I think new players have fun with special characters, so I don't know that outright restricting them is the answer. Capping it at one however, makes sense. I do think there have to be stringent parameters, and one way to easily set stringent parameters is to simply reduce the points value. To be fair, it's hard to build a non-heavy-hitting list at 2500 points. Somethings gonna punch hard, even if it is simply 60 marines. However I think some people set out to build an *** kick list, getting around the fast attack requirement by bringing a single fast attack model at minimum point allocation etc. This was a little mean spirited, and the prize-carrot at the end of the tournament proved irresistible.
If players bring lists to Hobby tournaments outside the spirit of fun, or sportsmanship that hobby tournaments are meant to be, then they should be advised that it is unlikely that they will win with that list. Their opponents need to objectively and honestly rate the list comp. Or if there is bandwidth, a panel of 2 or more judges need to review the lists independently.
Reducing the point cost to a hobby size between 1250 and 1550 will go a long way to place restrictions on list building: If a special character costs more than a land raider in a 1250 point list, then people may think twice about bringing him. And if they do bring them, then they just handicapped themselves elsewhere.
I like the unit allowances and restrictions however, perhaps setting a point limit then stating x% of points must be spent on x unit type. Or limiting HQs to 1. (As a wolf player, I think I brought a hobby list, but I still brought 4 HQs).
As far as prizes go, I think prize support for 1-3rd as normal with one random dice off prize for those who didn't fit in the top three would be nice (similar to the way fantasy does their weekly tourney here, perhaps secondary and tertiary objectives that award dice at the end of the game, rather than bonus battle points). This encourages people to stick around and play. Perhaps experienced players could be rewarded additional dice for helping a newer player rather than speeding up play to an unreasonable level and shocking them into the tournament scene. (Just with a tick box on the score sheet asking: was your opponent helpful and patient, or something similar).
Tournaments aren't the best place for new players, but we've had several at the last two, I'd rather not see them scared off of the hobby, and we don't always have room or time to coach them through. But allowing them to step back a phase if they forgot to do something they clearly meant to do, or reminding them of rules they may have overlooked will only improve the quality of play.
At the table next to me I saw Whill4 talk a new player through his entire game at the end of the tournament, teaching him rules, and helping him play. I know I'd have lost patience there a time or two, and I consider myself very patient.
That said, I like that the regular monthly is as hard as a sailor's leg, we just need to adjust the mindset for the bi-monthly fun tournaments.
They should be fun, and there should be prizes for having fun, not ruining the fun of others.
Originally Posted by RealGenius
