Deciding Who Strikes First: A Comprehensive Guide to Turn Priority in Age of Sigmar
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In Warhammer Age of Sigmar (AoS), securing the first turn can be a pivotal advantage, potentially dictating the flow of battle and significantly increasing your chances of victory. The process for determining who goes first involves a combination of deployment tactics and a dash of luck.
The player who finishes deploying their army first gets to choose who takes the first turn. This choice grants a significant tactical advantage, allowing you to dictate the pace of engagement and potentially cripple your opponent before they even have a chance to react. Understanding this process, and its nuances, is crucial for any aspiring AoS general.
Mastering the Art of the First Turn
The seemingly simple mechanic of determining turn order hides layers of strategic depth. Deciding whether to seize the initiative or cede it to your opponent depends on a multitude of factors, including your army composition, your opponent’s army, the chosen battleplan, and your overall strategy. A fast, aggressive army might want to rush in and dictate the engagement, while a more defensive or reactive army could prefer to let their opponent expose themselves first.
Furthermore, consider the “double turn” potential. In each battle round after the first, players roll off to determine who goes first. The winner can choose to take the first turn or pass it to the opponent. This allows for the possibility of one player having two turns in a row, a powerful advantage that can swing the tide of battle. The implications of the double turn heavily influence deployment and first turn decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Turn Priority in AoS
Here’s a breakdown of common questions and scenarios concerning turn priority in Age of Sigmar, aimed at clarifying the rules and offering strategic insights:
1. What happens if we both finish deploying at the same time?
If both players complete their deployment simultaneously, a simple roll-off determines who chooses who goes first. The player with the higher roll gets to make the decision.
2. What if we tie the roll-off?
If the roll-off is a tie, then the player who went first in the previous battle round can choose who goes first in this round. However, if it is the first battle round (and you’ve tied the roll-off for determining first turn choice), then the player that finished setting up their army first chooses who has the first turn.
3. What are the benefits of going first?
Going first allows you to dictate the engagement. You can seize objectives, position your units aggressively, and potentially eliminate key enemy threats before they can act. Fast armies, especially those with strong ranged attacks, often benefit greatly from the first turn.
4. What are the benefits of going second?
Going second allows you to react to your opponent’s movements. You can counter-deploy, set up ambushes, and exploit any weaknesses exposed during their turn. Defensive armies, or those with strong counter-attack capabilities, may prefer to go second.
5. How does the “double turn” affect first turn decisions?
The possibility of a “double turn” introduces a significant element of risk and reward. Seizing the first turn can set you up for a potential double turn later on, but it also leaves you vulnerable to your opponent getting the double turn. Consider whether you can withstand a double turn if your opponent gets it.
6. How does the battleplan influence first turn choice?
The specific objectives of the battleplan heavily influence the optimal first turn choice. Some battleplans favor aggressive early plays, while others reward patient maneuvering and reactive positioning. Analyzing the battleplan before deployment is crucial.
7. Does my army composition matter when deciding who goes first?
Absolutely. Fast, aggressive armies generally benefit from going first, while slower, more defensive armies may prefer to go second. Consider your army’s strengths and weaknesses when making your decision. Remember what was said in the article: “Quick-moving and agile, the Daughters of Khaine are one of the fastest armies on the table and revel in their ability to cut through enemy defenses before your opponent can even begin to get a hold of the field.”
8. How does my opponent’s army composition factor in?
Understanding your opponent’s army is just as important. A slow, heavily armored army might be vulnerable to a swift first turn assault, while a fast, fragile army could be baited into a trap by ceding the first turn.
9. How important is deploying quickly?
Deploying quickly is crucial for securing the choice of who goes first. Practicing your deployment setup and having a clear plan in mind can save valuable time and give you the edge.
10. Are there any army-specific rules that affect turn priority?
Yes, some armies have special rules or abilities that can influence turn priority. Some armies can re-roll priority rolls, seize the initiative automatically under certain conditions, or even manipulate the turn order in other ways.
11. Should I always try to go first?
No. The optimal first turn choice depends on a variety of factors, as outlined above. There is no universally correct answer. Being flexible and adaptable is key.
12. How can I improve my deployment speed?
- Plan your deployment in advance: Know where you want to place your key units before you even start deploying.
- Practice your setup: Rehearse your deployment setup at home to identify any potential bottlenecks or inefficiencies.
- Organize your models: Keep your models organized and easily accessible to avoid wasting time searching for specific units.
- Use a deployment checklist: Create a checklist of tasks to ensure you don’t forget any important steps.
13. What are some common deployment mistakes to avoid?
- Deploying too slowly: Wasting time deliberating over minor decisions can cost you the opportunity to choose who goes first.
- Clumping your units: Avoid deploying your units too close together, making them vulnerable to area-of-effect attacks.
- Ignoring terrain: Utilize terrain features to your advantage, providing cover and creating choke points.
- Failing to screen: Protect your valuable units from enemy charges by screening them with cheaper, more expendable units.
14. How do command abilities interact with first turn choices?
Certain command abilities can be used to influence or mitigate the effects of the first turn. Some abilities can grant extra movement, improve defensive capabilities, or disrupt enemy plans. Carefully consider how you can use command abilities to your advantage, regardless of who goes first.
15. Where can I learn more about Age of Sigmar strategy?
There are numerous resources available to help you improve your Age of Sigmar strategy, including online forums, YouTube tutorials, and coaching services. Also, consider learning from the Games Learning Society who are dedicated to using game-based learning to foster skills and promote learning through strategic game play. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to explore their initiatives and resources.
Conclusion: Mastering Turn Priority for Victory
Deciding who goes first in Age of Sigmar is not simply a matter of luck or speed; it’s a strategic decision that requires careful consideration of your army, your opponent’s army, the battleplan, and the potential for “double turns.” By understanding the factors that influence turn priority and practicing your deployment skills, you can gain a significant edge on the battlefield and increase your chances of achieving victory. Don’t underestimate the power of that initial choice – it can set the stage for an epic clash in the Mortal Realms.