This is for all you mid-level competitive players out there looking to get a leg up on your opponents (that means getting the edge to win your games… not what you were thinking if you’re unfamiliar with the saying) and for anyone else who’s just looking for another perspective on these things. If you’ve already played 10+ games with the new General’s Handbook… this article probably isn’t for you. I’ve had a few people ask about a bit of guidance going into this new GHB (which feels like a new edition). So, I’m here this week with a nice little short collection of tips (literally just what I’m doing myself).
Tip 1: Take it easy, mate!
Keep things easy for yourself and take a look at the battle tactics which match to the sort of things you do in the game.
Don’t take Wrathful Cycles… you’ll get distracted trying to work out how to be the underdog. Pick something which does what your army wants to do… and if you really don’t know what to take. Throw Intercept and Recover in and make your opponent make more decisions. Restless, Scouting, and Attuned are all pretty fair choices depending on your army.
Check out my article on the Battle Tactics for a bit more discussion on each of them.
Just take your same old army from the old GHB or something else that feels familiar and see how it goes. Focus on what’s new and don’t worry if your’e learning things step by step
Tip 2: Focus on the Primary
50 points are there for the Primaries and 30 there for tactics… you’ll probably be able to get 2-4 tactics and your opponent something similar so the difference will probably not be so huge. Controlling the primaries will get you points and deny your opponent theirs so the value per turn is still better than chasing your battle tactics.
Tip 3: Get in practice on the Battleplans
You’ve got an event coming up and the battleplans are published? Stop reading and get out there and practice a couple of games on each of the battleplans. These battleplans are wild (pun intended)! Each one feels really unique (some of them look ridiculous) and you need to have an eye on how to score turns 1-5 on each of them to make sure you’re in it with a chance to win it.
Don’t have enough time? Maybe watch someone else like the good ol’ fellas over at Season of War!
Tip 4: Manage your expectations
Don’t sweat these first games under the new GHB! This is not like the old GHB and you won’t be expected to score 4-5 battle tactics to win a game. Most of us are all learning how to play in a new way all at the same time so find some friendly opponents and just give it a shot.
Tip 5: No Fear
You want to do something else? Fucking go for it. Follow your gut! Maybe you want to write a list and lean into scoring your battle tactics. That can work for sure too. Maybe just follow these tips if you feel like that. Go and find out what works for you!
Now get out there and get those games in. Stop reading silly little articles on the internet about how it works 😉 Good luck out there everyone… it’s the wild wild west!
