Etiquette in Tabletop Wargaming

In this video The JTJ and TJ discuss proper gaming Etiquette. This is a great discussion for new and veteran players.

Big Thanks to OKnights112 for being part of the show. Check out his hobby channel here: Link

Here are the talking points we covered in this episode.

• What is gaming etiquette?
  • Playing the game the correct way with courtesy and integrity.
    • Taking the other opponent’s feelings/fun into account.
    • Not cheating, playing fairly and honestly.
    • Working out rules beforehand, going over list at the beginning of the game, being careful about gotcha moments. Giving the other player the benefit of the doubt.
    • Being upfront about mistakes.
    • When in doubt, roll off.
    • Call a TO as a last resort.
• Guidelines for better etiquette and just generally being a better opponent.
  • • There is nothing better than both players completing a game and having a feeling that the game was enjoyable and worth their time.
  • Be on time
    • In a casual meet-up especially with acquaintances or strangers be on time. Call or text if you are late.
    • We all run into traffic, but if the start time is 2PM plan to be there at 1:30 to help set up. Peoples time is valuable.
    • In a tournament setting don’t make your opponent wait. Rounds are short enough without getting a late start. “come back from lunch on time”!!
  • Bring all your needed models and list.
    • Unless you have worked out proxies and fill ins with your opponent beforehand try to avoid. Don’t show up to a meet up missing several key models. This can be confusing to new and veteran players.
    • Have your list made. If start time is 2PM you should not be making a list at 1:59.
    • Avoid proxies and fill ins at a tournament at all cost. Most tournament players frown on gear or models that are not correct on the tabletop. Primarily because it is hard enough to keep track of everything without remembering the opponents proxy models. Most tournaments have outlawed this practice.
  • Talk over the your list with your opponent.
    • If your are playing a new player be detailed, let them know what everything does. Even give them heads up about unit combos and gotchas.
    • Playing a veteran player in tournament you should still go over your list and answer any questions they – you cannot hide rules or interactions. When asked — you have to answer.
  • Go over the mission and table set up
    • Talk through the mission – make sure everyone understand the mission and secondary objectives.
    • When talking about the table – talk about what terrain counts as and how much distance things are – ‘like 2 inches to climb up this hill’.
    • Try to avoid a turn 3, “well I though this terrain was impassible argument.”
  • Rolling dice
    • Roll in a spot the opponent can see.
    • Call out he number you need before you roll.
    • Reroll cocked dice.
    • Remove the missis – leave the hits so the opponent can double check
    • Don’t fast roll.
    • “Personal – don’t have dice with symbols on the 1 and 6”
    • Don’t drop dice, roll them
    • When rolling multiple bunches of dice let your opponent help track the hits or wounds for you.
  • Moving
    • Move models from front to front base, not front to back for that extra .5 inches
    • Intent – intent — intent
    • Call out what is moving and how far, premeasure, and roll all needed rolls before you start moving — runs or abilities
    • Use a marker after measuring to so how far a unit can move.
      • Use dice, ruler, or the opponents to mark these farthest you can move.
  • Moving or touching other opponents models or dice
    • Know your setting and opponent.
      • Close friends its probably all good to move stuff around. But still ask.
      • Tournament with a stranger don’t touch without asking every time.
        • sometimes it is helpful to move you opponents models around the table, just make sure you ask each time.
    • Comments and interactions
      • If you are winning handedly no need to make comments about how bad the opponents list his or how good your is.
      • Avoid calling out bad play during a game— “that was a dumb move etc”
        • Its ok to help new players – but be sensitive how you frame your help
      • TIME
        • When tournament time is running low Work out the last turn.
          • 15 min each or something like that  most TOs have rules for this but make sure you agree with each other how the turn will go and that it will be the last etc.

Agree? Disagree? Something to add to the discussion put them in the comments below.

Thanks for stopping by, Y’all be good.