That's exactly what I tried to point out in my first post.

Personally, I love playing and am having a lot of fun, but have been told I always look kinda grumpy and pissed off. That actually sucked to hear, because I don't want to come off that way, also, the judges are already kind of "haters" of mine because I have a better understanding of the rules than they do, and not to be an #######, but in situations where I would lose or whatever else I pulled the rulebook on them to prove them wrong, so I have two different reasons I would never win Fellowship. The judges hold a grudge (and trust me, I feel it every week just trying to have a polite talk about the weather with them), and apparently I always have a look on my face like a jerk. It really does turn the social event of meeting together and all playing Heroclix into a popularity contest with Heroclix on the side, rather than Heroclix, with a little being a good dude on the side for Fellowship, and overall common decency.

**Opens arms wide***

Hug buddy! That's what I offer!!!!! Don't be afraid!!!!! I give really good hugs!!!!!

"Temba, his arms wide"

But not everyone is like that...?

uuuhhh.......COMMUNITY CENTER!!!!

That's why I started playing Warhammer 40k. I play Orks because they are fun to paint and mod and I find the idea behind them humorous. I wanted to play a social game and there was an established Warhammer group at the venue that I got along with. I have specific goals I hope to achieve each time I play, but it doesn't usually include winning. Sometimes it's to show off models, sometimes it's to get out of the house and interact with others with similar interests, sometimes it's to try a new tactic that I think is clever. I always plan on losing with class (and some day I will be surprised when I actually win).

Has anyone else intentionally lost a game to a young child? My 6 year old loves to play Quarriors. I don't cheat and break the rules to let him win, but I don't always play smart either. Again, I'm not playing the game with him because I want to win. That's not the goal.

Winning can be a goal, but it isn't always the goal. The OP has found a way to cater to his play group that allows them to achieve their goals without focusing on winning. Based on the larger than average turn out, it seems that there are more people at his venue who are playing Heroclix who don't have the primary goals of winning than who play to win.

I don't think there is anything wrong with playing Heroclix with the primary goal being to win, just like I don't think there is anything wrong with playing with other goals in mind. What I have problems with is when one group with a specific goal criticizes the other and belittles the reasons they play.

I appreciate all the feedback and thoughts, folks.

Thanks for offering it.

This tends to happen in areas in which a venue is being overrun by one "type" or the other. And, hey, I get that.

@jackstar7
I'm glad that this idea is working out for you. It sounds like not only a success at your venue for doubling the fun but for doubling the attendance. I'm sorry no one seems to be catching on to the idea except Thrumble. How long do you plan to keep this going? I'm in the SoCal area, and I might make a road trip out to your venue to get a feel for this experiment first-hand.

At this point I'd say we're going to stick with it for a couple months and only give the winners a prize during IG games at this point. And when those are over, we'll see what happens next... but we'll play it by ear and maybe find something for people to compete over once a month if we've got something fun to give away and we want to give folks a chance to put their skills to the test.

Let us know if you're coming! And if you've got the time there are 2 other venues in the semi-near vicinity!