This is probably the biggest factor that determines whether I'm going to have a good game or not.

When , if , and how my opponent and I handshake really sets the tone for the game that follows. Whether I'm stomped or I win, that brief second or two tells me whether I'm going to have a fun time flying my toy spaceships. I prefer to play the opponent that doesn't shake my hand (usually out of eagerness to start playing) than the one who gives you the tips of the fingers because he could care less about acknowledging me.

What's your experience?

Always hand shake and introduce myself. Handshake again when time starts.

For some reason some people these days see the handshake after a game as gloating the victory. How the freakin' hell that happened is beyond me.

A firm handshake both before and after the game means no ill intentions/good luck. In a friendly game at the local store we usually dont bother since we play each other all the time but in a tournament scene always shake before and after for courtesy reasons. And dont refuse a handshake...that usually sends hostile signs even if youre just pissed at a game of plastic ships.

I prefer to avoid it tbh I'm a bit of a germophobe. But I'll do it if I have to.

I always offer a handshake and "good luck" at the start of each game. And, I seem to always catch a slight sniffle after every major event I go to. Coincidence?

Fistbumps, Paul, fistbumps!

6 minutes ago, thespaceinvader said:

I prefer to avoid it tbh I'm a bit of a germophobe. But I'll do it if I have to.

"One often meets his destiny on the path he takes to avoid it..."

Germs will get you just by being at a tournament if theyre gonna get you at all lol i wouldnt worry about it unless the dude has gunk on his hands or something.

Ah, dang. I would find not offering a handshake before and after any game odd. The closer it was the more compelled I feel the acknowledgment. My last 4 matches at Hoth were really close. 1 ship with 1 or 2 hull on the table at end of play for 3 of them and the 4th called on time.

I'd felt rude not shaking.

I've seen the fouling of the restroom of the LGS during a tournament increase significantly while the soap dispenser shows no change in volume.

Needless to say unless I want to look like Niles Crane I tend to avoid handshakes.

I always bring a dozen red roses and present a single rose to my opponent shyly at the beginning of each match.

A quick aside about avoiding "picking up something" (this goes for every day habits):

Wash your hands regularly. You're going to get stuff on your hands no matter what you touch. The important part is to avoid touching your face with your hands; in particular your eyes, mouth and nose. I have little kids and they seem to bring home the latest bug without fail. My wife seems to get it too more often than not and I have a knack for avoiding it most of the time by having modified my behavior (it's almost like a free evade for your body). Try it . Wash your hands between games if you can, but above all, keep your hands off your face and you should see a difference.

I usually offer one, sometimes I forget at the beginning though. Don't see it as a big deal. I usually never forget at the end. Whether I win or lose I like the handshake.

I always try to offer one, ESPECIALLY when I lose. But always at the start before the first dial is revealed, and after the last attack (whether it goes to time or someone's last ships are destroyed). If I'm meeting them for the first time, like at a bigger-than-store-tournament event, I shake when we first meet up and introduce myself.

Common courtesy increases everyone's enjoyment. If they don't want to shake for germaphobe-type reasons, I'll offer a something else like a fist bump. Just be as polite as possible. There's no reason not to.

I don't think it's necessarily a make-or-break kind of deal, but I value other people's enjoyment of my favorite tabletop.

I always have a handshake before and after the match...

always have always will, British politeness and all...

Haha, I thought "germaphobe" is someone who is scared of germans ...

omg

sorry for trolling

Handshake, every time, and usually a wish for good luck for your opponent, though for closer friends, that may be substituted for a saltier greeting, ranging from "Good luck in your next match" all the way to "May your dice give you herpes." All in jest though, for people we know well.

I'm not sure if i handshake but i always say hello, introduce myself and tell them i fly casual. I find people who beat me act akward but i congradulate them, i think its rude to blame your dice I also apologize in advance if i am flying something dirty

55 minutes ago, sozin said:

Fistbumps, Paul, fistbumps!

Are there no germs on knuckles?!

I always handshake - unless I know for a fact that the person went to the bathroom and didn't wash their hands.... in which case I'll resort to only a fist bump.

2 minutes ago, Sekac said:

Are there no germs on knuckles?!

Significantly fewer. You don't contact nearly as many things with your knuckles, which is the source of all those germs on palms and, especially, fingertips. Do you use your knuckles to type, use your phone, eat, or rub your face? I certainly don't.

Sneezing or coughing straight onto your knuckles would be pretty inconvenient.

Both of my hands are pirate hooks. So no.

1 hour ago, pheaver said:

I always offer a handshake and "good luck" at the start of each game. And, I seem to always catch a slight sniffle after every major event I go to. Coincidence?

At least you don't add the "You're gonna need it!" at the end!

1 hour ago, sozin said:

Fistbumps, Paul, fistbumps!

This. I'll only shake hands after a match, and only if my opponent wants to.

Then I go wash my hands.

28 minutes ago, SgtSmithy said:

Significantly fewer. You don't contact nearly as many things with your knuckles, which is the source of all those germs on palms and, especially, fingertips. Do you use your knuckles to type, use your phone, eat, or rub your face? I certainly don't.

Sneezing or coughing straight onto your knuckles would be pretty inconvenient.

I was just being silly, but thank you.

greet, offer handshake and a good luck at the start of most games. sometimes I forget.