I created a list of rules to stick by when playing X-wing but it can be transferred to any system really. I'm keen to hear what people think and also what you would add to it?

Thanks

http://www.thatsnomoon.info/blog/the-golden-rules-of-x-wing

Sportsmanship is big around me. We really dont like it when someone gets all huffy over a game. Sometimes its understandable, it is a game of chance after all sometimes the game can just flatout say "You lose" right off the bat and theres nothing you can do about it. But if you lose because you screwed up or lost by a hair or something silly like that, you better shake hands and say GG otherwise youre labeled a sore loser.

Some people view the handshake/GG after a game as rubbing the victory in. No, thats not at all what it means. It means no hard feelings, its just a **** game. Rejecting this handshake makes the other think you have some sort of resentment towards them, and whether its true or not it makes them not want to play you anymore.

Theres 1 such guy in the area right now that does this. He plays weird lists, flies like crap, and tends to get rather upset (though not rampagy) when he loses. Sometimes he gets so huffy about it he scoffs at the handshake afterwords. Nobody wants to play him, neither do i, but im not going to be "that guy" that stands there waiting for a game when theres an even number of people purely because the other guy wanting a game is a bit of a prude. Not like my games against him last that long anyway lol...the dude has no chess mentality at all so he never, ever thinks multiple actions/turns and it bites him in the butt so much its painful to watch.

I disagree with the notion of treating people how you want to be treated. Too many people have a cut-throat, take no prisoners attitude to the game. Like the guy the other day who was happy to note that by interrupting his opponents train of thought by using Snap Shot on them, that they would inadvertently skip their action, and he could then deny them that action as it counted as a missed opportunity. Telling people like that to treat others as they want to be treated just encourages them to be assholes, and unfortunately there's quite a few people like him around.

I like the premise, and I like a lot of what you have written there. I find entry 2. to be out of place. Or maybe I'm having trouble understanding what you are going for. If these are golden rules along the lines of Don't be a Jerk, then it seems out of place, and could be substituted for many other rules: don't worry too much if ships/asteroids get bumped—move along, move along; don't intentionally stall for time; don't rush your opponent—especially if he's flying a swarm; smile; congratulate your opponent on good plays; make "pew pew" noises; quote the movies.

However, a second list of rules could easily be created: Silver Rules of X-Wing that could be more oriented around good rules of thumb for winning the game:

1. Focus Fire (this is the essence of your second entry).

2. Force the engagement on your own terms and where you want it to be.

3. Know your pilot and upgrade abilities; remember to use them (this might go into the other list).

4. Figure out who you need to kill first, and who can wait until later in the game.

5. Know where your own squad is strong and where it is weak.

6. Know when to joust and when to disengage.

7. Always try to present your opponent with choices—that's the only way for him to make mistakes.

8. If you don't know who is the cat and who is the mouse, then you are the mouse. You want to be the cat.

I want to add: I am very happy you posted this. If not, I would not have seen your blog. I very much like your Battle Reports. Well done, and thanks!

Thou shalt not covet thy neighbors ARC 170

The golden rule? "Let the wookie win".

You didn't once mention the lamentation of your defeated foes women folk.

You didn't once mention the lamentation of your defeated foes women folk.

"Crush your enemies. See them driven before you. Hear the lamentations of their women."

- Conan the Barbarian 1982

I disagree with the notion of treating people how you want to be treated. Too many people have a cut-throat, take no prisoners attitude to the game. Like the guy the other day who was happy to note that by interrupting his opponents train of thought by using Snap Shot on them, that they would inadvertently skip their action, and he could then deny them that action as it counted as a missed opportunity. Telling people like that to treat others as they want to be treated just encourages them to be assholes, and unfortunately there's quite a few people like him around.

Indeed brah this is the git gud era!

I disagree with the notion of treating people how you want to be treated. Too many people have a cut-throat, take no prisoners attitude to the game. Like the guy the other day who was happy to note that by interrupting his opponents train of thought by using Snap Shot on them, that they would inadvertently skip their action, and he could then deny them that action as it counted as a missed opportunity. Telling people like that to treat others as they want to be treated just encourages them to be assholes, and unfortunately there's quite a few people like him around.

Sooooo....you're implying that those cut throat people want to be tricked and taken advantage of as well? Cause that's not the case for the ultra competitive types I've come across.

That's usually the exact opposite of the competive crowd. Usually in casual games is where Ive seen the most trickery. People have this really weird idea on competitive mindset. Usually most players at tournaments will just expect you to know your list and rules, and are there to play the game. Outside of that they are usually friendly and have respect towards one another. Mind you, there are always corner cases to all things.

My personal rule is "if I paid to play, we're gonna follow all the rules to the letter"

Knowing that requires me to fly absolutely flawlessly makes me a better player. Casual night? Whatever man don't care. Put your ship back in the board, let's finish this the right way.

But the second you put money on games... don't mess up.

I disagree with the notion of treating people how you want to be treated. Too many people have a cut-throat, take no prisoners attitude to the game. Like the guy the other day who was happy to note that by interrupting his opponents train of thought by using Snap Shot on them, that they would inadvertently skip their action, and he could then deny them that action as it counted as a missed opportunity. Telling people like that to treat others as they want to be treated just encourages them to be assholes, and unfortunately there's quite a few people like him around.

Sooooo....you're implying that those cut throat people want to be tricked and taken advantage of as well? Cause that's not the case for the ultra competitive types I've come across.

They claim that that's the case. You know, they say they wouldn't want an opponent to go soft on them, that being punished for mistakes makes them learn, etc. But my experience is that they get pretty salty when you return their behaviour to them.

My advice is, instead of treating people like you want to be treated, just don't be a ****. If you feel like doing something might make you a ****, then don't do that thing.

^{In all seriousness, I think the 5 points made are good with a few comments:}

^{1) Build It For Fun (AND Build it to Win)}

^{You can make a ton of builds that have "fun" aspects, trickery and allow you to do different things, but are still highly competitive.}

^{If you bring one that has been fun to run against the casual 3 x-wing, 4 Bwing, or Z95 swarm builds that your buddies run - but you get wiped in the first round of a tournament because it is incapable of beating a Ghost build, Brobots or others - it will not be much fun.}

^{My last tournament, I came in second with Redline/Deathrain Punishers and 2 Academy pilots. It was different, unexpected and handled most of the builds pretty well.}

^{I just ran a Kath/Manaroo build against my buddy who is prepping for Worlds and lost by just a point. 5 more minutes and I would have finished off his last ship.}

^{2) Pick One Target At A Time (Unless you can effectively eliminate more)}

^{I think the article hits on this, but there are advantages to hitting a Range1 target versus the damaged ship at Range 3. You have to gauge your ability to deal damage and know what choices are better. 2 half point large based ships are better in the end than one with nearly full health and the other down to 1 hull. If you have the ability to deal crits - it also may be better to share the love than to give it all to one target, so this guideline has some distinct conditions.}

^{3) De-Brief (When you can...)}

^{I have been to a number of tournaments, where there is just no time to discuss the game before the next round starts. At breaks and before and after, there may be more time available, but I agree that the idea of sharing, learning and making new friends is inherent to playing the game.}

^{Of Course - I have had at least one game where my opponent was non-verbal to the point of being creepy. Even when I tried to engage him before and after the game, he was unresponsive and acted a little scary. I could not wait to get that game over with and move on.}

^{4) Sportsmanship (Always)}

^{It's a game with little plastic ships. Pew Pew. In winning and losing be gracious. When you forget it's a game, the fun starts to disappear.}

^{5) Learn Your Maneuvers (AND your opponents')}

^{Knowing how to fly your ships is one thing, but being able to fly other ships and knowing their maneuvers is key to anticipating what they will do. I used to have problems facing Decimator/Phantom builds until I decided to fly the Phantom a good bit and figure out what made it work. I think the best players know what other ships can do and can anticipate maneuvers and actions before they happen.}

^{Good article by the OP and good discussion topic for the community.}

I disagree with the notion of treating people how you want to be treated. Too many people have a cut-throat, take no prisoners attitude to the game. Like the guy the other day who was happy to note that by interrupting his opponents train of thought by using Snap Shot on them, that they would inadvertently skip their action, and he could then deny them that action as it counted as a missed opportunity. Telling people like that to treat others as they want to be treated just encourages them to be assholes, and unfortunately there's quite a few people like him around.

Sooooo....you're implying that those cut throat people want to be tricked and taken advantage of as well? Cause that's not the case for the ultra competitive types I've come across.

They claim that that's the case. You know, they say they wouldn't want an opponent to go soft on them, that being punished for mistakes makes them learn, etc. But my experience is that they get pretty salty when you return their behaviour to them.My advice is, instead of treating people like you want to be treated, just don't be a ****. If you feel like doing something might make you a ****, then don't do that thing.

I'm a guess you'd call me cutthroat for whatever reason but I prefer the term competitive player. I don't mind when players don't allow my missed triggers or fly me off the board. Never have minded and never will. Honestly it has made me a way better and cleaner player. From experience and not wanting to make the same mistakes I can't think of the last time I forgot something. That's not meant to come across as smug or bragging but I believe it has made me a better player.

My other motto is that I play for fun, it's just that winning is the most fun.

Hey, one of these threads...again...

He who has the Gold makes the rules

To always remember you're playing a game with plastic toy spaceships.

I'm uncertain about the debrief. During tournaments, and unless playing against close mates I don't like to debrief or be debriefed. I came to the realisation that maybe some people don't like or appreciate being debriefed. So unless they ask me or I ask them (which I don't), I usually keep the post match comments to the minimum depending on the level of the tournaments.

But a good guide for players nevertheless!

Soooo...throwing my glowing Litko tokens or dice is not a GOOD thing? Especially across multiple tables? Even joking around? I would do it in Vassal....but not sure how.

I have to do some reflective thinking.

Short article...I thought it was going to be a little bit more..;..but thank you.