The future of Friday Night Magic

So if you have missed the news, I have unfortunately closed the shop, have a read of .... http://kidsdreamstoys.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/is-it-end-of-dream.html

What does this mean for FNM, well put quite simply the FNM you are used to is no more! Wizards of the Coast will not allow me to sanction events until such time (if ever) that I trade from another bricks and mortar retail store!

What does this mean?

You as a player will not get planeswalker points for playing at any future Gambit Games or Kids Dreams Events.

We will not be able to pre-release events.(although I am trying to find solutions to this problem)

We will no longer receive promotional material from Wizards of the Coast.

What is the Future for FNM?

So if that's what we have lost, what if anything will there be for the MTG community in Shoreham?

I am planning a regular MTG event which will happen on Friday's between 6pm and 10pm at the Royal George in Shoreham.

I am not sure if I am allowed to call the Event 'FNM', but if not then I am sure I will think of a new name! I could not get anything sorted out in time for tonight's event but hopefully everything should be in place for next week!

I will create an event on Facebook for each week in advance to let you know what formats are on offer.

As we are no longer tied to Wizards system we can run events in what ever format we like and may even look in team and multi player events!

As I have already said players will no longer get planeswalker points so instead there will be a new point system introduced much the same as the existing Gambit points that you may already be familiar with but with some slight modifications and new calculation method as we had previously relied on information provided by Wizards WER system. More details on this will follow soon.

We normal finalize the Gambit points at the end of November to send out invites to the end of year tournament, so I plan to do this based on the current scores as of last week! I will post sending out more information on this event soon!

Obviously I still have some old promotional cards, but these will run out. I will try and make the prizes for playing interesting and varied.

As for the venue itself it is very nice the facilities are excellent (proper comfortable chairs for everyone - no more stalls!) It is separate from the pub with its own entrance and should provide us with a great gaming and social environment.

I have booked the room for this coming Tuesday and will be creating an event for this later today! This will be a casual MTG evening much like the old 'Skirmish Tuesday' at the shop and will give me an opportunity to show you the new venue and review how much interest there will be for the new Friday events. I also hope to discuss with everyone that attends what will be on offer from Kids Dreams and Gambit in relation to the weekly events.

Please come alone and join me next week and help to formulate our future events!

Gary of Team Gambit and Kids Dreams

Tonight's FNM

Tonight will will have a STANDARD event which willcost £2 as normal and starts at 6:15pm. In addition there will be a draft available for those that are interested which will be ...

A Ravnica Block draft, in other words one booster from each of the Return to Ravnica sets. This will cost £12 and will probably start at about 6:30pm. As normal I will need 8 players for this event to take place. 

Please let me know if you are attending and which event you will be playing.

This Weeks FNM

Tonight's FNM is Legacy which will cost £2 to play and will start at 6:15pm. We will also run a Standard event if there is enough interest. I will need 8 players for each event. (If there are only enough players for one event that event will be legacy!)

This week there is again a lack of Theros boosters so we are selling M14 and Return to Ravnica.

The Hydra deck is released today and is on sale for £9.99, there are only a few of these left in stock (those who pre-ordered this product - yours are ready for collection!)

There will be a Hydra challenge this weekend at Gambit Sunday - details to be posed later!

Next week the commander decks are being released, we have a limited allocation of these and they are likely to sell out fast (several have already gone to pre-order) - if you want one and do not want to be disappointed - please order and pay for one soon!

The 15th sees the release of this years holiday gift box - last year these went very fast and will again be on a limited release. They will be the same price as last year - so again if you want one please order it soon!

Hopefully see you all tonight!

Gary of Team Gambit Games

Tonight's FNM

Tonight the FNM event will be MODERN which will cost £2 and will start at 6:15pm. As we never got FNM cards for October we will be issuing the November ones from tonight for the first and second place players.

I will also run a STANDARD event if there is enough interest in both formats. As normal we need 8 players for each event.

There will be a STANDARD event this weekend to celebrate the release of the new Theros Event decks which are released today. See ... http://kidsdreamstoys.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/game-day-announcement.html for more details.

Tonight's FNM

Tonight there will be two FNM events. There will be 'Standard' which will cost £2 and also a Theros draft if there is enough interest. I would need at least 8 players for this to happen, so please bring along a standard deck to avoid disappointment. The draft would cost £12 per player and includes prizes for the top two!

As per last week, unfortunately we have not received our promo cards for this month so for this week the winner and second place will get a choice from one of these previous promo cards along with the prize boosters!

Tonight's FNM

Tonight's FNM event will be 'Standard' which will cost £2 as normal but unfortunately we have not received our promo cards for this month so for this week the winner and second place will get a choice from one of these previous promo cards ....

There will also be a draft if there is enough interest. I would need at least 6 players for this to happen, so please bring along a standard deck to avoid disappointment. The draft would cost £12 per player and includes prizes for the top two!

Launch Party Weekend

This weekend's events will start with the release of Theros. The FNM will be the first chance for players to use their Theros cards in standard decks.

We will be running both a standard event which will cost £2 as normal and a Theros draft which will cost £12. Both events will start at 6:15pm and the top two players will both get a promo 'Experiment One'.

On Saturday from 11am, we will be running a second draft, same as before.
On Sunday at 'Gambit Sunday' from midday, we will be running a sealed deck event (6 normal Theros boosters) for £20.

As it is the launch weekend everyone that takes part in any of these events will receive a foil, promotional, alternate art Bident of Thassa.

There will be a poster at the back of the shop which is a visual puzzle, that any who solve will receive a gift from the gods.

Warhammer 40,000 - New Life ?

Hi all,
Colin here - and after a good hard read of the new codex, I thought I would offer some food for thought ...

The 40K game is struggling. My opinion and that of others. It's latest edition ruleset created some rather uncomfortable views and rules that we just flat out don't like. With the new codexes coming on stream, we also have to recognise that the older codexes are very outclassed. This all takes away from the experience. Coupled with the growing school of thought about increasing GW prices (Dire Avengers - really???) Lots of us aren't playing as much. 

And Bolt Action is REALLY Good .. :)

With the release of the latest Space Marine Codex, there is an opportunity here for GW to pull their train back on track. Most EVERYONE has a space marine army, and this new codex - if it is Grrreattt will bring a lot of us back to the table, and Might - just might bring us back to a semi regular gaming level for WH40K.

So, does it work?

Well - errr for me at least and it seems a lot of people in the internet-geek land ... YES!

It reads really well, it has new fluff and has toned down the Smurf agenda, whilst making them a serious contender for first choice . The rules are modernised and the Chapter Tactics really bring a new feel to the army.

Personally, I have even rewritten my Salamander list - wow :-) And that brings me to my last point.

Their online rulebooks are a seriously good idea for us, we are all moving into a technical age and tablets are becoming two a penny. You can pick up a good Android table for £100 brand new these days. I normally "acquire" static e-books and they work fine. I bought the "enhanced" Space Marine IPAD only e-book and it is REALLY GOOD. Each army list entry for example contains the special rules AND their explanation in the section. Touch Zealot for example and you are given the rules - Fearless and Hatred, AND their full explanation. Cant remember the stats of the graviton gun - one touch and hey presto. Want to skim the entire psychic powers list - no problem.  Lovely, Lovely.  It was a flawed launch as they tried to launch an "Army Builder" - which fizzled badly and they have pulled the book temporarily to fix that - roflstomp :)

Still the new enhanced codexes are really , really good - BUT £35 for a book without paper?? Seriously GW?  This is what mature programming costs??

Hmf , still miffed :)

Cheers - hope this generated food for thought.

Skewiff.

Another Great weekend!

A big thank you to everyone that attended last weekends Gambit Gameday! It was a busy one with lots going on! Here is a quick review of some of the highlights, but first if you want to know how one the first ever Lords of War event have a look at : http://kidsdreamstoys.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/the-lord-of-war-is.html

With over 15 game systems being played this weekend I think its safe to say that there was something for everyone, and although space was tight I don't think anyone had to wait too long for a game!

First up was War Machine with some truly impressive models on the battlefield ...

Next we have a game that is becoming a regular at our events which is Bolt Action, more details on this system can be found at the Warlord Games site!

For the first time we hosted a Pokemon City Championship and congratulations to Oscar Smith (Juniors), Matthew King (Seniors) and Ben Stewart Armstead (Masters) on winning their age groups in the competition all getting a trophy and some new Plasma Storm boosters for their efforts.

Our colleagues from Brighton Heroclix held a sealed event for the new Spiderman set which created a lot of interest in this game system. Matt and some of the experienced players had the opportunity to teach some of the game basics once the event finished! Some of the spare characters were kindly donated to us, which will allow new players to this great game the chance to learn the rules!

Both 40K and fantasy were being played as normal and it was good to see some new faces...

Dungeon Command was also played this month on a much bigger scale than previously, we managed to see all four factions being played in an epic four way battle! Both the new Undead and Goblin sets have some really cool characters and give the game some new tactics.

In the evening we had some role play in the form of Dark Heresy and a Magic the Gathering event which saw 16 players competing for the Gatcrash Gameday playmat. Congratulations to Cameron Whitney on his victory!

We had some Malifaux again this month, if you have not seen this before why not have a look at their website for details on how to play, etc.

With everything else going on during the day it seem amazing to think that anyone could concentrate on actually making something, but we have some really great Bolt Action buildings being designed and built, which should really add to what we currently offer!

Our next event will be Sunday 31st March, and whatever you play ... come along, there is bound to be someone ready to give you a game. We have players of all ages and experience levels and are happy to teach anyone to play one of our systems as well as offering more competitive games for experienced players.

Hopefully see you all next month!

Gary of Team Gambit

Wargames Illustrated Special 300th Edition

Hi All,

This October see's the 25th Anniversary of the launch of Wargames Illustrated, this also is the 300th Edition. Massive bumper issue with over 280 pages of Wargaming material.

The theme for this issue is 'Last Stands & Against All Odds', they have chosen both dramatic and period non-specific articles ranging from Ancient, Medieval, Horse & Musket, Colonial, American Civil War to WW2 and modern.

The other article that the club may be interested in is Battlefront Minatures has an article on the new 'Open Fire' Box Set due for release in Late October, which is awesome, as the new plastics are great.

Cheers

Baz Team Gambit

Bolt Action

Hi All,

Just to keep you informed of the new Game by Warlord and Osprey 'Bolt Action', some games have been play tested by some of our members and their reaction and lists are below for you to look at.

game 1 down - 700pts - demolition scenario - drawn on objectives and drawn on vp's but an epic scrap that went too and fro for 7 turns - very impressed early doors - now on to game 2...........

game 2 completed - 700 pts - annihilation scenario - drawn on objectives and drawn on vp's again - once again the fighting swung both ways and Dave nearly had the game at the start of turn 3 - game ended on turn 6 but if it had carried on I was up against it - you really are never out of these games though............. one huge lesson for all - flame throwers are devasting to both friend and foe! :S

game 3 completed - 700 pts - hold until relieved scenario - victory to Dave win on objectives and vp's - bombed by my own planes and then raped by a flamethrower team (again!) my infantry just couldn't claw it back despite a valiant assault from my CO who took down the jerry CO as a final act of spite - not enough though the Brits got battered! :(

Lists from the 3rd game of Bolt Action playtesting:

Dave - Waffen SS: 700pts

2nd Lt - Vet with 1 extra man
1 Vet squad 10 strong with rifles
1 Vet squad 8 strong with 2 LMG's
1 Vet squad 7 strong with 5 assault rifles
1 Vet MG42 MMG
1 Vet Medium Mortar
1 Vet Sniper
1 Vet Flamethrower

Phil - Commando's: 700pts

2nd Lt - Vet with 2 extra men
1 Vet squad 7 strong with 5 SMG's
1 Vet squad 7 strong with 5 SMG's
1 Vet squad 7 strong with 5 SMG's
1 Vet Vickers MMG
1 Vet Sniper
1 Vet Flamethrower
1 Vet Foward Air Observer
1 Reg Forward Arty Observer (Brit Freebee)

we've had a few lists and only had access to infantry as yet with squad composition being a source of hot debate............

one thing we both agree on - once the pin markers start to stack the vets pay for themselves in a real hurry

oh and that arty and air support are probably to be viewed as a gimmick at best - in 3 games 3 times they have wrecked the side using them! lol!

Take a look at the minatures over at Warlord Games

Cheers

Team Gambit

WH40K - More Social ... or more contentious!?

Be prepared for healthy "discussions" in 40K ... !?!

Why? Because of the new wound allocation rules!

Take the simple one - shooting. You want to target the "special" model, it becomes the closest - ISH by a mm or two. Prepare for 30 seconds of ranting before its agreed or a dice off happens ...  Extreme? Maybe...

Then elevate it to close combat. A smart player will be "sniping" Power Fists etc in close combat. Model placement in close combat is now incredibly important - millimeters make a massive difference when you are working on taking out key threats before they get you. Take note Ork Nobs with Klaws... The natural response on the part of the other place is defensive...

What does this mean? Prepare for healthy discussions! Stay calm, make your point and dont let a heated response get you heated by return. Take a rulebook!

My personal favourite which is much easier now we pre-measure - be CLEAR about your intentions in the movement phase so that when your "killer move" comes to happen, its pre-approved by your oppo. If you share the plan before it happens, a good opponent will rationalise his response more calmly and the whole process should go much more smoothly.

40K is now better, but it also rewards smarter movement and tactical thinking much more now. This WILL generate a learning curve. Prepare for it, and remember, its a game! If it is wrong, have your rulebook and if you cant reach a joint conclusion - seek assistance from around you. Ultimately, if its not fun - dont do it again!

thanks for your time! Let me know if you want more... either an expansion of  sniping for example, or further posts on the same topic...

Skewiff.

That Time of the Month

Right, once more we're back for Sunday Club Day at Glebe Villas, Hove (directions here).

The plan this month is as follows...

Warhammer Fantasy Tournament is unfortunately cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances, but there is still a large contingent of fantasy players attending.

The new 40k rule book is out, Mike and Colin will be demoing the new rules and taking questions if anyone can't be bothered to read it for themselves (I'll be watching this).

War Machine and Horde is also being talked about on Facebook, so that's a safe bet if you want a game.

On the card tables there will be the normal mix of casual MTG of every format, a touch of Pokemon, Redakai and Vanguard.

Board game of the month is Robo-Rally, but the normal mix of club games will be available. We will also be demoing copies of the new Dungeons and Dragons board game.

Don't forget the Bloodbowl, Necromunda, 40k and Fantasy could be ranked if you want. I'll be bringing down my Necromunda gang if anyone fancies it.

A table for Dystopian will probably be available if you've got a fleet to bring.

In short, whatever you want to play will probably, more than likely be there :D

If you want to set up specific games, head over to the Facebook group or comment on this post.

Don't forget we are selling refreshments if you need and under 17's are out at 5.30.

See you there, Olly for GGUK

Ooo before I forget, there will be a meeting in the morning (9:30) about Gambit potentially heading to Salute next year. All who wish to input ideas are invited to at this point :D

Why do we Game?

Although this question may not have plagued the world's greatest philosophers it can still provide an insight into human behaviour.   

When I put the question to some Gambit members I got various responses. The most common of which was that it forms a basis for social interaction amongst like-minded people.

Simply put, gaming forms another medium for us to interact with others on a face-to-face level.   

This aspect is relatively straight-forward as it can be applied to a vast range of hobbies and interests; stretching from football to economics to garden gnomes etc. etc.

The second reason for gaming was that it provides mental exercise.

As mentioned in a previous article, gaming can provide an educational experience. It can teach us lessons about winning and losing whilst allowing us to develop analytical skills. This applies to a whole range of games whether it be Chess or 40K.

Gaming also provides experiences with regards to consequences and can help us learn about greater issues. For example, Axis and Allies teaches us about planning ahead through a historical scenario.    

I recently came across an interesting forum post which asked whether gaming is a continuation of the evolutionary process.

This may seem a bit surreal to many readers but, to me at least, it is a valid question.

Young animals 'play' to develop skills that they use in the wild to either hunt or evade. As humans have evolved our role as hunter gatherers has diminished but our scientific and enquiring process has grown. This, in turn, has moved most of us away from physical prowess to adapting to career life.

The human brain is one of the most complex and fascinating entities on the planet. From an early age it is constantly processing information which is then given further 'training' at schools. Establishments which seek to provide us with skills for use in later life.       

The argument isn't that if humans didn't play games we would die out. Rather that gaming can act as a conduit for certain skills to be channelled and developed.  

Take numeracy for example. Most table-top games involve a degree of maths to function. From the buying of units to how much damage a player is going to take, a gamer is actively participating in a skill that will benefit them in life. 

In 2004 USA Today published an article about Magic the Gathering and its impact on children. In the article, most parents agreed that the game had helped to improve their child's mental skills and vocabulary.
They also said that the game helped children to develop money management skills.  
You can read the article here: USA Today MtG  

This does not just apply to MtG and links back to the educational process mentioned earlier. Whether it be the word 'galvanic' on Galvanic Blast or the meaning of the Harelquins employed by the Dark Eldar .

Another reason that was touched upon was escapism but this subject deserves a greater discussion.

Once again I hope that this article has proved informative and got your mental cog(native) in gear.

Please be in-keeping with this article and feel free to share your thoughts about this subject as it is through reasoned discussion that we can learn best.

John of Team Gambit