So some of my friends and I have convinced our wives to do a husbands vs. wives X-Wing Tournament (4 couples) and I am trying to come up with some fun 50 point (more or less) builds that are simple to play and relatively balanced for everyone to play.

So here are the parameters I set for myself in building the squads

• 50 +/-points to keep the games fast and small
• This is a casual game so we can proxy unreleased content like the X/1 title
• We will be using actions
• No debris or asteroids to keep maneuvering simple.
• Stay away from control builds or cascading abilities to keep simple for the new players (wives), who are not gamers, but are being great spouses just to consider this

All of the couples have played some causal games, with the intro rules without actions or stress.

Here is what I have put together to date. I wanted to get the communities input on the balance of the builds. I am not looking to optimize the builds but have them be balanced so no one has "the killer build" and no one is non-competitive because of a poor build. I have tried to stick with the big names from the movies to keep the pilots relevant to our wives, who may or may not have seen the movies, or thematic, i.e. Tie swarm.

Build: Scum Boba Fett

FIRESPRAY-31: · Boba Fett (39)

Z-95 HEADHUNTER: Binayre Pirate (12)

Build: Han Solo

YT-1300: · Han Solo (46)

· Chewbacca (4)

Build: Mini Swarm

TIE FIGHTER: · "Howlrunner" (18)

Swarm Tactics (2)

TIE FIGHTER: · "Backstabber" (16)

TIE FIGHTER: Black Squadron Pilot (14)

Build: Luke Skywalker

X-WING: · Luke Skywalker (28)

· Lone Wolf (2)

· R2-D2 (4)

Shield Upgrade (4)

Z-95 HEADHUNTER: Bandit Squadron Pilot (12)

Build: Tarn Mison

X-WING: · Tarn Mison (23)

R7 Astromech (2)

X-WING: Red Squadron Pilot (23)

R2 Astromech (1)

Build: Darth Vader

TIE ADVANCED: · Darth Vader (29)

· Squad Leader (2)

Engine Upgrade (4)

TIE/x1 (0)

Advanced Targeting Computer (1)

TIE FIGHTER: Black Squadron Pilot (14)

Build: Generic B Wing

B-WING: Blue Squadron Pilot

Fire Control System

I suggest you switch to husband/wife teams. Guys play guys, girls play girls. I don't see a good outcome of guys who play all the time beating up on the their buddies spouses who never or seldom play.

I suggest you switch to husband/wife teams. Guys play guys, girls play girls. I don't see a good outcome of guys who play all the time beating up on the their buddies spouses who never or seldom play.

I understand, but part of the allure to our wives was to have the chance to beat and embarrass their husbands.

We are getting a fair bit of run out of all of the wives being part of the dark side, therefore Empire. All in all we are a pretty good natured bunch, but competitive.

Also only 2 of the husbands are avid gamers and the rest are not that much more experienced than our wives.

Good luck, you're playing with fire, lol.

Good luck, you're playing with fire, lol.

So what do you think of the builds?

You guys sound blessed.

If we tried a tournament like that up here we'd have to call it the " S MALLEST T OURNAMENT E V-AH".

100 point lists are hard enough. I can't imagine really getting a good feeling for a 50 point list. When I got my wife to play some (still working on more of that), I got her 100 points, but straight ships without complicated pilot abilities. Then we added asteroids. Then I added ability cards. I think they would probably enjoy a generic ship shootout more than just a 50 point list... but what do I know.

FWIW... my wife has now declared herself for the Empire... because she feels bad for losing as the rebels... lmao!

Hmmm, you could also name this tournament "The Homewrecker"

I think this is great. For casual players, I think 50 points is ideal because the matches will stay shorter and more casual and there isn't room for a lot of upgrades if you fly two ships.

As for the lists, I'd suggest switching the Scum Y's to both be generic (who the heck is Kavil to a casual player, anyway?) and going with blaster turret. Having two Y's that should focus every turn is not very difficult to get your head around. I think you're correct that the Tarn list may need a buff. Finally, I'd drop the Binayre and fatten Fett. Give him Engine Upgrade and maybe a bomb or cannon to up his damage output. With only one ship, the extra upgrades shouldn't be too overwhelming and Fett flying alone is thematic.

Edit: I would also think about replacing Luke's Z wingman with a Chardaan A-Wing for fun.

You can win a game but she'll hold it against you, next thing you know your shirts Arnt getting ironed and your making the sandwiches.

Do the risk/reward study first.

In the Vader squadron I'd pull Squad Leader and upgrade to Backstabber or Dark Curse.

Chewbacca + Gunner + (your choice for last 3 points)

Pirate Guri: Pirate (12), Guri w/ Determination, Virago, Inertial Dampener, Accuracy Corrector, Autothrusters.

Escort: Doom Shuttle, Saber w/ PtL, Autothrusters.

I would say this is a fun idea! One suggestion would be to limit the game to none unique pilots, so your cutting down the number of rules people have to know, especially for those who are not die hards.

Maybe limit it to 31pts, like the starter set missions.

Remember those words of wisdom; "to insure domestic tranquility,". Tread lightly my friends.

After the first wife gets beat, and she gets irritated......resist the urge to say "I suggest a new strategy, let the wookie win"

But on a serious note: I have found that new players, and particularly women prefer team games. It has a social aspect to it, and feels less competitive. I know you said that beating the husbands was part of the draw....but if that looks like a low probability it might be more fun to set up a small objective based mission. You can probably modify just about any of them to fit all your players.

I like the idea and hope it goes well. As for the builds, I would say go with two builds total. 1 light side, 1 dark side. All the hubbies play identical lists, all the wives play identical lists. This way at the end of the 'tourney' the newish players will have learned how best to handle their squads, and how to approach their opponents. If it goes well, expand it to your idea for next time.

In any case, let us know how it goes.

You said you didn't want to use too many upgrades, but you managed to stack Vader.

Darth Vader (29)

Determination (1)

Advanced Targeting Computer (1)

TIE/x1 (0)

Black Squadron Pilot (14)

Wingman (2)

Hull Upgrade (3)

Total: 50

View in Yet Another Squad Builder

Same with Luke, and I don't think Lone Wolf suits him.

Luke Skywalker (28)

Stay On Target (2)

R2-D2 (4)

Tala Squadron Pilot (13)

Hull Upgrade (3)

Total: 50

View in Yet Another Squad Builder

I can't use Kavil without Opportunist and a Blaster Turret.

Kavil (24)

Opportunist (4)

Blaster Turret (4)

Black Sun Soldier (13)

Dead Man's Switch (2)

Hull Upgrade (3)

Total: 50

View in Yet Another Squad Builder

I know you would prefer a Han Solo build but consider a ORS.

Outer Rim Smuggler (27)

Intelligence Agent (1)

Airen Cracken (19)

Ion Pulse Missiles (3)

Total: 50

View in Yet Another Squad Builder

The Rebel Swarm:

Tala Squadron Pilot (13)

Tala Squadron Pilot (13)

Bandit Squadron Pilot (12)

Bandit Squadron Pilot (12)

Total: 50

View in Yet Another Squad Builder

Bombers:

Captain Jonus (22)

Proton Rockets (3)

Seismic Charges (2)

Gamma Squadron Pilot (18)

Proton Rockets (3)

Seismic Charges (2)

Total: 50

View in Yet Another Squad Builder

Just because this trio look good together.

Black Sun Enforcer (25)

Black Sun Soldier (13)

Black Sun Soldier (13)

Total: 51

View in Yet Another Squad Builder

Female Pilot?

Kath Scarlet (Scum) (38)

Daredevil (3)

Gunner (5)

Engine Upgrade (4)

Total: 50

View in Yet Another Squad Builder

YT-2400 builds?

"Leebo" (34)

Outmaneuver (3)

Heavy Laser Cannon (7)

Intelligence Agent (1)

Outrider (5)

Total: 50

View in Yet Another Squad Builder

No Decimator?

Captain Oicunn (42)
Emperor Palpatine (8)
Total: 50
View in Yet Another Squad Builder

Alternatively, The Emperor' shuttle and escort.

Omicron Group Pilot (21)
Emperor Palpatine (8)
Academy Pilot (12)
Academy Pilot (12)
Total: 53
View in Yet Another Squad Builder

Mini Saber Squadron.

Saber Squadron Pilot (21)
Squad Leader (2)
Autothrusters (2)
Saber Squadron Pilot (21)
Wingman (2)
Autothrusters (2)
Total: 50
View in Yet Another Squad Builder

3x M3-A Interceptors

Serissu (20)
Stay On Target (2)
Cartel Spacer (14)
Cartel Spacer (14)
Total: 50
View in Yet Another Squad Builder

The Ion Couple

Lieutenant Blount (17)
Ion Pulse Missiles (3)
Jan Ors (25)
Ion Cannon Turret (5)
Total: 50
View in Yet Another Squad Builder

I like the idea and hope it goes well. As for the builds, I would say go with two builds total. 1 light side, 1 dark side. All the hubbies play identical lists, all the wives play identical lists. This way at the end of the 'tourney' the newish players will have learned how best to handle their squads, and how to approach their opponents. If it goes well, expand it to your idea for next time.

In any case, let us know how it goes.

On the other hand four Vader Builds versus four Han Solo builds could be a headache.

At the risk of being accused of necro'ing a thread the date for the tournament is set for the weekend of July 18 and 19th. Based on feedback I have altered the 50ish point builds some. I fattened up Boba Fett, added a shield and hull to the Tarn/X Wing build, changed ATC to AC on Vader, and I changed the autoblasters to blaster turrets on the Y wings. I think they are pretty balanced, the X and Y wing lists are 53 and 54 points but I don't think those points will unbalance the builds.

Here they are, thoughts? I only need to add one Tie Fighter to my collection to field them all simultaneously.

Build: Scum Boba Fett

FIRESPRAY-31: · Boba Fett (39)

Engine Upgrade (4)

Heavy Laser Cannon (7)

Build: Han Solo

YT-1300: · Han Solo (46)

· Chewbacca (4)

Build: Mini Swarm

TIE FIGHTER: · "Howlrunner" (18)

Swarm Tactics (2)

TIE FIGHTER: · "Backstabber" (16)

TIE FIGHTER: Black Squadron Pilot (14)

Build: Luke Skywalker

X-WING: · Luke Skywalker (28)

· Lone Wolf (2)

· R2-D2 (4)

Shield Upgrade (4)

Z-95 HEADHUNTER: Bandit Squadron Pilot (12)

Build: Tarn Mison

X-WING: · Tarn Mison (23)

R7 Astromech (2)

Hull Upgrade (3)

X-WING: Red Squadron Pilot (23)

R2 Astromech (1)

Hull Upgrade (3)

Build: Darth Vader

TIE ADVANCED: · Darth Vader (29)

· Squad Leader (2)

Engine Upgrade (4)

TIE/x1 (0)

Accuracy Corrector (0)

TIE FIGHTER: Night Beast(15)

Build: Generic B Wing

B-WING: Blue Squadron Pilot

Fire Control System

Put all keys in an opaque fishbowl for later usage.

But... which team does Syal Antilles Fel root for? Her brother, or her husband?

But... which team does Syal Antilles Fel root for? Her brother, or her husband?

I left both Wedge and Soontir off the builds out of respect for Syal. I wouldn't want to make her choose.

I think your builds are looking pretty good. How do you plan to run this? Does each participant pick a list before each match or a list for the night? I'm very interested in how well this works and looking forward to an AAR.

At the risk of being accused of necro'ing a thread the date for the tournament is set for the weekend of July 18 and 19th. Based on feedback I have altered the 50ish point builds some. I fattened up Boba Fett, added a shield and hull to the Tarn/X Wing build, changed ATC to AC on Vader, and I changed the autoblasters to blaster turrets on the Y wings. I think they are pretty balanced, the X and Y wing lists are 53 and 54 points but I don't think those points will unbalance the builds.

Here they are, thoughts? I only need to add one Tie Fighter to my collection to field them all simultaneously.

This is an odd number of builds; What's up with that?

*Oh, you've dropped to three couples, nevermind.

Three Imperial builds

Four Rebel builds

Two Scum builds

I still think you've unbalanced some of the builds within themselves,

Like Luke and Vader.

Build: Darth Vader

TIE ADVANCED: • Darth Vader (29)

• Squad Leader (2)

Engine Upgrade (4)

TIE/x1 (0)

Accuracy Corrector (0)

TIE FIGHTER: Night Beast(15)

Shield Upgrade (4)

Darth Vader (29)

Squad Leader (2)

Accuracy Corrector (0)

TIE/x1 (0)

Total: 50

Build: Scum Boba Fett

FIRESPRAY-31: • Boba Fett (39)

Engine Upgrade (4)

Heavy Laser Cannon (7)

Build: Mini Swarm

TIE FIGHTER: • "Howlrunner" (18)

Swarm Tactics (2)

TIE FIGHTER: • "Backstabber" (16)

TIE FIGHTER: Black Squadron Pilot (14)

Build: Han Solo

YT-1300: • Han Solo (46)

• Chewbacca (4)

Build: Luke Skywalker

X-WING: • Luke Skywalker (28)

• Lone Wolf (2)

• R2-D2 (4)

Shield Upgrade (4)

Z-95 HEADHUNTER: Bandit Squadron Pilot (12)

Build: Tarn Mison

X-WING: • Tarn Mison (23)

R7 Astromech (2)

Shield Upgrade (4)

X-WING: Red Squadron Pilot (23)

R2 Astromech (1)

Hull Upgrade (3)

Build: Generic B Wing

B-WING: Blue Squadron Pilot

Fire Control System

B-WING: Dagger Squadron Pilot

Fire Control System

Build: Scum Y-Wing

Y-WING: • Kavil

Blaster Turret

R4 Agromech

Y-WING: Syndicate Thug

Blaster Turret

R4 Agromech

Drea Renthal (22)

Blaster Turret (4)

Unhinged Astromech (1)

Syndicate Thug (18)

Blaster Turret (4)

Unhinged Astromech (1)

Total: 50

Green Squadron Pilot (19)

Determination (1)

Expert Handling (2)

Hull Upgrade (3)

A-Wing Test Pilot (0)

Green Squadron Pilot (19)

Determination (1)

Expert Handling (2)

Hull Upgrade (3)

A-Wing Test Pilot (0)

Total: 50

I think your builds are looking pretty good. How do you plan to run this? Does each participant pick a list before each match or a list for the night? I'm very interested in how well this works and looking forward to an AAR.

Each player will pick a build to play through out the tournament. Only one of each build will be in the tournament. Husbands will play wives and we will score 1 point for a win and once all of the combinations of spouses play we will tally up the wins and declare a team the winner. We have 3 couples playing so there will be 3 rounds.