Collectibles - http://maxpages.com/theoldworld/goodsport

HOW TO BE A GOOD SPORT
Why being a good sport is important
by Scorpienne

Tabletop games are much more fun if you play them with other people, instead of just playing with yourself, right? Being a good sport is important because you will begin to lose players if you are a lousy sport. The essence of being a good sport is being respectful of your opponent. If you do not respect your opponent, then he or she will not play you anymore. If you are respectful of your opponent, he or she will likely be respectful to you which will increase your enjoyment of the game.

Tip #1: Respect your opponent's schedule

Call if you are not going to make it to the game.
Be on time to the game.
Be prepared with minis, rules and the description of your force when you get there. Nothing aggravates people like watching you try to slap together an appropriate force at the last minute. In many tabletop games, the match is won or lost depending on force selection. Take the time to think your forces out carefully beforehand.
If someone has arranged their life to make time to play with you, then you should be equally generous with your time, and use it to get to the game on time and prepared.

Tip #2: Respect your opponent's time

Plan your moves during your opponent's turn. This will keep you from getting bored, and help you tactically.
When your turn comes, move your minis quickly. You should already know where they are going.
Roll your dice quickly - shaking dice doesn't randomize them, rolling them on the table randomizes them.
Many games have critical hits and misses. When it comes to your turn, roll your dice quickly. If you get a critical miss, then line of sight and your target number don't matter. This speeds up play a lot.
KNOW THE RULES. Read them two or three times before your first game, and be prepared with a cheat-sheet of the important rules at every game. Don't make your opponent wait on you to figure it out. Don't ask your opponent about the same rule twice. It's extremely rude to force your opponent to repeat the rules to you.
If you have forgotten or have a problem with a particular rule, have your book open and look up the ones needed during your opponent's turn.

Tip #3: Respect your opponent's Stuff

Many people spend hours and hours and hours making terrain and painting minis (like me.) Therefore you should respect your opponent's effort and treat his terrain and minis very gently.
The best policy is to never touch your opponent's minis. If you never touch your opponent's minis, then it's very difficult for you to break them. If you would like to look at a model closer then ask politely if you can pick it up.
If you wound one of his guys, or put them out of the game, let your opponent lay the model down or remove it from the table.
If you accidentally knock over one of your opponent's guys, then apologize and let your opponent pick the model up. If you break the model or terrain, immediately apologize and offer to replace or fix the item - this is the only acceptable course of action. Don't be disrespectful by not saying anything.
Terrain is tougher than minis and takes less time to prepare (usually). Most people don't mind if you touch the terrain to help with set up, but ask first to make sure.

Tip #4: Respect your opponent's game

Be honest with your opponent and accept no less from him. Do not do anything that might be mistaken for cheating, deliberately misinterpreting the rules or misrepresenting your force even if you mean it to be honest.
It is extremely polite and courteous to let your opponent see your (clearly written) force description before the game. That way there is no confusion about what your models are capable of doing. After all, the object of the game is to stun and surprise your opponent with your tactical wit and clever use of your models, not to aggravate him by looking like you're making stuff up.
Use different colored dice when rolling multiple dice for multiple weapons or attacks. Prevent misunderstandings.
Clearly state what you are rolling dice for before rolling (point to the unit or model to help indicate this). "Ok, red is sword and blue is hammer. Here's to hit [dice roll] and here's to wound [dice roll], the critical on the sword [die rolls], and the damage for both weapons [dice roll]. Oops! I guess that five on the injury table means I don't have to look up that critical hit!" Don't just sit around and roll dice. The sound is annoying and the rolls can be easily misinterpreted.
If you and your opponent disagree on a rule then look it up quickly. If you cannot resolve your difference immediately, then come to an adult agreement. After the game, create a house rule or rule interpretation to keep the argument from reoccurring. Keep a written list of these where all players can get to them. The best resolution if it takes more than one minute to find the rule then roll a D6 - 1-3 your way, 4-6 theirs.
Make sure that your minis and your opponent's minis are identifiable. The important thing is that your opponent should be able to tell, in general terms, who your guys are (e.g. the orc with the axe shouldn't shoot fully automatic weapons with liquid teflon filled bullets). Additionally, in games where facing is an issue, then the front or head or facing of each model should be explained to your opponent before the game starts.
When you roll your dice only remove (or even touch) the dice that did not succeed, until both of you have reached a consensus on the total success. I cannot stress this one enough. Additionally, make sure your opponent is watching when you roll and leave the dice were they lay (don't touch any of them) until your opponent is watching.

Tip #5: Respect your opponent

Be polite to your opponent. Compliment him on what he does well. Offer him helpful suggestions after the game. Don't whine or quit or when you're losing and don't gloat or trash-talk when you're winning. You never know what the next game will bring. In addition to being rude to your opponent, this makes you look like a baby.
Keep your language polite. You never know which curse word is going to offend your opponent, so talk as you would with your boss.
If you think it appropriate then give your opponent advice. Questions like, "If you don't mind me asking, why did you attack with the champion against that unit. You might want to consider using your troops on that unit, so you get the benefit of the champion attacking here." Don't force them, but polite suggestions are usually welcome and helps the player grow.
Always shake hands with your opponent after the game to let him know that you appreciate the honor of playing with him.

Tip #6: Respect the future of the game

In addition to being respectful of your opponent, you should be respectful of the "sport."
Recruit new players. That way you will always have a large group of people to play with. Teach them how to paint minis and make terrain.
Be patient with new players, and help them learn the rules, the tactics and how to be a good sport too. This doesn't mean you have to let them win (you shouldn't) but you might explain the reason behind each of your moves as you make it, and point out some tactics for them to counter with. You'll still probably beat the pants off the new player, but he should not be unhappy, because you are helping him develop the tools he needs to be a seriously fun challenge for you in the future.
Be POLITELY critical of players who are not being good sports. They are going to ruin your fun either by making you miserable, or by scaring people away from the game. A simple, truthful comment delivered in an even and non-confrontational tone of voice will go a long way towards making people reconsider their attitude. Try these: "That wasn't a nice thing to say." "I'd appreciate it if you didn't touch my minis." "I can't tell which of your minis is the leader - can we put a marker on him?" If you can't gently, and politely guide someone into being a good sport, then refuse to play with him - and tell him why! If nothing else, the seriousness of your response might entice the offender to reconsider his ways. No matter how abusive the player was don't slander his name to others. It is just as rude and not worth your time (i.e. be the better person). You can tell others that you didn't enjoy the game and in the future you don't plan on playing them, but leave it at that.
LEAD BY EXAMPLE! This is the most important thing. If you are a good sport, you will be an immensely popular player, even if you beat everyone's butt on a regular basis. Also be sure and acknowledge players that are good sports. Positive reinforcement works best!

webmaster@theoldworld.20m.com

Visitors: 00199

Page Updated Sat Jun 30, 2001 11:31am EDT