Tournament Day Trip (Plus: Call Ahead!)

Big Whit and I traveled to the DFW metroplex yesterday to participate in a 3-round tournament at the Comic Asylum.

Here's the link... and I'd like to thank the owner's for a well-run, glorious little day's entertainment!  It's fair to say they didn't expect the turnout, and while they originally capped the event at 16 people, due to space, they put their heads together and figured out how to add 4 more spots.  I think that says a lot, since I've been to places where the proprietors wouldn't have bothered, despite some folks not only calling ahead up traveling quite a ways to attend.

My winnings plus a few extra bucks earned me three Raiders, the first of numerous purchases to come.

You don't think so?  I've seen it happen before a few years back - and I won't say where, since I have no desire to run down a business that's since changed hands - but in that case folks were turned away, despite the location having both the tables and the terrain to cater to a larger crowd.

I'm glad to say it didn't happen yesterday!  They made the room; in fact, they borrowed terrain Big Whit brought with him.  He's like an overlarge Boy Scout, that one.  His generosity earned him a T-Shirt at the end of the day, which made him particularly happy.

I wish them all the best in their business and I fully intend to return and patronize events in the future.  If you fine folks are near to Richardson, Texas, drop in and spend a few bucks at the Comic Asylum.  Tell them Brent from Strictly Average sent you... and watch them try to figure out what the *SELF-EDIT* that means!

These two earlier purchases should give you a small clue about the direction I'm going to take!

As an aside, I would always call ahead before attending a locally run tournament, just to make sure they have the space and to let them know to expect you.  It will save you time and trouble in the long run - and keep in mind, not every local store enjoys hosting out-of-towners.  Many run tournaments to cater to their base, who will spend much more money than even well-meaning strangers, and they may not appreciate some unknown shark coming in and slapping around their customers.

(No, that's not me!  Still, much of it is a matter of perspective.  I'm trying to illustrate the view they may take.)

If you think about it, that's a very viable view for business owners to take.  I understand and respect it... though in truth, I think a growing tournament scene does nothing but increase a customer's desire to improve and excel - but that's neither here nor there.  Call ahead, find out, and move on if they don't want you there!  Respect how difficult it is for them to run their business: there are other events on other days.

Here's the army I brought, and it's my current thinking on the most optimized 1850 list.  At 2000, I'd add a large Plaugebearer unit.

Above is the army I took.  The Horrors aren't as resilient as the 'Bearers, but I was extremely happy with them.  The 'Bearers downside is they can offer little assistance in a fight... yes, I know that's not their role!

There is no better unit in the game for holding objectives, but the Horrors also do well in that role while adding significant firepower to the army.  Warpfire is grand and the Bolt is nothing to sniff at; Horrors took down 2 Vendettas yesterday, as well as a handful of Chimeras.

I believe it is a proactive change, but I also believe an army list is a living, breathing document (heh) and my thinking changes over time.

*sigh*

I also won a cold yesterday!  I feel like *SELF-EDIT* today, so I'm signing off.  More tomorrow.