My ten year old, Gavin, insisted he was ready to learn how to play X-wing so we bought the set and learned the rules to play.

We played the basic rules first. Gavin's x-wing versus my two T.I.E. fighters.

Gavin blew them both up.

A few days later we read the main rulebook and played. This time, I was Luke Freakin' Skywalker versus Gavin and his 10 year old friend Treyvon, who each controlled a T.I.E. fighter.

Gavin and Treyvon blew up Luke Freakin' Skywalker.

Lesson Learned: I suck at this game, though I love it so.

Next Up: Actual Missions...

Nothing there that can't be overcome. Throw R2-D2 on there and practice flying. Or if you only have the one set, plunk all three ships down (ignore faction) and set out the asteroids and start flying around them. Get the hang of how the ships move. Learn to love what asteroids can do. Pretty soon you'll see that TIE Fighters have some really tight turns and can use that against you. Luke with R2-D2 can regenerate shields, but is locked into predictable maneuvers by only using the limited green arrows.

Add a few ships... practice the phrase "Mistakes Were Made"...

Set a points list based on how many ships you have and then go at the boys again. Having more than one ship on your side can make a lot of difference. Technically a single X-Wing can be equivalent to 2 TIE Fighters, but you'll find that as you make your way up to 100 point games that you won't feel as boxed in... as long as you learn how to negotiate the asteroids.

The next phase is learning to Focus Fire (aiming your ships at the same target at the same time) and modified dice (having focus generally, but anything that allows you to add or modify dice to give you an edge). Remember that those "fancy flying" red maneuvers rob you of these modified dice, so pick your times judiciously.

At least, now, you have a goal. Beat the kids! Keep after it until you can do it from either side... then add another ship... pretty soon you'll be flying like an Ace!

My first experience of X-Wing was also made of Luke and sadness. However, I've grown to have quite the collection and love for the game!

Beat the kids!

at X-Wing, please!

Heh heh... yes, of course... at X-Wing...

Or rather, teach them to Fly Casual in the face of overwhelming defeat!

Heh heh... yes, of course... at X-Wing...

Or rather, teach them to Fly Casual in the face of overwhelming defeat!

Hey, that's my motto!

I say keep your son going with this game and be his 'sparring' partner! You might have a young Nathan Eide on your hands! (A 14 year old who just recently played his way into the final match at the freakn WORLD championship!)

Poe Dameron is better than Luke.

I'd say pick up the new core set as well, then you can start squad building. That's really where things get fun.

Edit: I would suggest staying around 60-65 points for per squad.