The second (blue) core rulebook (pg. 17) states: "After the sixth obstacle is placed, the player who does not have initiative chooses an edge of the play area to be his own; his opponent's edge is the opposite side of the play area."

I've always played that the sides were chosen FIRST, and then asteroid placement came after. This was how it was taught to me... but now after looking at the rulebook... I'm wondering if I'm doing it wrong?

Maybe the rule got updated at some point in a FAQ? But I didn't see it...?

It's unfortunate if this IS the case (obstacles 1st, choose sides 2nd), because I always found it so refreshing compared to other miniature/war games where you set up all the terrain and realize that it's tactically better to be on the other side of the table (because of walls, forests, or other terrain), so you sheepishly ask your opponent to move all of their things to the opposite table (and they do so... but begrudgingly since they know it's part of the rules but they already got all their cards/minis/templates set up on the side they were on).

Anyways... if anyone can confirm the correct order for tournament play, that would be much appreciated!

if anyone can confirm the correct order for tournament play, that would be much appreciated!

I have never picked a side after putting the obstacles down, mostly I suppose because picking a side on the other side of the table it just a pain. So even when I played at the FFG regional, you sat down and that was your edge, then you put down the rocks.

I don't think anyone actually plays it despite what the rulebook says where you pick your side after you place the obstacles.

Yes, if you really push it, you can force the side change, but I seen no one play like that. First because asteroid placement are important but not "THAT" important in this game, second because this is a pain. You can also force your opponent to share template and dice but no one do.

i believe this was brought up a few months ago too and the general consensus was "f that, takes too much time"

I believe that is a point where the tournament rules differ just slightly from the normal rules.

Under the starter's rules that switch sides is probably there to help ensure a fair and balanced set of asteroid placements. In a tournament each side should be looking to place them to his/her advantage.

Where you REALLY run into trouble is when the person with initiative starts laying obstacles thinking they will play from his side while the opponent places obstacles knowing she intends to change sides once that is all done. The reason this is a problem is that it could set up stuff that is extremely beneficial to one side of the board.

I believe that is a point where the tournament rules differ just slightly from the normal rules.

They are, I didn't even really think about looking until you mentioned that.

Step 1 from Game Setup in the X-Wing Tournament Regulations v121 pdf is "Each player places their squad outside of the 3’ by 3’ play area next to their assigned player edge." Placing obstacles is step 5.

I believe that is a point where the tournament rules differ just slightly from the normal rules.

They are, I didn't even really think about looking until you mentioned that.

Step 1 from Game Setup in the X-Wing Tournament Regulations v121 pdf is "Each player places their squad outside of the 3’ by 3’ play area next to their assigned player edge." Placing obstacles is step 5.

Aha! This is what I was looking for! Thanks XD Glad to continue playing this way for tourney practice as well as in the tournaments themselves. Cheers

40k also has rules like this, and we have to adhere to them because they actually impact things due to terrain setup and even rules call out areas of the table once in awhile.

40k has no cards, tokens, templates, or anything to move to the other side of the table. Its all models usually sitting on a convenient tray so you can put them out of the way while they arent on the field. Its still a major pain in the ass to be on one side and have to switch to the other.

Xwing would be far worse since you have the cards to deal with too. I dont know why this rule is in the book because nobody does it lol its just an inconvenience.

40k also has rules like this, and we have to adhere to them because they actually impact things due to terrain setup and even rules call out areas of the table once in awhile.

40k has no cards, tokens, templates, or anything to move to the other side of the table. Its all models usually sitting on a convenient tray so you can put them out of the way while they arent on the field. Its still a major pain in the ass to be on one side and have to switch to the other.

Xwing would be far worse since you have the cards to deal with too. I dont know why this rule is in the book because nobody does it lol its just an inconvenience.

As pointed out above, in this case the tournament rules are different (and as you said the way that most people play). However, even if playing the non-tournament rule, I don't see why you would need to move all of your stuff to the other side (the player edges could even be the left and right sides), you just start your forces there.

I dont know why this rule is in the book because nobody does it lol its just an inconvenience.

Only reason I can think of is to stop someone from stacking all the rocks on one side of the table, since the other guy gets to pick a side.

It's like the "You cut I chose" rule for splitting the last piece of cake or candy.

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Xwing would be far worse since you have the cards to deal with too. I dont know why this rule is in the book because nobody does it lol its just an inconvenience.

As pointed out above, in this case the tournament rules are different (and as you said the way that most people play). However, even if playing the non-tournament rule, I don't see why you would need to move all of your stuff to the other side (the player edges could even be the left and right sides), you just start your forces there.

While it may be confusing to some where you set your ships up shouldn't matter relative to where you are sitting. Flying them at you is exactly the same as flying them away from you just like left and right are completely relative to the ship and not the player. Maybe more people will bank/turn "the wrong way" when setting dials but that is a skill that should be worked on and is part of that "mentally knowing where all of your maneuvers will take you" which people think is so incredibly important to the game.

I should be easy to see how this will affect a game. When both players set up knowing where they start they can then place obstacles to be most advantageous to them. When both players setup knowing that where their ships start is still up in the air you're going to see more placement where obstacles they place can't be used against them which should result in a more neutral obstacle field. The BIG mess happens when the players don't agree on how they setting up and determining starting edges so one player goes for advantage and the other sets up knowing they will set up on the advantageous side and works to boost the advantage.