As the title says (and I'm new here, sorry if there is a better/different term for theory-crafting), I'm curious how much time you guys spend playing against yourselves to try out different fits and strategies?

I have one pal who plays but lives an 8-hour drive from me, and I talked a pal into trying the core set out with his kids at the weekend, plus I live in SoCal and it seems like there are a bunch of LGS that hold tournaments and I plan on joining, but to date, my whole experience with this game has been one game against my wife (who bought me the game) and about two dozen matches against myself.

Now that I have the rules down cold and have run multiple dogfights and a few missions, I'm trying to build solid Rebel and Scum & Villainy squads (and seem to be building an Imperial squad just by virtue of giving the other squads a work-out) and am having a disproportionate amount of fun just playing out various builds and strategies, and it got me to wondering if this is common of if I'm just an insular freak.

Obvious, nothing beats playing against other people (been a gamer my whole life) but I don't want to waste any opportunities I have to play against people by learning the game "on the job" and this seems to scratch a few itches for me - any one feel the same way or am I the freak I sometimes worry that I am...

Everyday I practice or do some form of squad building. It's just my favorite hobby and after a long day of busting my back at work I enjoy messing with my X-wing.

It's all about simulator flying! There are some great solo missions on Mission Control, but there's a lot to be said for just flying your ships around obstacles in formation. And that's to say nothing of all the time I spend on these forums! Makes the fact that I only get to play real games at tournaments not such a big deal - I've learned A LOT in a short period and even started winning some games...

At least you didn't title the topic: "How much time do you spend playing with yourself"

Lot of misunderstanding to be had there.

If I've time to play, but no opponents can be found, I game against myself. Whether trying out something new, or just having fun, I still find it challenging enough not to be bored by it. The only part that can be odd is manoeuvre dials, since I know what manoeuvres everyone is doing.

Might I introduce you to vassal.

There is a xwing there you can play.

Many people use it

I love it.

I theory craft a lot.

Morning noon and night.

I must have about 100 saved bookmark on my phone of lists, and I've already deleted a lot which didn't do well or ones I pass on.

Btw vassal is also a great way to practice as there is no clean up

I play with, er against myself whenever I want to test out a new build and see how it stands up. Heh.

I also play on VASSAL quite a bit. You can use it offline for practicing against yourself or online against other players. I've had only good experiences in both cases so far.

This game has quite a bit of depth to it, so playing all kinds of variations, with different deployment, asteroid placement, etc, can be quite helpful.

I'm so lonely...

I only really get to play at events lately because the clubs around here that play X-wing are in the middle of changing where they host themselves and work obligations on most days they are run.

Mostly I'll spend a couple hours a week looking over my cards, new releases and trying to come up with a new list. (Always take a Phantom though because I <3 Phantoms) When I get time and a enough room on the dining table i'll even set up a mat and some Asteroids and try to fly these squads I make up around the mat in close proximity to each other as some practice.

I've been thinking about getting Vassal to practice but I just haven't picked it up yet.

I have Battlescribe on my phone and between reading books or listening to a podcast, I'm always theorycrafting during my commutes.

Thanks for the replies - I have Vassal installed but have never attempted to play it (probably still too caught up in the enjoyable tactile experience), however, after reading these comments, I absolutely will.

Online, you can find some solo X wing programs that will set maneuvers for the list your flying against. I have used it many times, and although sometimes a maneuver doesn't make sense (change it), for the most part it is a better experience than having the knowledge of where ships will be moving. As others have stated, I do enjoy Vassal myself, but I feel practicing on a 3x3 field in front of you gives you a better visual learning experience, each have there own benefits.

Vassal is definitely the way to go for you bud. I spend a ton of time theory crafting, but I'm blessed with some great stores in my area too, so if I'm not playing I'm thinking about it.

Also, try posting in the organized play forum, you may be able to find people near you more effectively there.

I downloaded vassal and the Xwing module but I can't figure out how to start a game

I always find time to sit down and give the "new meta lists" a good think. I think of counters, roll dice, and think some more. I find it very relaxing and it makes me happy. I also have downloaded vassal, but I have yet to play it. I just like flying spaceships and rolling dice. Also, there is a huge benefit in flying both sides as it trains you to always think about what your opponent can do. It turned me into a strong player, and I love running lists that have some sort of blocking element.

I started playing in January, went to my first tournament in February and got top 8, and then did an absurd amount of theory crafting and practicing tactics. It paid off and I got 2nd at my first regionals!!

TL:DR - I theory craft all the time and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Have you seen my posts on this forum? If not, here are links to the two most recent.

I mystify the kids I tutor when they find out I do statistics and essays for fun. In my head. While working retail.

Playing against myself on Vassal is my primary tournament prep method. I can hammer out a game in 20 minutes or so, or go through a half dozen setups to figure out good openings. I also play my "opposing force" with perfect knowledge of my test squad's chosen moves. It really helps get you in a thinking ahead mindset when your opponent always guesses your moves correctly.

When I am alone I watch X-wing videos, I think that is the best way spending your time if you have no X-wing partner at the moment (and your girlfriend is not at home )

Playing against myself on Vassal is my primary tournament prep method. I can hammer out a game in 20 minutes or so, or go through a half dozen setups to figure out good openings. I also play my "opposing force" with perfect knowledge of my test squad's chosen moves. It really helps get you in a thinking ahead mindset when your opponent always guesses your moves correctly.

I do the same thing but just not tourny prep. Between playing against "someone who always guess your moves correctly" and playing against my buddies 8 year old, who seldom guesses my moves correctly yet I never know what he's going to do either, I get a good variety.

I spend as much or more time in "theory" mode than actually playing I bet. The theory just happens during 20min increments when an hour+ game won't do.

Yeah, me too. I'm certainly my most common opponent. I'm interested in how ships interact. You just can't get that kind of information in one-off games, so unless you have an opponent willing to play a half dozen variations of a list against a meta list, 3 times each, it's a solo game.