Fantasy Flight Games just released version 1.0 of their Star Wars: Destiny tournament rules. Game stores have, or will soon receive, any tournament kits that they have ordered from their distributor. So, many stores will start to be hosting tournaments soon. As such, for those players who are new to the tournament scene, or haven’t attended a tournament in some time, this article is for you.
One of the first things you need to do when preparing to attend a tournament is make sure you know the rules. Make sure you go to Fantasy Flight’s website and read the updated FAQ. Understand how your cards interact with each other, and how your opponents cards may interact with yours. During the event itself, don’t be afraid to ask questions to the judge if you have any question or concern at all with the game. Remember, many of these local events are designed to bring new players into the tournament scene, so don’t be afraid to admit you don’t know something.
Second, when you design your deck, make sure you understand how the tournament and winning works. Yes, like the official rules say you win by defeating your opponents characters or by removing all their cards in their hand and draw deck (milling). However, tournaments add a time restriction of 35 minuets. If neither player wins at time, you both finish the round. If no winner is determined then, you first see who has taken the least amount of damage. If still a tie, then you go to who has the most cards in their deck. If that is still a tie, the winner is the person who controls the battlefield.
Now, there are some issues I take with how Fantasy Flight determines a winner when no one wins by the time limit. Fantasy Flight rules it so that the person who has taken the least amount of damage is check first, so running a high aggro deck with lots of damage cards is a good thing. If, for some reason you both have been dealt the same amount of damage, then it goes to who has the most cards in their deck, so milling strategies are not seen as important as damage strategies. Yes, you can still win by milling, and there are several aggro milling decks out there. However, do note that if you go to time, damage received is checked first. Having decks that are designed to deal a lot of damage quickly (“aggro”) decks, will have an advantage. So, plan your deck strategy accordingly.
Third, make sure you have everything. Print out your tournament list in case the Tournament Organizer wants it. And, yes, even for relaxed events, it is a good idea to do so just as practice for larger events. Check and double check that you have all your cards, make sure you have all your dice and tokens. Don’t walk into the event location thinking you have everything, verify beforehand that you do. Verify that your sleeves are in good looking (and working) order. Put everything in a non-clear box or dice bag or something so your opponent doesn’t know what you have in your deck. It is perfectly allowed to hide your dice from your opponent if you don’t have the card in play that requires that die. If they see what dice you have beforehand, they know what is in your deck, and can use that information to their advantage.
Thankfully, a Player doesn’t have much that they need to bring to a tournament. You need your deck and all the dice needed for that deck. That can fit in a small card box that many stores sell, or that Fantasy Flight gave away at their pre-release event. You also need all the tokens that come with a starter box or two. Those can also fit in that box, or you can purchase a small tackle box like a Plano box to organize and fit them in. Finally, and this is purely optional, a playmat and playmat tube. While not necessary, the do help greatly with the manipulation of sleeved cards and dice. And, it can give you something attractive to look at other than boring tables. Finally, bring that printout of your entire deck.
If you haven’t been to a specific location before, arrive early so you aren’t walking into the event at the last second. Get a look around the venue. Meet other players. Tournaments are just as much about the competition as it is talking to fellow game enthusiasts. Be respectful of other players and their stuff. Make sure you eat a meal beforehand.
Finally, above all, remember these games will play somewhat fast with the time limit, so go and enjoy yourself. I hope this helps new tournament players, and good luck to you all.
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