New to the UKTC: What to do after buying your first ticket.
- Charles Gould
- Feb 9
- 6 min read
So you’ve bought a ticket to a UKTC event - welcome!
If you’re newer to competitive Warhammer, it’s totally normal to feel a mix of hype and nerves. This guide is here to help you with two things:
Demystify the process so you know exactly what to do next
Get ready so you can have the best experience possible.
UKTC events are competitive, yes. but they’re also community-first, welcoming, and packed with unforgettable moments. Let’s get you ready.
What is a UKTC event like?
Picture a room full of beautifully painted armies, focused games, friendly pre-round chatter, and that buzz you only get when everyone is there for the same reason: to roll dice, play hard, and have a great weekend.
Competitive Warhammer isn’t about gatekeeping or “gotchas.” It’s about:
Meeting other hobbyists who love the game as much as you do
Testing your army and improving over multiple rounds
Having stories to tell after every game (even the losses!)
Experiencing Warhammer at its most social and exciting
If you’re thinking “I’m not good enough for an event,” here’s an inside bit of knowledge: events are one of the fastest and most fun ways to get good and you don’t need to be an expert to belong.
Step 1: The Practicalities
Once you have purchased your ticket from uktc.events/shop there are a few steps to help make sure you are up to date.
Check your confirmation and event details
Find your ticket confirmation and make sure you know:
The event date(s)
The venue/location
Any links provided for event info (often called a player pack or event pack)
If you can’t immediately find the confirmation, check spam/junk folders you can save it somewhere easy to access. Or bookmark the web page for that event where all the links are updated and stored.
Read the event & player packs
These documents are your “what to expect” guide. These can be found for your specific system here, and will include:
Format (number of rounds, points limit, team/solo, etc.)
Rules and restrictions (list submission deadline, paint requirements, etc.)
Terrain format (how boards are set up)
Schedule (start time, lunch break timing, end-of-day expectations)
What to bring
You don’t need to memorize it all, just skim it once now, then revisit later as needed.
Join the discord for updates.
Our events share updates via a community hub - you can join it using the following link:
also, sign up to our newsletter on the website to be notified of upcoming events!
Step 2: Maximise your experience
Now you're up to date with the practical information for the event you can really start to focus on making the most of your weekend, this is what will change from player to player, but it is a good place to start and set some basic goals that are specific to you for this event.
If you’re new to events, a simple goal helps massively. Pick one:
“I want to learn.” (focus on rules, reps, and experience)
“I want to go 2–X.” (aim for a couple of wins)
“I want to meet people.” (social goal = instant success)
“I want to play clean, fast, and confidently.” (tournament skill goal)
Here’s the secret: you can have a great event even if you don’t win a lot. The best competitive players started exactly where you are - and the community remembers the friendly, prepared opponent more than the scoreline.
Step 3: Pick your army
There are a few things you can do to make sure that your event goes smoothly.
Keep it simple, not fancy
For your first UKTC event, the best list is one you can play confidently. A few tips:
Take units you know well, even if they’re not necessarily “meta”
Avoid extremely complex combos if you’re still learning - whilst it may be okay for a game or two, your brain will thank you by round 5!
Aim for clear roles: scoring, trading, damage, durability, utility
Bring a plan for common scenarios: “How do I score? How do I stop my opponent scoring?”
Play a few timed practice turns
Tournament rounds have a clock. You don’t need to rush, but you do want to avoid turn 4 panic.
Try this:
Set a timer for 15 minutes
Play one turn of movement + shooting + combat
Focus on clean sequencing (declare, measure, roll, resolve)
You’ll be amazed how quickly this boosts confidence.
Know your core rules cold
You don’t need encyclopedic knowledge, there's lots you can check on the fly. Just make sure you’re solid on:
Your army rules / detachment / key stratagems
Common core mechanics (movement, line of sight basics, objectives)
How your army scores points
Confidence comes from repetition, not perfection.
Step 4: Prep your travel bag
Nothing kills vibes like arriving without something crucial. Here’s the “newcomer-safe” checklist:
Must-bring essentials
Your army
Dice
Tape measure
Objective markers
Tokens/markers for buffs, once-per-game abilities, etc.
Printed list or digital access to your list
Rules access (codex/app reference if you use it)
Strongly recommended
A dice tray
A notepad or scoring app - most people use tabletop battles
Water bottle and snacks, make sure you stay hydrated is a biggie.
A phone charger/power bank
Super glue for those emergency repairs
Painting and presentation
UKTC events require that all models are painted to a "Battle-Ready" standard, if you are unclear on what is expected our policies can be found: here
And a Games Workshop article can also be found: here
Step 5: Plan your logistics like a pro
Doors open 30 minutes before the first round starts. That gives you time for:
Finding your table
Unpacking safely
Bathroom/water
Meeting your opponent.
Protect your army
If you’re travelling, your case matters. Foam, magnetic trays, hard cases — whatever you use, the goal is: no broken models before round one.
Read the schedule the day before
Your future self will thank you. Know:
Start time
Breaks
End time
Any evening socials (if applicable)
Event Day: What to expect
Check-in and set-up
You’ll check in, get any event info you need, and head to your first table. People are generally happy to chat - and lots of players are meeting for the first time too. So don't feel shy about starting a conversation.
Before each game: the pre-game chat
This is the single best habit you can build:
Introduce yourself
Offer a quick army summary of your army: “My list does X; my big threats are Y.”
Ask about theirs: “Any gotchas I should know about?”
Confirm basics: terrain approach, clocks (if used), dice etiquette, scoring method
Most awkwardness disappears instantly when you do this.
During the game: play clean, communicate clearly
Competitive games are smoother when both players are transparent:
Say what you’re doing before you do it
Clarify intent (“These are toeing onto the objective”)
Keep scoring visible and updated
If you make a mistake, own it calmly - everyone makes them
And if you’re unsure about a rule interaction, the best phrase in the hobby is:
“Let’s check it together.”
Judges and questions aren’t scary
Calling a judge isn’t “being difficult.” It’s normal - and it keeps things fair. If you need help, ask. That’s what the event team is there for.
We have a team of judges on hand ready to assist with rules questions and more. If the line of sight is tight, or if the measurement is just out they will be happy to assist in an impartial manner.
The mindset shift that makes events addictive
Here’s the big unlock: your first event isn’t a test. It’s a starting point.
You’re going to learn things like:
How to deploy with purpose
How to score even while losing
How to manage time and decision fatigue
How to stay calm when the dice misbehave
How other armies actually function on the table
That’s why so many players say their biggest leap in skill happened after attending events.
Post Game: the best place to improve
When it’s over, do three simple things - these are the steps I do every game to continue improving my play:
Identify one thing you could have done better (I regularly ask my opponents what I could have done better.)
Thank your opponent
Stay connected - the friends you meet are often the best part
If you had fun, you’re already doing it right.
What are you waiting for?
If you’re new to competitive Warhammer, UKTC events are one of the best ways to jump in. You’ll get multiple games, a real sense of progression, and a community that genuinely loves seeing new faces at the tables.
Bring your army. Bring your excitement. Bring your questions.
And if you haven’t grabbed a ticket yet: this is your sign.
The only difference between “I might go to an event someday” and “I’m part of the scene” is who shows up.
If you want to find out about the different size of events and what all of the buzz-words mean, we have an article on exactly that: here.
Once you are ready to buy head over to our store where you can get your first UKTC event ticket.
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