This Saturday was my first organized play experience. More accurately it is the first time I've played with/against someone who I did not teach the game to or learn the rules alongside.

I drove 5 hours (and complained about it until I heard how far others drove). It was so worth it that I checked for other nearby regionals and found one at 8 and one at 10 hours away. I love the western plains.

The reputation of this community is upheld. And for those that need filler until the next spoiler drops, here's a tourney from the eyes of a 1st timer.

My brother who has played the core set once came to watch and was invited to play to make our field even (so we didn't have someone on a 'bye' every round). He declined, but it was a neat gesture and got his attention.

The BS session beforehand was welcoming, informative, and cordial considering the competitive nature of the event. Paradox in Fargo did a good job hosting (in my limited experience) and I didn't get the creepy game store vibe I've gotten closer to home. I now have my first Alt Art card.

1st round was a bye which vaulted me out of my depth of skill and gave me 2 hours of extra nerves and a rather fine sandwich from downtown Fargo.

My first (2nd round) game was with Ian (the referee as I will call him). He was kind enough to spell out his actions as he did them so I could learn how to clearly declare my moves without looking foolish (a big concern for a rookie). He reminded me of a couple obvious forgotten actions when it was appropriate and held me accountable to the letter of the rules when appropriate. I felt we had a good game that my only regret was missing the 6th round by less than a couple minutes. We had heavily damaged Liberty and ISD2's on the table within shooting range.

My second game (last round) was against Alan, who was pretty frustrated after his first round. Our game was a lot of fast moving ships and bluffing and guessing. It could have gone either way, but was not a stalemate by any stretch of imagination. The result determined a large swing in standings, but it never got heated or personal even with some forgotten actions. We laughed enough to distract JJ several times during his game next to us.

I got to compete hard and come away laughing, and a little sore that I'm still using a cardboard range ruler. I like the game even more now and even found someone at the tourney that travels to my hometown a few times a year for family and would like to catch a game when he's in town. Also, my brother is very interested in doing more with the game. The couple other Armada guys in town are drooling over the stories and maybe we can find a couple more.

With perfect memory, I'd acknowledge all the little things from nearly every other player at the tourney that made the trip worth it; especially since it will be a very rare event for me - but thanks guys for making my plastic ships worth that much more to me and I hope to see you again another year.

I've always competed (previously as an athlete) for the stories and the people you meet. Y'all are no exception.

Grats on what sounds like some fun games! Glad you had a good time at your first tournament, and best of luck in your future competitions!

I'm glad you had fun, I wish we had more local players showing up and realizing how fun it is.

If you want to keep up to date about future tournaments in the off chance you can make it, feel free to join the "Fargo Moorhead X-Wing & Star Wars Games" group on Facebook - it's mostly X-wing but there is occasionally some Armada stuff. Also a good place to request a casual match if you ever happen to be in town again for some reason. Anyways, thanks a lot for coming, glad you could make it.

P.S. It was nice meeting you, we talked briefly a couple times. I was one of the other white guys...with dark hair...and glasses... Hmm.

I was one of the other white guys...with dark hair...and glasses... Hmm.

That should narrow it down

That's an awesome account of what sounded like a great day. You should get on Vassal with us. You haven't played armada till you have played against aussies, brits and Italians (actually in italy...lol).

Saturday was a fun time. I am glad you had fun. Too bad we could not talk your brother into playing, you can blame him for the bye.

That's an awesome account of what sounded like a great day. You should get on Vassal with us. You haven't played armada till you have played a game that takes 4 plus hours.

FTFY.......i kid, i kid

I like the game even more now and even found someone at the tourney that travels to my hometown a few times a year for family and would like to catch a game when he's in town.

Now I just have to decide how evil to be.