Article by THE-MOX
Let's spend some time figuring out what separates good players from complete and total losers. Believe it or not, there's far more to the game than building and rolling and stuff. The way a player carries himself throughout the battle speaks volumes about that person. I mean, take me for example. None of you guys have ever played me in a game of HeroClix, you only know me from what I do here. You guys have a great opinion of me just by simply playing my hand around here. Trust me, I'm even cooler about a game of HeroClix than this.
First and foremost rule of sportsmanship: It's just a game. You play to win, but you play to have fun. Attempting the former by forgetting the latter is a sin and is punishable by severe head trauma.
There really aren't any more hardcore principles than that one. The rest is merely a list of do's and don'ts. I highly suggest you do as I suggest. However, if you are a complete and total trouser-stain, then by all means do the don'ts.
DO: Encourage your opponent. This doesn't mean you should suggest every move they make or point out flaws. Obviously, you don't want to lose. When the chips get down on them or they're having a bad day at the dice, suggest they keep trying. Tell them to switch dice or just explain that they can't have all the bad mojo. Remember, though, there's a limit. If it is practically impossible for them to win and they wish to concede, let them do so.
DON'T: Tell your opponent to give up while they still can. As long as they still have a chance, you can still lose. Players having bad days are only further frustrated by your show of callousness. Also, if your Thor, Firelord, and Colossus are staring down a half-beaten Invisible Girl and a last-click Shadowcat, don't tell them they can't quit. Dragging out the slaughter to satisfy your bloodthirst only belittles you, and makes your opponent feel worse. If the odds are impossible, let them go. Remember the proverb: The wise know how to temper justice with mercy.
DO: Be innovative. I, personally, love a player who shows up with something different each time, or tries to make use of lesser-played pieces. The innovators are the ones who change the game.
DON'T: Continually resort to cheese strategies. After the 18th time of running your twin Firelord army, you won't have enough respect to stuff an olive with.
DO: Offer a handshake, either before or after the game. It's a simple good gesture that speaks volumes.
DON'T: Refuse the handshake. Even if you've just played the worst game of your career, you don't need to be a sore loser about it.
DO: Attempt to take your slides in stride. If you've rolled a critical miss for the fourth time, you can always laugh and say something like "I can't believe this is happening." You know that delirious laughter evil villains do? Try something like that.
DON'T: Throw dice or claim to quit the game forever. Pouting is for 4 year olds and guys with IQ's smaller than their shoe sizes.
The thing about all of this is that there's more a list of things to avoid doing than doing. Here's a list of a few extra don'ts.
DON'T insult your opponent's army. You don't know how long they've been playing or might have limited figures. Besides, you'll look pretty stupid if you lose to it.
DON'T gloat or rub it in. It makes people want to play against you less.
DON'T make excuses. If you lost, you lost. Don't sit there and say your opponent just got lucky or something. Everyone is capable of losing at any time.
DON'T attempt to correct your opponent or help them, at least not too soon. Right after a game is a bad time to be helping them. If they've had an especially bad game, it's unwise. Anything you say, despite your sincerity, will sound like you're patronizing them. Give them some time to vent. They'll come around.
But, pretty much, in summary, just apply a little common sense and the standard rules of good etiquette. I'm not saying you have to drink your Mountain Dew with your pinky extended, just treat others like you want to be treated. Karma is a very dangerous thing to mess with.
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