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Miniature wargaming is a fun and engaging hobby that requires strategy, skill, and creativity–and good sportsmanship. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the hobby, it’s important to approach pick-up games at your local game store with good manners and sportsmanship. Nobody wants to play with “that guy” who ruins the game for everyone else. Here are some tips to help you avoid being “that guy” and have a great experience at your next pick-up game.

A Little Background

I’ve been playing wargames for more than 30 years and since I’m only 44 that means that there was definitely a time when I was the young annoying kid hanging around the game shop. And I ran into a lot of “that guys”. Some were very, very similar to the Simpson’s Comic Book Guy, who seemed annoyed that a kid, young as I was, was in his shop looking at models I didn’t understand. And on the surface level, I can understand it. I was barely twelve and kids my age were not really spreading a lot of cash around, except for the couple dollars in quarters my brother and I would spend on the arcade Castlevania machine in the back of the game store. We weren’t very welcome.

But as I have gone from one town to the next, and visited one store and then another, I have had my share of “that guys”. And much more often than not they’re not the game store managers who are worried about people shoplifting or stinking up their store. No, mostly they’re people who hang out in stores with opinions about everything–and their opinions just so happen to bash everything you like.

So when it comes time to choose an opponent in an FLGS pickup game, I tend to be pretty choosy. I pick the regulars, and I’m a sucker for playing with kids so that I can give them a good experience. My goal is never to destroy anyone (and I don’t play competitively, so that’s not much danger anyway). But I’ve come up with five principles for how you can avoid being “that guy.”

#1. Be respectful of your opponent.

When playing miniature wargames, it’s important to remember that you are playing against another person, not a computer or a machine. This means that you should treat your opponent with the same level of respect that you would like to receive yourself.

One of the key aspects of being respectful is to avoid trash-talking or making derogatory comments about your opponent or their army. This can be seen as disrespectful and may create a hostile environment that is not conducive to a fun and enjoyable game. Remember, it’s okay to be competitive, but it’s not okay to be rude or aggressive towards your opponent.

Another important aspect of being respectful is to be mindful of your opponent’s time. Avoid taking excessive breaks or slowing down the game unnecessarily. Similarly, if your opponent needs to take a break or attend to something else, be patient and understanding.

Finally, it’s important to remember that everyone has their own play style and preferences. If your opponent makes a decision that you don’t agree with, try to approach the situation with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Instead of criticizing or belittling your opponent, try to have a constructive conversation about the situation and come to a mutual understanding.

#2. Follow the rules.

Miniature wargaming, like any other game, has rules that must be followed to ensure a fair and enjoyable experience for all players. It’s important to familiarize yourself with the rules of the game before you begin playing, and to ask your opponent for clarification if you’re unsure about any aspect of the rules. That’s just plain good sportsmanship.

One of the most important aspects of following the rules is to avoid cheating. Cheating can take many forms, such as manipulating dice rolls, moving models in an illegal manner, or misrepresenting the characteristics of your army. Cheating not only ruins the game for your opponent, but it also undermines the integrity of the game itself.

Another important aspect of following the rules is to avoid rules lawyering. Rules lawyering is the act of constantly referring to the rulebook in an attempt to gain an advantage over your opponent. While it’s important to have a good understanding of the rules, constantly questioning or challenging your opponent’s interpretation of the rules can create a tense and unfriendly environment.

Finally, it’s important to remember that the rules are designed to create a balanced and fair game for all players. While it can be tempting to try and bend the rules to your advantage, doing so can create an unfair advantage that ruins the experience for your opponent.

#3. Be prepared.

You may not think that being prepared is part of good sportsmanship in miniature wargaming, but being prepared is a sign of respect for your opponent. Being prepared for a miniature wargame means having all the necessary items and information at hand to play the game efficiently and effectively. This includes your army, rulebook, dice, measuring tape or ruler, and any other necessary accessories.

First and foremost, it’s important to have your army assembled and painted. This not only helps to create a more immersive and enjoyable gaming experience but also shows that you have put effort into your hobby. Make sure that your army is organized and easily identifiable, so that your opponent can quickly and accurately assess the battlefield.

It’s also important to have a good understanding of the rules before the game begins. Read through the rulebook beforehand, and make sure that you have a good understanding of the core mechanics of the game. This will help to prevent any delays or confusion during the game, and ensure that you and your opponent are on the same page when it comes to how the game is played.

And–and this is important–in a game world filled with rules bloat, make sure that you have all of your own army’s rules on hand to show to your opponent. Never be in a situation where you have to say “they can do this–just take my word for it.” Be able to show them, whether that’s on your phone or preferably on paper.

In addition to your army and rulebook, make sure that you have all the necessary accessories and tools for the game. This includes dice, measuring tapes or rulers, tokens, and any other items that are required for the game.

Finally, it’s good sportsmanship to arrive at the game store on time, so that you’re not holding up the game or causing a delay. If you’re going to be late or can’t make it to the game, let your opponent know as soon as possible, so that they can make other arrangements if necessary.

#4. Be a gracious winner and loser.

Winning and losing is an inevitable part of any game, and miniature wargaming is no exception. However, it’s important to remember that being a gracious winner or loser can go a long way towards creating a positive and enjoyable gaming experience for everyone involved. Good sportsmanship is essential to a good game.

If you win the game, it’s important to be humble and gracious in your victory. Congratulate your opponent on a good game, and avoid gloating or rubbing your victory in their face. Remember that the goal of the game is to have fun and enjoy the experience, not to make your opponent feel bad.

On the other hand, if you lose the game, it’s important to be gracious in defeat. Congratulate your opponent on a well-played game, and avoid making excuses or blaming external factors for your loss. Instead, use the experience as an opportunity to learn and improve your skills for future games.

It’s also important to remember that winning and losing are not the only outcomes of a game. In many cases, the game may end in a draw, or there may be other objectives or conditions that determine the winner. In these situations, it’s important to be respectful and understanding, and to work with your opponent to determine the best outcome for everyone involved.

Finally, it’s important to remember that the game is just a game, and that there will be other opportunities to play and win in the future. By maintaining a positive and sportsmanlike attitude, you can help create a friendly and enjoyable gaming community that everyone can be a part of.

#5. Keep a positive attitude.

Keeping a positive attitude is crucial to enjoying the miniature wargaming experience and good sportsmanship. It can be easy to become frustrated or angry if things aren’t going your way, but maintaining a positive mindset can help to prevent these negative emotions from getting in the way of your enjoyment of the game.

One way to keep a positive attitude and good sportsmanship is to focus on the fun and enjoyment of the game. Remember that the game is designed to be fun and engaging, and that the goal is not necessarily to win, but to enjoy the experience. Try to stay focused on the positive aspects of the game, such as the opportunity to socialize and make new friends, as well as the chance to learn new strategies and tactics.

Another way to keep a positive attitude is to avoid becoming too competitive. While it’s natural to want to win, it’s important to remember that miniature wargaming is a game, and that the ultimate goal is to have fun. Avoid becoming overly focused on winning, and try to enjoy the experience regardless of the outcome of the game.

It’s also important to communicate effectively with your opponent. If you’re feeling frustrated or overwhelmed, let your opponent know, and try to work together to find a solution that works for both of you. Similarly, if your opponent is feeling frustrated, try to be understanding and offer support and encouragement.

Finally, if you’re not having fun, take a break. Stepping away from the game for a few minutes can help you to clear your mind and regain your focus. Use this time to chat with other players, grab a snack or a drink, or simply take a few deep breaths to calm down.

In conclusion, good manners and sportsmanship are essential for a positive and enjoyable miniature wargaming experience. By following these tips, you can avoid being “that guy” and have a great time at your next pick-up game. Remember, it’s not just about winning or losing, it’s about having fun and enjoying the game with your opponent.