Just wanted to say that I finally was able to get some practice games in last night. and man am I excited about my deck! Can't wait for this weekend! Also, the store told kyle that he could pay when he got there and get prereg prices as long as he called and put his name down for the tournies.

OK, with Lords of Winter Shipping in the States, Greg and I have been discussing what to do about it's legality for our Regional. It began shipping out at FFG on Tuesday, but it lucks like we'll be lucky to have it next week. I believe what we're currently looking at doing is to allow it if it is in stock at our store with their shipment on Wed. 9th. That way anyone wanting to use it can at least purchase it Friday night during the Cube draft. Greg may correct me if I missed a detail or two of our discussion. There was quite a bit of "discussing."

Call me a naysayer but I think that if the stark box isn't out by tomorrow then it really shouldn't be allowed.

This is an exerpt of an email that we received from FFG regarding this issue:

"This situation seems complicated because some of our partners released Lords of Winter last month, but we held up the release at our end and just shipped it on Tuesday. So the reality of how long the cards have been on shelves is not constant for all players.

Personally, I would endorse a "if you have the cards, they are legal" policy for the LCGs. People want to play with the new cards, and I think the "wait" policy was more of an issue in the CCG days, when huge sets came out that players needed to assimilate.

So I would suggest advising him that LoW be made legal, with the understanding that we fully back any ruling the Tournament Organizer makes for his event. And maybe posting a general statement that eliminates the "1 week grace" period from the tournament scene."

I agree. I would much prefer the one week rule.

Though if everyone agreed that if we have it by then its playable, I would like to reserve my 2 copies (assuming someone is splitting one with me), so I know that I could play it if I wanted.

I know MGU usually gets a limited stock of newer items, and with it coming in during a regional time, it may be hard to get for some players.

Dobbler said:

Odd to change this mid-season; the one week "rule" was enforced at the Regional tournament at FFG's game center. I disagreed with the decision to enforce it at that tournament since there never was any indication prior to the day of the event that it would be the rule, but now it and subsequent regionals have embraced it and changing again seems likely to cause more discord.

Huseman

Will and I debated this quite vigorously. And several of your concerns are valid.

First, you do not need three copies of this box. Every card in the box comes in triplicate, so you only need one box. Second, I have already talked to Carl from Metagames to insure they purchase enough. I asked that they order 20. So, I don't think there should be an issue with availability.

And as Nate mentioned in the email about needing to assimilate a larger card pool with the larger single releases during the CCG days, we now have essentially no assimilation necessary as far as understanding what the new cards are. For players that are interested enough to read the boards (likely 90% of Regional turnout) full spoilers have been available for how long? Over a month?

Kennon said:

Some of us lack the willpower to actually go and look at them.

I'll be getting a quick rundown of it though before the regional.

Yeah I'm fine with it personally but I just think its weird to switch stuff mid regionals season. However if everyone has had ample time to get used to the cards and knows a week in advance so they can change their deck accordingly it should be fine. Its the people who show up on regionals day and all of a sudden find out that starks are running tully rush who I'm worried about. It could be a really big npe for a first time tourney player. However I'll be fine either way, its the TO's call.

Dobbler said:

This is appreciated. lol

Staton said:

i'm gonna second staton on this one - i understand why the switch is being made, i just wished it came into effect next season.

Somehow i don't have to work this weekend so I will be coming down with staton. I can't wait to see everybody there.

Wrecking Ball said:

Suwheet!

Praise be!

P.S. I really want to throttle whoever came up with minimum length requirements for posts.

Ok, we're only a few days out. Who wants to start throwing out some predictions?

I predict that I will win everything. all your prize belong to us!

~I predict a Lannister will win due to draw dominance.

I believe Lannister will not win either event. I imagine Martell will make a very strong showing and will probably take at least one of the events.

Whats greg playing?

Not Lannister!

Actually I have a Stark, Greyjoy and Targ deck that all look promising. My choice depends a little on the legality of the Stark box. I've also been greatly surprised by this new Targ deck I built that has done incredibly well and is very fun to play.

Dobbler said:

Oh good, a new Targ deck. Cause I don't hate playing against them enough already!

Unless Luke is playing them. Then I might get to call him on playing cards illegally but still win anyway. (Look forward to gaming with you again this year Luke!)

in italy Targa was the deck most played during nationals (6 decks for 20 partecipants). I think it is the house that has at the moment the greater number of possible builts... all very funny to play!!!

Well, I've been told the Stark box WILL be in at MGU on Friday.

So for those of you wanting to play your new Stark decks, assuming you purchase one, you may.

Aaaaaand now I have to rethink what I'm playing. I don't see Lanni playing out to well against Stark rush....