If you're new to tournament competitive Warhammer 40k then this post is for you. The goal of this article is to provide you with useful information to help you get started on this new journey of learning to play Warhammer 40k at a competitive level.
Getting Started
Assuming you have purchased a rulebook, an army codex and some miniatures to start your collection, this section will focus more on going to the next level in the game. The rulebook is divided into several sections, but the sections most relevant to competitive 40k are the Core Rules and the sections on Matched Play and Advanced Rules. The term "Matched Play" is used to refer to tournament level play, although the rules contained within them are not specific to tournaments only, the Matched Play rules are used by most Tournament Organizers around the globe as a basis for their events.
All tournaments use Battle Forged armies. The rules for creating a Battle Forged army can be found in the Advanced Rules section of the rulebook and contain information on how detachments are constructed and are critical to building an army list for tournament play.
Additionally, Games Workshop publishes updates to the game via the Warhammer Community website. These updates, or FAQs, are published twice a year in the Spring and Fall and make changes or clarify questions regarding the core rules of the game. Additionally, they add rules specific for Matched Play and tournament play. Also, when a new Army Codex is released, they will publish an FAQ for that army within a month. All current FAQs can be found at the link below:
Finally, Games Workshop publishes an annual softback book called Chapter Approved which contains updated points changes to units and wargear for all armies while also including new missions and styles to try for Matched Play. The point values contained in Chapter Approved supersede those contained in your Army Codex.
Occasionally, Games Workshop will produce new content such as Campaign books (like the Vigilus series) which contain new rules for Matched Play including new detachments, stratagems, and even new units and datasheets.
Tournament Formats
Ok, you've gotten your army together, you have the latest FAQs and you've created a battle forged army. Where do you go from here? There are multiple tournament formats used throughout the world, but the links to the most popular are presented below:
Independent Tournament Circuit (ITC) - https://www.frontlinegaming.org/community/frontline-gamings-independent-tournament-circuit/
European Team Championship (ETC) - https://www.glasshammergaming.co.uk/latest-rulespack/
The ITC is the most popular format in North America and Canada and most events utilize the ITC Champions Mission packet for their events.
The ETC is more popular in the UK and other parts of Europe and has it's own separate mission packet which generally features a mixture of Eternal War and Maelstrom missions.
Additionally there are a multitude of other tournament formats and missions used across the globe including the NOVA missions, Adepticon, Warzone: Atlanta, and Renegade Open mission formats.
Tools for Tournament Players
There are several useful tools available to you as a tournament player, some of which you might already be using in your casual games.
BattleScribe - Available on Google Play and the Apple App Store.
This app is invaluable as a tool for list creation and building. It is free to download and the data files used to build armies and lists include points and options to change wargear as needed. It allows you to build lists in minutes rather than hours you might spend to build a list using pen and paper. It is a very popular app and chances are, you are already using it.
Best Coast Pairings Players App (BCP Players) - Available on Google Play and the Apple App Store
https://www.bestcoastpairings.com Best Coast Pairings specializes in tournament management software. This tool allows Tournament Organizers to run events and automate pairings, submit lists and much more. The Players app is a fantastic resource for players as it allows you to view ITC events across the globe and look at winning army lists to get help and inspiration and to see what armies are performing well in the meta. It comes with a subscription fee of $5 a month to view prior events and lists, but is the best $5 you will spend as a tournament player. Otherwise use of the app is totally free. This is a must have app for anyone pursuing serious tournament competition! Additionally, Best Coast Pairings lists local upcoming tournaments for those looking to find events close to their area.
Mathhammer - Fields of Blood - https://mathhammer.thefieldsofblood.com/
What is "mathhammer?" Mathhammer gives you the statistical odds of how units in your army might perform in game based on statistical probability. Want to know just how many genestealers a 10 man unit of Tactical Marines can kill? Or how likely your 6 lascannons are to actually drop an Imperial Knight? This is mathhammer. The site factors in a multitude of options including modifiers, armor penetration, invulnerable saves, etc. It is an invaluable resource for players as it helps you understand how to prioritize your targets in the game with the units you have available. Obviously you cannot use this during a game, as it will take too long, but it helps in preparation and list design.
Online Resources and Media
There are a multitude of websites, blogs, podcasts and social media outlets that focus on competitive play. In fact, there are more now than ever before. Below are some of the best in the business.
Social Media -
Comp 40k - https://facebook.com/groups/Competitive40k Largest collection of competitive players online in the world
r/WarhammerCompetitive - Sub-reddit for competitive 40k advice and discussion
Websites-
Frontline Gaming - Home of the ITC. Also features hundreds of review and tactics articles.
Glasshammer Gaming - Home of the ETC. Also features a pay program to help you improve your 40k experience.
Nights at the Game Table - Features articles on tournament play and list design. Also features a pay program to get personalized coaching from former ITC Champion Nick Nanavati.
Video Channels-
Frontline Gaming - Weekly video cast with updates on Competitive 40k
D6Evolution - Features tactics videos with top players, Battle Reports and more
Tabletop Tactics - The best in the business when it comes to Battle Reports. Free videos on YouTube but the best content is behind a pay wall of $4 a month. Well worth the investment.
Vanguard Tactics - YouTube channel focused on competitive 40k battle reports
CanHammer - YouTube channel of the Canadian ETC team focusing on competitive 40k battle reports and tactics videos
Glasshammer Gaming - YouTube channel of the UK ETC team focusing on competitive 40k battle reports and tactics
Almost Pro Gaming - YouTube channel devoted to weekly tournament and meta analysis. Want to see what lists are winning events? Almost Pro Gaming covers this very well
Hellstorm Wargaming - YouTube channel focused on competitive 40k battle reports
Podcasts-
There are number of Podcasts out there that focus on competitive 40k (including our own monthly show). All of these can be found on Google Play or iTunes. Some of the best include:
Best in Faction
Facing the Grey Tide
Fog of War
Flying Monkeys
Life After the Cover Save
TFG Radio
Signals from the Frontline
Veteran Gamer Reenlisted
Wide World of Wargaming
CanHammer
Dangli Boyz
Chapter Tactics
Come the Apocalypse
The Best General
The Battlehosts
MOB Rules
Forge the Narrative
Get out There
The best way to get into competitive tournament Warhammer 40k is to just get out there and jump in. Find local events close to you and find out the requirements. Do they require a fully painted army? What is the point level? What missions etc. Put a list together and get out there and play. The competitive community in Warhammer 40k is one of the best in gaming. Most players are happy to help a new player learn the missions and format. It might sound daunting to get into at first, but it is well worth investing into if you are fan of this hobby.
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