How to Run Smooth Local Warhammer 40,000 Events, A Practical Checklist

Running a clean Warhammer 40,000 event starts with clear decisions about format and scale. Decide the points level up front, common choices are Combat Patrol 500, 1,000, 1,500, 1,750 or 2,000 points, and match the selection to local player experience. Choose round structure and pairing now, Swiss style with three to five rounds is beginner friendly, with single elimination reserved for finals if desired, and set round length at 90 to 120 minutes depending on points. Use the current mission pack or the Balanced Mission Pack and ensure tables have varied terrain, cover and height, with consistent deployment zones to reduce disputes.

State the published rules edition you will enforce and any FAQs or points updates. Prepare a TO packet that lists start and end times, the round schedule, deployment and match rules, allowed supplements, how to submit lists, and tie breakers such as strength of schedule, battle points or game points. Appoint one to two impartial judges and give them the resources they need, including current rules, FAQs and a simple escalation path for disputes.

Lock down logistics early. Reserve adequate tables, good lighting and chairs, and map the play area with table numbers. Use Eventbrite, Meetup or a community Discord for registration and collect army lists pre event if required. Set an entry fee to cover venue, prizes and judge expenses, and offer prizes that fit your budget, such as gift cards, minis or store credit.

Prepare table admin before players arrive. Build mission cards, assemble dice, tape measures, objective markers and round timers or clocks. At check in verify player lists and identities, confirm lists and ensure any banned combos are fixed before round one. Enforce timekeeping consistently and warn players at 15 minutes and five minutes remaining.

Promote good sportsmanship and optional painting awards. Encourage respectful play, award sportsmanship to promote friendly behavior, and set minimum painting standards if offering best painted awards via voting or a judge panel. After the event publish standings, pairings and photos to social channels and the local store page, and collect feedback with a short survey to improve the next event. Use pairing software such as TIO, Challonge or TabletopEvents, link to the current Warhammer 40,000 rules PDFs and the Design Studio FAQ and Balance Notes, and tap local hobby groups and your nearest game store to grow attendance.