Common Tournament Mistakes to Avoid
Common Tournament Mistakes to Avoid
Attending wargaming tournaments—whether for Warhammer 40,000, Age of Sigmar, The Old World, or other tabletop systems—can be an incredibly rewarding experience. However, many players, especially those attending their first few events, make common mistakes that negatively impact their games, their results, or their overall enjoyment. Most of these issues are not about skill level, but about preparation, communication, and understanding the tournament environment.
Avoiding these common tournament mistakes can make a huge difference in how your event goes. From army list errors and time management issues to etiquette missteps and poor preparation, this guide highlights the pitfalls that players most often encounter. Learning what to watch out for ahead of time will help you stay focused, relaxed, and ready to enjoy the event—regardless of your final standings.
View Upcoming Tournaments & Events:
https://tistaminis.com/pages/tistaminis-special-events
1. Not reading the event pack carefully
Many tournament issues start before the first dice roll. Failing to read the event pack can lead to misunderstandings about points limits, missions, scoring, or special rules that apply to the event.
2. Bringing an illegal or incomplete army list
Army lists must follow the event’s rules exactly. Missing wargear, incorrect points, or illegal unit choices can result in penalties or forced list changes mid-event.
3. Not practicing with your army beforehand
Using an army you’re unfamiliar with slows gameplay and increases mistakes. Practice games help you learn your rules, timing, and common interactions before tournament pressure sets in.
4. Poor time management during games
Tournament rounds are timed. Spending too long on early turns or overthinking simple decisions can result in unfinished games and lost scoring opportunities.
5. Forgetting key rules or abilities
It’s easy to forget stratagems, command abilities, or special rules under pressure. Use reminders, tokens, or quick-reference sheets to keep important abilities in mind.
6. Arguing rules instead of calling a judge
Extended rules debates waste time and create tension. If you can’t quickly agree on a ruling, call a judge or tournament organizer to resolve it fairly.
7. Touching opponent models without permission
Moving or adjusting another player’s models without asking is a common etiquette mistake. Always ask first, especially with painted or fragile miniatures.
8. Ignoring sportsmanship and attitude
Tournaments are competitive, but poor attitude can ruin games. Complaining, blaming dice, or reacting negatively affects both players’ experiences.
9. Not tracking objectives and scoring properly
Forgetting to score objectives or miscounting points can cost games. Track scoring clearly and confirm totals with your opponent each round.
10. Forgetting to take care of yourself
Long tournament days can be exhausting. Skipping food, water, or breaks leads to fatigue and poor decision-making. Staying comfortable helps you play better.