Better Gaming Part 4: Magical Measuring

Click here to read Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 5.

I have some very bad news for everyone. You need to sit down and simply accept this news for there is nothing you can do about it. Are you prepared? Good.

Measuring in a table-top game is going to be inaccurate.

There, I said it. I’ve talked about the elephant in the room. We all know this somewhere in the dark recesses of our mind, but some people get enraged when it surfaces.

Measuring over terrain, around terrain and other models, over hills, through buildings, etc., are going to cause nuances in the accuracy of each measurement. Unless you want to spend all day taking each measurement with a laser ruler there are going to be some inaccuracies.

Those who cheat to win will take advantage of this. There is no getting around this. It is going to occur. If you cannot accept this fact and it enrages you, then perhaps chess is a more viable game for you. I’ve seen some nicely painted chess sets before.

I’m not going to discuss the normal stuff we all know to avoid: measuring from front of base to back of base while moving, moving the ruler when you move the model, the vehicle pivot to gain more distance, etc. We know these are cheesy moves and if you’ve played for more than five minutes then you can recognize when your opponent is doing these things.

Instead, I’m going to discuss what you should and shouldn’t be doing in your movement phase.

Remember, it is your responsibility to ensure your actions do not make your opponent think you are cheating. If you are moving quickly without letting your opponent see the tape measure or explaining what it is you are measuring, then your opponent is not going to walk away thinking you are the most honest player. And if you win, then most likely he will be wondering in the back of his mind whether or not your movements were a bit magical.

Here is how to avoid that….

Communicate Your Intentions

When you are measuring for movement or for shooting range, talk it out with your opponent. The thoughts are racing through your mind so just speak them out loud. “I want to move this tank over there” or “I am trying to shoot that unit over there”. Letting your opponent know what you are measuring ensures that there are no surprises.

Get an Agreement

When you make any measurement, ensure your opponent is looking at your tape measure and simply say “Do you agree this is X inches?” or “Does that look like X inches to you?”. Yes, it may seem formal, but if you get your opponent’s agreement when you make the measurement then there won’t be a disagreement later.

This is also true if you are doing something unusual or out of sequence. When would you ever do something like this? When playing an unusual army build, such as hordes.

When playing an infantry heavy army you want to save time wherever you can. For example, if you know your 30 Ork mob will run, then why not combine the movement and shooting phase into one? If you do this, then get your opponent’s permission first and ensure he is fully aware of everything you are doing.

Treat It Like Chess

After you move, take your hand off your model and don’t touch it again. Do not readjust that tank or infantry model. All moves should be final. And absolutely do not move back – you won’t be able to measure where you started from.

Yes, this sounds harsh. There is only one way you move back without it looking like you are trying to gain some sort of advantage. Before you move, put a marker down on the table noting where the model was, then move the model. This way if you need to move back or if your opponent questions your movement, you can always refer to the marker.

Don’t Accuse Your Opponent Unless You Are Sure

The worst thing you can ask your opponent is “are you sure that was 6”?”. Let me translate that for you: “Kind sir, I believe you are a cheat and a crook. That movement you just make looked to me to be more than 6 inches”. It’s insulting and whenever you ask the question in that way you are questioning the integrity of your opponent.

Unless your opponent left a marker down there is no way he is going to know exactly where he started his movement from. Remember, you are looking at the table from a different angle than he is so the measurement will look a bit off from your perspective.

If you are uncomfortable with your opponent’s measuring then just tell him. You don’t need to be mean about it, just say “Listen, from my view over here your movements look a little off. Could you slow down on the measuring and moving for me?”. Give the “it’s not you, it’s me” speech and he shouldn’t have any hurt feelings. If he does then he’s trying to cheat you anyway.

Then you have the opportunity to discuss with him the “Get an Agreement” step described above.

There it is. If you are one of those players who measures quickly, moves your models after you have moved them, and squeezes an extra quarter inch out of your movement, then understand that people are going to play against you less often and you will get lower sportsmanship scores during tournaments.

Like every other suggestion in this series, it boils down to communication. Let your opponent know everything you are doing, every move you are making, and every measurement you are taking.

Click here to read Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 5.