So you’ve assembled a new list. Whether it’s no-shame netlisted, or your own architectural masterpiece, you are the one in the cockpit young padawan. Strap into X-wing Hyperpractice and git good before you put those pilots on the table for real.

I’ve asked this before on the Liberty Squadron Podcast, but I want your answer: How many games does it take before you are comfortable flying a new x-wing list? Turns out, this is legit hard to answer. Is it an archetype you’re unfamiliar with? Are there a lot of rule triggers to remember? Do the ships move or reposition in ways you’re not used to? Let’s think about bare minimum. Assuming ‘no’ to all these questions, I would still put myself at 10 or 12 games before I’m comfortable with the amount of practice I’ve had with a shiny new list. How many games do you play on casual store nights? Two? Three? Even at big events, a 6-round swiss will only get me halfway there.



With that in mind, is there a way to cram for a big event? Find a buddy and slam those S-fils closed, we’re blasting through X-wing games with the X-Wing Hyperpractice Format.

An overhyped article about board games needs an animated banner from the 1990s

Link to a Printable google doc



There it is. It’s simple, it’s boring, it’s definitely not x-wing. But it’s over in 10 minutes, and gets you practice in what I think are the most important parts of x-wing. Bonus points if your buddy is willing to challenge you with different lists. If you’re fast with set up and cleanup, you can fit seven games in the time it takes to play one. Look to fit two rounds of engagement, but feel free to reset earlier if either of you opt to.

Keep in mind there’s no variance here, so variance-heavy lists (I’m looking at you my lovely interceptors) are going to require additional practice to overcome those matches that slip under the crack of the bell curve.

During your seven round blitzkrieg, make small changes to your setup, rock placement, and target priorities. Use those games to discover a few deployment patterns that maximize your ships’ movement options, take advantage of your upgrades, and deal the most pain to an opponent’s list — whether that’s through outmaneuvering or casting the perfect wide net.

Things to try

Rock Placement

Mix up Asteroids, Debris, and Gas Clouds

Build an L shape, Circle rocks, Cluster middle

Range 3 from your opponent, Range 2 from the edge

Range 2 from yourself, Range 4 from yourself

Ship Placement

Split approach angles according to enemy pilot skills, or ship speeds

Formation joust, partial joust, along the side, along your edge

Full Flank, from-behind-your-ships flank

Check Liberty Squadron Podcast episode 18 (or the show notes) for more ideas!

Target Priority

Highest pilot skill

Initiative-kill their alpha strike

Most durable target

Most vulnerable target

This post wouldn’t be complete without some sweet action shots, so here’s a set of photos from my seven practice games in prep for the Hyperspace Trial at Games and Stuff in Glen Burnie, MD. Seven rapid-fire H.Y.P.E.R.P.R.A.C.T.I.C.E. (TM) Games!

(Separate gallery for mobile users — having issues with the slideshow..)





























