Timed games may seem daunting initially, but I’ve been
playing in them for years now and there are various strategies to save time.
Here’s my thoughts on the Clocks of War!
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| Deep in thought |
First up, playing fast doesn’t mean you can’t have a laugh
with your opponent, makes sure you do! Rather it’s all about having a plan in
advance. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ll be standing at the table
and my opponent will say, “hmm I’ve not really thought about where I’m putting
which units” This is bound to end badly… When I build an army, I will design
not only the combat groups but also a general battlefield deployment. This is
super important as that way when you arrive at the table you’ll know what goes
where, and your battle plan will be forefront in your mind.
Here’s an example, I created it in Word, but you could use Universal
Battle etc. This is actually the Varangrr army I took to Fools of War. (not my
latest variant, I’m not giving everything away! :p )
So the central section is fast and shooty, it can redeploy
during the battle as needed, the flank force can go on either flank with an
intention of pure annihilation. I will decide before I deploy any units which
flank I’m going for, however by deploying the central section first it keeps my
opponent guessing.
Ok before you actually deploy, put some dice on the
battlefield at the 12” line, so you know how far in you can deploy. Pick up
your first unit, ask your opponent if they are ready (don’t rush them), once
they are, start the clock and drop that unit. This should only take a few
seconds, then while your opponent is deploying their unit, pick up the next one
and have it ready. As soon as they are done, drop yours, press the button. Keep
doing this until complete. My entire deployment usually takes less than 1
minute. My opponents usually take 3-5 mins, it doesn’t sound like a lot, but it
all helps!
I don’t pay a huge amount of attention to my opponents
deployment, I don’t ignore it completely but it’s more important to keep to
your design otherwise the army won’t work correctly, stick with your strategy! That
being said I will sometimes save a floating unit till last such as a Dragon, and
this I’ll place this down to take advantage of any mistakes my opponent has
made in deployment.
Ok so we have a time advantage, how do we keep it? Be
precise with your movements, check you aren’t giving away flanks etc but don’t over
analyse. If you spend too long thinking about possibilities you will time out. The
key thing here, is to use your opponents turn to think about what you want to
do in yours! As they move a unit, consider ok on my turn I will move my unit
there or I will charge them etc. By planning in advance you can quickly get
things into place.
Have a set number of dice in different colours, and sort
them on your opponents turn, you know you will be charging and need 18 dice?
Get them ready in advance!
Rules debate? Ok these are rare in KoW but can happen, pause
the clock.
If your opponent needs a toilet break or wants to buy you a
drink? (Yes please!) Pause that clock, always be generous to your opponent, and
typically they will do the same for you. Somewhat off topic here but if my
opponent forgets to shoot a unit and it’s now melee etc, I am always happy to
let them do so later in their turn, it’s just a nicer way to play. :-)
If your opponent has overbearing force in a melee, I will
let them roll for double 1’s, and typically again they do the same to me. That
being said if your opponent does want you to roll that melee out, that is
absolutely fine, never get salty over this as it is simply following the rules.
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| My Varangrrr |
Ok we’ve done all these things and time is getting low, what
do I do? Don’t panic! Use what time you have wisely. If you have 1 minute left
do not charge a Zombie legion into the rear of an enemy unit! Again you should
be using your opponents turn for thinking about strategy and dice prep etc.
Just do the things you time for, and preferably the actions that are most
likely to win you a game!
I recall one game I won, simply by moving an ASB up and
blocking a horde from getting into a dominate circle, if I’d done nothing else
that turn it wouldn’t have mattered that was the one key action.
One last word for new players, and those who are especially worried
about clocks and pressure and such. Don’t worry, just take things easy. It’s
all a game we are playing for a laugh! If you do run low on time, as above just
do the important stuff. You should never actually time out providing you stick
to this. Just play the game, have fun and it’s all good!
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