first tournament

So, at the end of the month, I'm going to be in my first ever warhammer FB tournament. I've always just played with family and friends. I'm a little concerned actually. I've avoided tournaments because of the horrible stories I've heard of rules-looking up, arguing, etc. I've heard that in lots of places they actually have referees, which seems a bit much for what is, in the end, an overgrown boardgame (I mean that in a good way). I actually signed up because they were concerned they wouldn't have enough players.

So here's my thoughts: are there rules of etiquette I need to know? Should I bring a rule book?

also, it's 1000 pts take all comers with no sideboard. I'll post a prelim army list soonish.

Goosetipher wrote:

I'm going to be in my first ever warhammer FB tournament.

Congrats. I've never been in one...

Goosetipher wrote:

the horrible stories I've heard

... and that is why.

Goosetipher wrote:

they actually have
referees

Very important if you are running a big tournament I can imagine. Sometimes you just need an unbiased 3rd person. Makes it so much easier.

Goosetipher wrote:

are there rules of etiquette I need to know?

Be generous. That's it. And try to have a friendly atmosphere with your vis-à-vis. This is usually a natural thing with most players you meet for the first time.

Goosetipher wrote:

Should I bring a rule book?

Yes! Definitely (I know this from my one on one games with "strangers").

You should as well take one of those red measuring sticks from the starter boxes with you!

(To smack all the rules lawyers on the head!)

From an "official" tournament GW leaflet:

**************************
THINGS YOU NEED TO BRING
• Your entry ticket & this rules pack (If the organizer's didn't gave rules to suscribers, ignore this)
• Your painted army
• Two copies of your army roster
• Scatter and artillery dice, plus some D6
• WHFB templates
• WHFB rulebook and any reference sheets you think you may need
• Pen & paper
• Super Glue (just in case!)

***************************
Also, regarding painted models, this is the "official" point criteria for judges:
***************************
+1 Based: All the bases in the army are painted and textured in some manner. The baseline for texture is flock as a minimum. Just being painted green is not enough!

+1 Painted: The army is painted, all models have at least 3 colours on
them. Different colours should be used for different areas. Undercoats
must not be visible.

+1 Detailed: All models have had the details of the model painted in a
variety of colours or with noticeable effects. This can be shading or
highlighting, or 'black-lining' etc. This discriminates between the merely
painted army and the army that has had attention paid to it.

Important: In order to get the point all the models in the army must fulfil
the criteria. If even one fails, the points can't be scored.

***************************

Hope that helps.

Should you have the misfortune to be saddled playing one of those MISCREANTS that are generally termed as "Rules Lawyers," for lack of a better &/or more profane description, the BEST way to handle him/her/IT is to maintain your own good humor, pointedly laugh at him/her/IT, &, if that fails, call an Umpire. Rules Lawyers seem to be drawn to Tournaments like Maggots to Road Kill! This DOESN'T mean YOU can't have a GREAT time. SO take along your good humor & maintain your sense of the absurd.