Chaos Dwarf Tournement Tactics

[atropabelladonna]

Hi All (Long rambling post)

While I consider myself and experienced and decent coach, this is only for league / table top play. I just played my first tournament (SPIKE in Vancouver, Canada) and did reasonably well with a Norse team (5wins, 2 losses).

After thinking about it, I think I didn't put enough thought into the development of the team (7 rounds, 20K for skills after each game, can save money if you wish, i.e. to get doubles, stats, etc).

So this time I want to have a game plan going into my next tournement, which will hopefully be the SPIKE in 2009. No idea if it will still be in Vancouver, but I can dream.

Anyway, this gives me a year. I decided I want something new. This would give me a new team to paint (my painting was only decent and hopefully I can improve) and a chance to expand my BB skills. Looking over the teams, I really had only two choices, Necro and Chaos Dwarves. Based on the title above, I went Chaos Dwarves.

Having never played this team, I've got a full year to practice. I already set up a MBBL team and I will probably start a new team in 6 months in the table top league I am in.

I already purchased my figs (thanks BBfigs.com). I went with 6 chaos dwarves, 6 hobgoblins, and 2 bull centaurs. Based on these models, what team would you take for a tourment? So to summarize

Question 1 Initial Roster Selection for Toruney Chaos Dwarf

TV 100
20K in skills after each game, can save to get more expensive skills
7 games total
Model choice's 6 chaos dwarves, 6 hobgoblins, 2 bull centaurs

I was thinking

6 Chaos dwarves
4 Hobgoblins
2 Bull Centaurs
2 rerolls
20K left over for FF, CL, AC

or

5 Chaos dwarves
4 Hobgoblins
2 Bull Centaurs
3 rerolls
20K left over for FF, CL, AC

I see it as a choice between a deeper bench, 6 chaos dwarves + 2 rerolls vs the 3 rerolls, no bench, and one less 9AV block piece.

What would you suggest? Or is there an alternative roster you like?

So that's the first question, initial team selection.

Question 2 is what play style?
I have been using the Bull centaurs as the ball carriers. I know some prefer the hobs for this. I don't have enough experience yet to know which may be the best idea. My idea is to minimize any AG rolls, hopefully it is to pick up that ball at the start. My first skill would be sure hands on a bull centaur.

The bash part I am fine with. I know how to grind and delay if I must. Just torn over who to ball handle with.

Question 3 is what skill picks?

I'm thinking its not worth saving for doubles or stats and plan on taking 20K skills

first two skills are on bull centaurs. Going with a bull centaur as a ball carrier, I see Sure Hands as #1. The second bull centaur would take either Break tackle or Block.

Then the last 4 skills are to make the dwarves better. Most likely Guard, maybe sprinkle mighty Blow.

Is it worth skilling Hobs?

anyway, I appreciate any comments and advice.

[Smeborg]

I would recommend as a starting roster at 1m:

1 BC
6 CDs
6 HGs
3 RRs

I would suggest whatever you do, that you take 6 CDs.

A recommended tactic is to use a BC as the ball carrier. First skill Break Tackle, second skill (if allowed) Sure Hands.

Plenty of Guard on the CDs is also recommended.

Giving skills to HGs in a tournament is dubious, given their tendency to die easily. Perhaps Sure Hands or Kick-off Return as a late skill to give a reserve Runner.

Hope this helps.

Smeborg

[duttydave]

I've not played Chaos Dwarfs but have played against a good coach that was using them.

He made excellent use of the Guard skill on a number of the CDs. In the right position a couple of guarding CDs will give your opponents a real hard time.

[besters]

The use of guard on a Chaos Dwarf, or indeed several, is a no brainer.

I think the biggest dilemma, assuming only one skill allowed per player, is Block or Break Tackle on the Bull Centaurs. I seem to be in a minority in prefering Block.

The only skill I would give a hobgoblin is Sure Hands, I tend to use them as the ball carrier, I could be persuaded that Dodge is a better alternative.

I haven't played this team at TV 100, only TV 110, but if possible would prefer to keep one reserve even at the expense of a re-roll.

Besters