Are you guys applying the "Learn to Fly" ruling of the non-initiative player choosing what side to start after obstacle placement in tournament (competitive) play?

I have not seen that in any tournaments I have played, but not sure what is done at higher levels. Generally, there's not a ton of time and it does not seem to make a difference. Usually just pick a side and place obstacles from there.

According to the tournament rules, what edge of the map you deploy onto is determined before you do anything else, even before you reveal your list to your opponent. Then you shuffle your damage deck, determine initiative, place asteroids, etc.

Ive never seen this in my local casual play and I definitely couldnt imagine it in a tourney. Strategically, you attempt to place asteroids to benefit your ships based on where your ships start.

I've used it a couple times in casual play. It doesn't get used for tournament play at all. At a tournament, it would be something of a hassle to deal with moving all your stuff to the other side of the table, especially in a crowded place full of other players.

Overall, I think it's a neat idea and could have some applications in scenario design. It's just too annoying to implement as a standard requirement of the game for competitive play.

I believe the reason you would/should use that rule is when first learning the game so it can teach you more about obstacle placement. It may also promote are more balanced asteroid field in the sense that someone skilled at placing rocks may not work as hard at it if they are going to lose any benefit they may have constructed.

Why do that? If someones learning just use a standard even layout. I would even disagree and say if the other player is mking skilled asteroid placement and you as the nee player get to witness the other player taking advantage of their placement, that is a better way for them to learn. Anyway, it might be a neat way to mix things up, but I see little advantage in teaching new players.