Guest Writer: Keith Conroy
Special thank you to Brad McKay, Patrick Allen, Alex Chaves and Eric Trowbridge for their contributions to this article. Photo credits compliments of Skullface and The OrcTown Propaganda Division.
It is summer, and Masters season is now upon us. Table maps are being set, Livestream volunteers cajoled/blackmailed, last-minute takes on “the meta” scrutinized. All around the United States, people are wondering if they want to be “that person” with “that list”, and then promptly deciding to submit it anyways since there will most assuredly be some filthy Elf or SoulFlayer spam list that is far worse.
At the end of the day on July 24th, one man or woman will be crowned the 2022 US Master. The glory, the paparazzi, the podcast interview press tour, the long patient talks with family members where you say: “It’s called Kings of War. Well, it’s kind of like chess and Risk, but not really either of those. Have you heard of Dungeons and Dragons? It’s sort of like that but with plastic miniatures, you build and paint. No Grandma, it’s not a cult.”
So, in the immortal words of Nelly, “what does it take to be number one?” In order to answer this question, I reached out seeking some “country grammar” from a panel of past Masters champions who in no way could be more different than a multi-platinum rap artist from the 90s. Each was asked: “what advice would you give to someone who wanted to win Masters?” Responses were equal parts tactical and practical, and we hope you enjoy them. In no particular order, here are some tidbits of wisdom from former US Masters.
Before Your Games
- The list you bring is way less important than your ability to play that list expertly.
- A balanced list played 100 times will usually beat whatever the hot new Death Star is.
- If you’re not sure what to bring, take the list that you have played the most. On the last game of a long, difficult day; experience and familiarity with a list are worth more than anything. Just because a “broken combo” or “netlists” exists doesn’t mean when you are exhausted you can get it to work on the table.
- If you’re struggling with getting your lists to work, consider changing your name. Recent studies prove that “Keith” is the winningest name in Kings of War. It’s not too late to try the “data-driven, backed by facts” solution and file some paperwork before the end of July to make the change.
- Do whatever you can to carry your army on if you’re flying. Don’t check your army if you can help it. Getting a metal box (i.e. A-Case army case or toolbox) that can fit under the seat, and attach magnets to the bottom of your bases allows a lot of units in a small box.
- Get decent sleep before the tournament, it’ll help you stay up later Friday/Saturday and still feel decent the next day if you slept well the week before.
- Different groups and regions have different defaults, such as when to re-roll cocked dice and in what circumstance “take-backs” are allowed. Talk with your opponent before the game starts to ensure you are on the same page.
- Practice deployment and have a good baseline layout. If you have practiced the same opening multiple times, you will be much more prepared for the early turns and know moves that do and don’t work. Plus it saves valuable time on the clock.
- Come up with a system of organization on the tabletop to save you time. Keep everything (widgets, dice, tokens, etc.) you need for your game in easily accessible bags or containers. Anything from cups, drawstring bags, or Ziploc bags will help.
- Eat a good breakfast that morning. Definitely coffee and/or something with fiber in it.
During Your Games
- If you look at your opponent’s list and don’t see how it works, be cautious. Watch your opponent’s deployment. See how they layer. You may be able to see their strategy in how they set up and initially move. Try to identify which flank will be their “push flank” and if they will attempt a “refused flank”.
- Focus on being the best opponent you can be. Play hyper-clean. Mark your bases before you move them. Be the exemplar of the “generous and expert opponent.”
- Jesse Cornwell was the highest status player in our community because he made everyone welcome and have a good time. Never forget that we are all a bunch of nerds playing with army men.
- Be a good sport; also, crush your enemies and feast on their tears without mercy.
- If your opponent lets you take something back, make sure you afford them the same gesture.
- Focus on playing your game cleanly and mistake-free, don’t think about high or low dice swings. In fact, you should expect dice swings and plan accordingly if you can.
- The enemy can’t capture objectives if they’re dead.
- It’s a hard room. Be prepared if you lose a game for the next one to be just as challenging. You aren’t going to freely submarine. So keep up the competitive mindset even if you lose– or you will lose again.
- The scenarios are key. The game is not kill (usually). Keep your focus on how to maximize points and don’t get distracted trying to kill units if it costs you objective points, especially near the end.
- Under this scoring system, throw away your army if appropriate. You don’t get any points for them being alive. If you can win with a couple of scoring units in position and the rest of your army sacrificed to keep the opponent from scoring, then do it.
- If you realize you can’t win or it’s uphill, don’t engage. There is no reason you have to walk to the middle and get ground up by an army that counters you. Play the scenario, run away, and get as many points as you can. Every point matters.
- Treat time on your clock as a commodity. The more time you save with deployment, efficient and accurate measurement and talking.
- If time isn’t an issue, always “roll it out”. You never know when dice will swing.
After Your Games
- Aloe Vera juice is the best hangover cure
- Stay for Sunday night! That’s where all the partying happens.
- No matter how good or bad your dice have been: when the game ends you look your opponent in the eye and shake their hand.
- Drink at least one water between every game.
- During lunch, share your best and worst moments with your team. During dinner, sit with people from other regions you normally don’t get to hang out with.
- If you’ve just won your game, wait for your opponent first to engage in a conversation about how the game went and what you would have done differently. Some people may need a little time after a particularly bad loss, and that’s ok.
- If you have just lost your game, ALWAYS ask your opponent how the game went from their perspective and what you could have done better.
- Gloves are off at Masters and everyone is trying to win: judge the list, not the person.
- If you choose to drink, buy your opponent a drink: win or lose.
Thanks to Keith Conroy again for getting the past masters together and giving everyone the keys to victory.
