40k Basic Training
This week’s task is perhaps the rarest and most difficult challenge any gamer can ever face. Grand Tournament? No. Heavy Metal quality painting? No.
I am referring to the first introductory game and welcoming of a new player. The delicate handholding that can lead a new person into our cherished hobby if performed correctly, or drive them away forever if screwed up.
It’s a tough job. All to often at the local club you see the bright eyed newbie, who has yet to even pick up a copy of the BGB, much less a codex. He thinks the game is cool looking, and willing to give up an evening of his time to hang around with strangers, hoping to pick it up or maybe get in a training game. It is ultimately in all of our interests to bring these new recruits successfully into the fold.
How rarely have I seen old hands take a newbie under their wing, and with enthusiasm and good natured humor, lead them through a nice, small and basic first game. It is tough work, but utterly rewarding. More times that I care to recollect, I have witnessed the opposite, with some deadbeat loser, just laying into the new guy with a vicious list and little to no sportsmanship. Its wrong on just to many levels and right there, the new guy’s interest is crushed and away he goes, never to return.
This week, mkerr and I will setup a 1000 pt training game for our new friend using 2 of our best painted armies in a classic sci-fi encounter sure to entice our would-be new player. Ultramarines vs Tyranids, playing an Alpha Cleanse.
With basic Marine squads, with little to no wargear, a single Predator, and loads of gaunts backed up by a handful of Tyranid warriors and a Carnifex, I think we should have a roaring good time.
Needless to say, the new guy will win 😉
I always welcome to hearing from the lurkers out there. What is your experience with training up new guys. Those comments don’t write themselves. 😉 Come on in, the water’s fine!
-bigred
