popping crits would be very useful on Interceptors.

Game on Vassal against Ben tonight. Looks like he's using this....

Jake Farrel with Test Pilot title, Ptl, Outmanoeuvre and refit

Blue Squad B with FCS x 3

That concerns me.

I have however realised that Kenkirk could fly more cleverly. Either skirt the edges using EU to get in good spots (as he'll move later), or he'll nicely block a B or two like he did in the last game.

I have however realised that Kenkirk could fly more cleverly. Either skirt the edges using EU to get in good spots (as he'll move later), or he'll nicely block a B or two like he did in the last game.

Cool. I wasn't there, but from my limited perspective, I saw no reason (in 3rd pic from your previous post) why Kenkirk was turned in facing the b-wings. Probably could've saved a bit of damage on him if he had not gotten so close inside all of their arcs...

I have however realised that Kenkirk could fly more cleverly. Either skirt the edges using EU to get in good spots (as he'll move later), or he'll nicely block a B or two like he did in the last game.

Cool. I wasn't there, but from my limited perspective, I saw no reason (in 3rd pic from your previous post) why Kenkirk was turned in facing the b-wings. Probably could've saved a bit of damage on him if he had not gotten so close inside all of their arcs...

Absolutely! All part of the learning.

Speaking of which, last night was game #9!

As predicted Ben ran Jake Farrel with Test Pilot title, Ptl, Outmanoeuvre and refit + Blue Squad B with FCS x 3. On Vassal we went.

My plan - see where the Bs went, stay away from them to give myself movement options, and try to take out Jake before he can flank.

He placed BBB on my left so my two went far right. Use the asteroids and pick my approach. The A went central. I had my target!

The Bs rolled forward, Vess shot out 5F whilst Ken just crept forward then boosted left nearer centre. If the A shots forward I'll have the turret in front (screw you autothrusters) and HLC coming behind.

He shot forward. Maybe round 2 or 3 I'll pincer him.

Turns out that was the case. Vess came through the rocks whilst Ken went head on. Jake was pinned near my edge of the board where I promptly blew him up. Thank you TLs!!

By this point Ken was moving right to left along my edge with Vess just my side of the rocks also facing left. Straight at his BBB, who had moved up and turned in. I got caught up in Jake bashing and now I'm not so sure.

The Bs move in, Ken banks and boosts behind after taking a good 8 hits from them, but takes a crit reducing his primary (didn't use Jerjerrod as I was expecting other crits that didn't come).

Vess tried to 4k behind them, but barely bumps the rear B. Luckily only 1 B has a shot, but it ruins him. All shields and some hull gone.

My action dice aren't clearing the crit and I'm not hitting, whilst Vess goes down soon after, even though he was at r3.

Time up!

Ken with 6 hull vs B 3 hull, B 3 hull, B full. Ben wins. Good on him I guess

Some points I've taken away from it.

1. Forgot Rebel Captive a couple of times. Idiot. But I honestly think some of that was due to having loads of windows on a small screen and not seeing the card most of the time.

2. Weapons Engineer wasn't so helpful as my shots were focused on one ship each time, but I don't think Vader would have been much better. Still, Vader would be the better options versus Imps, which have ruined me in previous games. Fel would love it.

3. I was impatient. Should have just cleared the BBB ball and took time coming round. If I'd taken more time I could have came around again on my terms. It's all well and good getting shots on, but a round clearing my stress/crit and getting into position would have been well spent.

I'm hitting the FLGS tonight, so more practice! at least get game #10 and #11 in. I'm thinking about Vader instead of WE. Not sure what I'm coming up against, but with regionals, nationals and a store champs all over the next two weekends it will hopefully be busy.

I managed games #10 and #11.Got some free pizza too!

I did swap out Weapons Engineer for Darth Vader.

#10 - Ed running a Scum build.

Guri with Virago/Stealth Device/Advanced Sensors/Push the Limit, Boba Fett with Engine Upgrade/Gunner and a Binayre Pirate = 100 points.

Ed's relatively new, but I wasn't going to take things lightly. Engine Upgrade and Vader worked a treat here. Kenkirk boosted out of the Guri's firing arc three times whilst Vader finished off both the Z and the Firespray. Felt pretty good! 7 points effectively decided the game.

Went to time with just Guri left vs both of my ships.

Won 100-40

I was feeling pretty confident after that.

#11 - Scott with an Imp build.

Chinny with Engine Upgrade/Isard/Determination and Kath Scarlet with Calculation/Recon Specialist = 100 points.

Deci vs Deci, then a Defender up against a Firespray. Hmmmm, maybe not so confident.

First time I've had a whole opponent squad be a higher PS than me too.

I set up Kenkirk on the right, facing left along the edge of the board. Thought it would give me options. Vessery set up on the right too facing out. Kath and Chin were then deployed directly opposite.

I immediately went left with both, thinking I'd drag him round and pick when I wanted to confront him.

From my POV it hinged on two moments. Round 3/4 I 1 banked Vessery when I should have 4k'd. I was trying to be clever and it backfired. Vessery went down too soon leaving Ken against a 6 hull Chin and full health Kath. Second was when I Vader'd Chin just to have him user determination on it. Boooo.

Lost 100- 0 in 40 minutes.

So now I'm 6-1-4. In the first game EU and Vader were awesome and worked perfectly. I was patient, made decent choices and punished Ed's mistakes. Second game was not so good of course. I started OK, playing it cautiously, which worked OK with Kenkirk for a time. But the mistake with Vessery and losing him put all the focus on Ken and I couldn't deal with it. I then made a dodgy Vader decision which compounded things.

The win/loss numbers look closer now but I feel fairly confident with it. Bit more patience and more confidence in the 4K and things might be different.

Should be one more practice before the tournament, so I might get to game #14. It's not looking like it will be a big tournament, but I'm still hoping to give it a good crack.

"Crit Hitting Me!"

Admiral Chiraneau

-Ysanne

-Engine Upgrade

-Predator

-Rebel Captive

Col Vessery

-Mangler Cannon

-Veteran Instincts

Admiral doesn't really need an action with Predator and his ability, so he just target locks the obvious target for Vessery.

"Crit Hitting Me!"

Admiral Chiraneau

-Ysanne

-Engine Upgrade

-Predator

-Rebel Captive

Col Vessery

-Mangler Cannon

-Veteran Instincts

Admiral doesn't really need an action with Predator and his ability, so he just target locks the obvious target for Vessery.

Interesting point about not needing to do anything bar the TL.

You won't see Vessery without HLC though

Game #12.

Brother Ben. Vassal. Dash + Nera.

I trusted the 4K this time, but I forgot Lone Wolf and wasn't patient!

Trying to block with the Decimator is a stupid idea.

Took Nera out relatively early. Vessery went down with a few rounds left.

Ended with a narrow points win to Ben.

6/1/5

Rubbish. I really need to learn!

It seems if you want to use Lone Wolf on the Col, then you should fly him further away. Can't you create your own pincer movement with him?

Also, why not drop EU for Vader and keep Weapons Eng.?

Good luck and I love to see things improve.

Just FYI, I read about another list that I have had good luck with:

Chiran0saurus Rex

Chiraneau w/ VI, EU, Rebel Captive, Yssane Issard, and Navigator

Rexlar Brath w/ VI

They are both PS 10, which is great. Chirpy is an excellent arc dodger with EU and Navigator. With Navi and PS 10, you can basically choose where you want to be. It's come in very handy.

Rexlar is mostly there for the PS 10 and to add to the name. He isn't great, but he's alright. If you went with the Col, then you need to have TL from Chirpy, but that means he isn't boosting or using Navi. So, tough call.

This might be a decent Decimator/Defender build;

Kenkirk + Lone Wolf + Palpatine + Ysanne = 58 points.

Vessery + Heavy Canon = 42 points

If they go for Kenkirk first he has the means to last a while with Ysanne, Palpatine, Lone Wolf, and Kenkirk's ability. Then Vessery makes them pay with HLC + TL.

If they go for Vessery first, Palpatine gets a lot of use and makes them pay for the entire game.

It seems if you want to use Lone Wolf on the Col, then you should fly him further away. Can't you create your own pincer movement with him?

Also, why not drop EU for Vader and keep Weapons Eng.?

Good luck and I love to see things improve.

Just FYI, I read about another list that I have had good luck with:

Chiran0saurus Rex

Chiraneau w/ VI, EU, Rebel Captive, Yssane Issard, and Navigator

Rexlar Brath w/ VI

They are both PS 10, which is great. Chirpy is an excellent arc dodger with EU and Navigator. With Navi and PS 10, you can basically choose where you want to be. It's come in very handy.

Rexlar is mostly there for the PS 10 and to add to the name. He isn't great, but he's alright. If you went with the Col, then you need to have TL from Chirpy, but that means he isn't boosting or using Navi. So, tough call.

I've got plans for how I'm going to fly both ships. Hopefully it will make Ken last longer, and Vess will get to use Long Wolf more. Fingers crossed!

Currently I'm running EU, Rebel Captive, Jerjerrod and Vader. Weapons Engineer wasn't giving me as much benefit

PS10 would be very nice indeed. Never had much luck with Navi though. Maybe I wasn't using it right, but it's a bit late with the tournament on Saturday to get used to it. I appreciate the suggestion though

This might be a decent Decimator/Defender build;

Kenkirk + Lone Wolf + Palpatine + Ysanne = 58 points.

Vessery + Heavy Canon = 42 points

If they go for Kenkirk first he has the means to last a while with Ysanne, Palpatine, Lone Wolf, and Kenkirk's ability. Then Vessery makes them pay with HLC + TL.

If they go for Vessery first, Palpatine gets a lot of use and makes them pay for the entire game.

I won't be able to proxy anything for the tournament, and no one will have a Raider before Saturday. I must admit I'm intrigued by him despite the huge cost. The Shuttle/Interceptor build example could be my next squad if I could get hold of him.

hey SDCC

I literally just registered to follow your journey and to let you know I have a bit of a personal love for the TIE Defender and that's the reason I've been following this thread with interest. Great work so far and I really wishing you the best of luck for the upcoming tournament!

hey SDCC

I literally just registered to follow your journey and to let you know I have a bit of a personal love for the TIE Defender and that's the reason I've been following this thread with interest. Great work so far and I really wishing you the best of luck for the upcoming tournament!

Hey there Jimmy,

Dude that's awesome! Cheers for following. There's a lot of good stuff in this forum, you'll be glad you signed up

The Defender is my boy. I love it. Have done since TIE Fighter back in the mid-90's. I'm cool with it as it is, but if the 'TIE whatever' upgrade that comes with the Punisher helps it out that would be more than welcome.

Must admit my confidence is a bit shaky at the moment. But as long as I concentrate and don't get dragged into silly situations I fancy my chances. Will just have to see what I come up against!

So then...

Tomorrow is the day Kenkirk and Vessery roll out to take on the Rebel, Scum and Imperial forces. How many I've no idea. I do know my brothers will also be there, so it will be a laugh at least.

I'll get pics, at least of the start and end of each game, so I can explain them decently here.

Would have liked a bit more practice, but I've got things in mind. Just need to focus!

Wish me luck

I'll update this with the results soon.

Suffice to say it went terribly and I had to sleep on it before I wrote anything.

So then. I'll try to explain this without getting ranty.

The tournament did not go well...which is putting it mildly.

The day started well, with me forgetting my damage deck, and losing Darth Vader card through the floor boards whilst attempting to sleeve it.

With each borrowed (thanks Steve and John) I was good to go. 13 people showed, which meant one person got a bye each round. 4 rounds, no cut.

Apologies, the details aren't here as I was having a terrible day. Taking photos took a back seat to trying to rescue each game.

R1 - Steve - Boba Fett and IG-88B.

I felt as though I could take this on. Try to focus one, force panic, then take out the other! Easy.

Ken set up on the left, with Vess R2 away from him more centrally. Boba was facing them, with IG off to my right. Boba was the target.

Round 2 we get into some shooting, with the IG off on his own, and both of mine taking on Boba. My dice were not good, and his were. Ken took a good hit, and lost most of his shields.

I didn't send Ken into the asteroids, and Vess did manage to use her ability a few times. Boba went down, but Vess had no shields and Ken had 5/6 hull.

IG came in and after a couple of rounds took down Vessery.10 mins or so left, which left me two minds. Tried to fly Ken away and around to get in a better position or run out of time, but IG had most of it's shields, caught up, and promptly finished the job.

Apart from trying to fly away I felt I made decent decisions. The dice weren't on my side, but I was in OK positions for a lot of the game.

Not the first result I wanted, but I was still fairly positive.

0-100

R2 - Brother John - 2 x Onyx Squadron and Bounty Hunter with Recon Spec

We were hoping we weren't going to get drawn against each other, but here we are.

Defenders without HLC?! I'm going to get him. Alas, it was not to be.

I took out both Defenders, but they did a lot of damage first. The BH finished me off.

Again, don't feel as though I flew badly, but I did forget Lone Wolf a lot (wrote it on my hand for R3). Could have swung things.

0-100

R3 - Don - YYBB

I knew Don had ion turrets, but otherwise I felt I could get this.

One Y went down pretty quick, and B followed it. But I traded Vess for that, leaving Ken against a full health BY.

Ken boosted to get an asteroid between himself and the Y to better avoid the ion (already had one), which failed, leaving me facing the edge, ioned. We both knew it was done. But I finished anyway.

0-100

For Round 4 I got a bye. Perhaps it wasn't good of me, but I was thoroughly peeved at doing so badly, so made my excuses and got out of there. Having a cuddle with my wife was far more inviting than standing around for another 90 minutes not playing. The bye got me off the bottom of the table - 11/13 - but it was extremely disappointing.

I won't do anything silly, I'll just not play for a week or two. Mind is still racing over possible builds though! Bloody game!

After so much time, thought and effort it didn't pay off. I'll be back though.

If you've followed this thread, thanks for reading! The opinions and support have been most welcome. Sorry I couldn't end it on a more positive note. There's always next time, when I think I'll be running 3 or 4 ships.

I did at least get an awesome Alt Art PTL card!

Sorry to hear things went so poorly.

One of the biggest problems with 2 ship builds is the fact that you need to maximize your damage, to take out enemies faster than they can take out your ships. I think this is the main reason that Kenkirk doesn't get much love (since Oicunn & Chiraneau both have abilities that increase damage potential).

My only suggestion is that you don't take TOO LONG of a break from the game. I know its rough when you have a bad tourney experience (I've had similar disapointments too), but you don't get better at the game by NOT playing

Sorry to hear things went so poorly.

One of the biggest problems with 2 ship builds is the fact that you need to maximize your damage, to take out enemies faster than they can take out your ships. I think this is the main reason that Kenkirk doesn't get much love (since Oicunn & Chiraneau both have abilities that increase damage potential).

My only suggestion is that you don't take TOO LONG of a break from the game. I know its rough when you have a bad tourney experience (I've had similar disapointments too), but you don't get better at the game by NOT playing

Thanks dude. It was very disappointing, but I'm already getting over it I'd invested a lot and it felt like a waste.

I won't be away for long. As I say, I'm already thinking' what next'. I'll keep my hand in, but might try some other games in the meantime that I've been meaning to get intro'd to. Batman miniatures (my other big love) deserves a shot.

I'll definitely be taking more than 2 ships next time. Good chance Fel will return. Maybe with a little swarm? I don't know. The fact I'm still on here replying and talking about it proves I'm going nowhere. X-Wing's claws are firmly in me!

Just need to regroup.

I just confirmed my own point to myself.

Sat at my desk wondering 'I think I might bring a Doomshuttle back in'.

This is a great read and sorry all the prep work didn't pay off. Anything that involves dice has an element of luck and some days those dice (especially the green ones!) just don't go your way!

I too have a love for the defender and as its seen as a slight under dog in X-Wing I'm determined to make it competitive.

I had a good game yesterday with a Rex & Kath list, still need to refine and practice. Also have a vess and shuttle list I really want to make work, love the shuttle but its a tricky beast to fly.

I think I may know of your brother Ben as I too live in Brighton.

This is a great read and sorry all the prep work didn't pay off. Anything that involves dice has an element of luck and some days those dice (especially the green ones!) just don't go your way!

I too have a love for the defender and as its seen as a slight under dog in X-Wing I'm determined to make it competitive.

I had a good game yesterday with a Rex & Kath list, still need to refine and practice. Also have a vess and shuttle list I really want to make work, love the shuttle but its a tricky beast to fly.

I think I may know of your brother Ben as I too live in Brighton.

Ah thanks man. It's nice to know it wasn't a complete waste! You're right I can' control it all, and things didn't go my way. Add in a few less than stellar decisions and there you go.

The Defender is a corker if flown well. I hope it gets some love in future waves to be the ship it really should be. I think I'll leave her be for a bit now, but I'm sure I'll come back.

With a shuttle? You've got courage! I like it.

Ben visited a pub last night to play some X-Wing. Maybe you were there?

This is a great read and sorry all the prep work didn't pay off. Anything that involves dice has an element of luck and some days those dice (especially the green ones!) just don't go your way!

I too have a love for the defender and as its seen as a slight under dog in X-Wing I'm determined to make it competitive.

I had a good game yesterday with a Rex & Kath list, still need to refine and practice. Also have a vess and shuttle list I really want to make work, love the shuttle but its a tricky beast to fly.

I think I may know of your brother Ben as I too live in Brighton.

Ah thanks man. It's nice to know it wasn't a complete waste! You're right I can' control it all, and things didn't go my way. Add in a few less than stellar decisions and there you go.

The Defender is a corker if flown well. I hope it gets some love in future waves to be the ship it really should be. I think I'll leave her be for a bit now, but I'm sure I'll come back.

With a shuttle? You've got courage! I like it.

Ben visited a pub last night to play some X-Wing. Maybe you were there?

We did meet yes! Granted we only said hello and bye to each other but I'm sure we'll have a game soon and have proper chat

I don't like flying against Defenders, the mix of 3 green dice and 3s/3h is pretty sweet even if they can get a little predictable.

Being peeved didn't last long.

I've found a new idea that excites me. Y-Wings. My favourite rebel ship. Scum for me, but woooo.

Ben visited a pub last night to play some X-Wing. Maybe you were there?

We did meet yes! Granted we only said hello and bye to each other but I'm sure we'll have a game soon and have proper chat

I don't like flying against Defenders, the mix of 3 green dice and 3s/3h is pretty sweet even if they can get a little predictable.

Nice!

If I run Kenkirk its this:

Kenkirk

+PTL

+EU

+Isard

+Reb Cap.

That's 42 points left. Coincidentally enough to fit Vessery with an HLC in. I haven't run this in months, but I might bust it out again. It suffered against Phantoms, but that was pre-nerf. Might be easier to predict where the heck they are going to be. Can't stress enough how awesome it is to boost after everyone has moved with Kenkirk. You can PTL off the Isard evade once you are able to do it. If you setup right you can arc dodge anybody.

This is a great read and sorry all the prep work didn't pay off. Anything that involves dice has an element of luck and some days those dice (especially the green ones!) just don't go your way!

I too have a love for the defender and as its seen as a slight under dog in X-Wing I'm determined to make it competitive.

I had a good game yesterday with a Rex & Kath list, still need to refine and practice. Also have a vess and shuttle list I really want to make work, love the shuttle but its a tricky beast to fly.

I think I may know of your brother Ben as I too live in Brighton.

Ah thanks man. It's nice to know it wasn't a complete waste! You're right I can' control it all, and things didn't go my way. Add in a few less than stellar decisions and there you go.

The Defender is a corker if flown well. I hope it gets some love in future waves to be the ship it really should be. I think I'll leave her be for a bit now, but I'm sure I'll come back.

With a shuttle? You've got courage! I like it.

Ben visited a pub last night to play some X-Wing. Maybe you were there?

We did meet yes! Granted we only said hello and bye to each other but I'm sure we'll have a game soon and have proper chat

I don't like flying against Defenders, the mix of 3 green dice and 3s/3h is pretty sweet even if they can get a little predictable.

We sure will do man. I try to go down most Mondays around 6:30 so up for a game anytime. Have a lot of experimental lists I need to be shown are absolute rubbish haha!

This is a great read and sorry all the prep work didn't pay off. Anything that involves dice has an element of luck and some days those dice (especially the green ones!) just don't go your way!

I too have a love for the defender and as its seen as a slight under dog in X-Wing I'm determined to make it competitive.

I had a good game yesterday with a Rex & Kath list, still need to refine and practice. Also have a vess and shuttle list I really want to make work, love the shuttle but its a tricky beast to fly.

I think I may know of your brother Ben as I too live in Brighton.

Ah thanks man. It's nice to know it wasn't a complete waste! You're right I can' control it all, and things didn't go my way. Add in a few less than stellar decisions and there you go.

The Defender is a corker if flown well. I hope it gets some love in future waves to be the ship it really should be. I think I'll leave her be for a bit now, but I'm sure I'll come back.

With a shuttle? You've got courage! I like it.

Ben visited a pub last night to play some X-Wing. Maybe you were there?

We did meet yes! Granted we only said hello and bye to each other but I'm sure we'll have a game soon and have proper chat

I don't like flying against Defenders, the mix of 3 green dice and 3s/3h is pretty sweet even if they can get a little predictable.

We sure will do man. I try to go down most Mondays around 6:30 so up for a game anytime. Have a lot of experimental lists I need to be shown are absolute rubbish haha!

If the lists you've put time into can't be shown up on a games night in front of your friends then you're doing it wrong!

That's how it goes for me anyway....

I've moved one. Currently excited about Scum Y/HWK/Boba build.

I'll come back to the Defender for sure. Maybe once I know what the TIE upgrade card is.