Hi all, I've been teaching two new players, and we're all getting together for a furball this week. I've set the point limit at 70, required at least two ships, and no ship is allowed to be more than double the cost of the cheapest ship in the list. I'd like feedback on (1) using this format to teach, (2) my friend(s) list(s), and (3) my list - specifically, is it helpful for teaching, or too much?

1. Furball to teach basics: I've heard it said that this format can mis-prepare players since they won't be used to the standard dogfight or mission format. However, I think this is a misnomer, as it is specific kinds of furballs that tend toward this (1-ship only, max of 30 points, etc.). I only intend to use this format for 3, maybe 4 sessions, simply because it allows me to play and creates a low-stakes feel for apprehensive beginners. We're planning on going to an FLGS later this month, so that should get them some good practise and exposure to other approaches.

2. Beginners' list(s - currently lacking 1 list)

Herra Syndulla (Attack shuttle): 22

Recon Specialist (3)

Blaster turret (4)

Corran Horn (E-wing): 35

R2-D2 (4)

Flechette Torpedoes (2)

Guidance Chips (0)

Total: 70

I told him I thought this was a very good list, as it's one he's been tweaking with pointers from me, and he's formatted it to meet the parameters of this event.

3. My list: "Ladies' night out"

Manaroo (JMK-5000): 27

Veteran Instincts (1)

"Gonk" (2)

Kath Scarlett (Firespray-31): 38

Trick Shot (0)

Tail Gunner (2)

Total: 70

Disclaimer: I figure this is the best forum to post this in - squad lists and organised play didn't quite cut it, and it's definitely off-topic... So, new sub-forum: Beginners? Teaching X-wing?

I find this is intermediate level as opposed to utter beginner.

My beginner scenario is to drum up a few lists of like 30 pts (with at least one with two ties) and let them respawn.

My beginner scenario is a Rookie Pilot vs. two Academy Pilots. Or a Blue Squadron Rookie vs. two Epsilon Squadron Pilots.

Ya'll keep trying to "think outside the box" with beginners, trying to impress them, when in reality you're just trying to entertain yourself, because core set battles bore you. New players don't know what X-Wing has in store for them; as such, anything you set on the table will be fun for them.

You are far more likely to pass on the fundamental knowledge of the game, and keep them playing, if you make their first game simple. And the simplest thing you can do is core set battles. Then ask them what ships they find interesting, and make really weird 100 pt lists for them with those ships. Intentionally take a low-level list yourself.

And lets not even talk about the fact that you're bringing a f*cking jumpmaster to these people's first real game? Are you kidding me? Most of these guys don't even know what upgrades are good, what pilot abilities are good, and you're bring the objectively best ship in the game by a wide margin to their first game. This is how you get people to not play X-Wing anymore. You're overwhelming them with the details before they even know how to play at that level.

I too would always start new players with a most basic T-65 X-wing VS two TIE Fighter list or some variation of that. It's simple, teaches the absolute basics, and doesn't get them trying to think about too many things at one time.

I also wouldn't use a furball to teach the game, outside of running a session at a game con or something. I need a system where I can drop up to 8 players on to the table at once, and the furball is the way to go. But I stress, repeatedly, that this isn't the real game but just something that works for the environment that they're being exposed to the game. If I'm doing a proper sit-down session to teach someone, we play a match, then switch sides and play it again. And talk about how things work the whole time.

And then, especially, after you've taught someone by explaining the game to them... strongly suggest to them that they go read the Learn to Play guide and the Rules Reference Guide after. I've run into too many players, even long time players, who've never actually read the rules. Ever.

58 minutes ago, Razgriz25thinf said:

You are far more likely to pass on the fundamental knowledge of the game, and keep them playing, if you make their first game simple. And the simplest thing you can do is core set battles. Then ask them what ships they find interesting, and make really weird 100 pt lists for them with those ships. Intentionally take a low-level list yourself.

The Core Set tutorials also vary the PS of the TIE's which is an important concept to pass on, instead of doing two Academy or two Epsilons. One is higher PS than the Rookie pilot.

1 hour ago, WarriorPoet said:

Hi all, I've been teaching two new players, and we're all getting together for a furball this week.

Sigh. Grammar.

We've played basic Core Set game s , gone over rules, and walked through the basics of list-building. It just so happens that this is a time when all 3 of us can get together, so I thought I'd try something different for fun.

Keep your Internet-rage, @Razgriz25thinf , and work on reading comprehension and proper grammar usage.