Golden Ticket Winner Profile
Player Name: Frederick Schmidt
Age: 32
Country of Origin: USA
Where you won your ticket: Dallas Open (2nd Place inherited)
What do you look at when you’re building a list? Are there any principals you focus on?
I attempt to make sure the list I am building is able to have a solid matchup spread across the top of the meta. I also figure out if I want to spend points on enhancing the strengths of a faction/list or trying to shore up weaknesses.
Talk about some of the armies you played in 4th edition so far – was this a change from 3rd.
I have played Kruleboyz, Lumineth, and Tzeentch at events but have played a little bit of most armies to a lot of bit of armies on tabletop simulator. Last edition I played sylvaneth, big waaagh, and KO a lot. However I feel like these armies are a bit lackluster (or non-existent) at this point so I find stuff that appeals to me and might be fun/good.
You’ve never been shy about asking to borrow units for a particular list and you’ve not embarrassed about running multiple copies of a unit. What’s your view on why spamming units continues to be effective in this edition.
This edition is ran on efficiency and numbers in a lot of cases. Especially in the top armies. Heroes feel ineffective and expensive for what they do so and the cost of drops so you’re usually running only a couple drops. This only gives you so many slots for units so you want the most effective unit for those slots. Additionally, these indices don’t allow for as much tech as was once possible in the previous edition. So those one off units that solve certain problems or do certain things are not worth a slot/are not consistent enough because it relies on a 3+ or a 4+. And again, unit slots are precious and valuable. Need the most bang for your buck in this current list building system due to how limited it feels.
What army are you bringing to the World Championships, and why did you choose them? As a returning player how does it compare to last year?
I am bringing Tzeentch! Specifically a list that utilizes a lot of horrors to tarpit and win primary in addition to the amazing secondary game the army has. A buddy showed me this list and I fell in love immediately because I always wanted to play horror spam. It’s super funny to have all your goofy little guys waddle up and get in the way while slowly whittling down your opponent.
As a returning player this time I focused on wanting to bring a more top of the meta army while still having something I enjoyed playing.
If I Pick It - OBR- click to expand Disciples of Tzeentch Wyrdflame Host Lord of Change (380) [General] [Nine-Eyed Tome] [Illusionist] [Baleful Sword] – 20 x Blue Horrors and Brimstone Horrors (260) – 20 x Pink Horrors (300) – 20 x Pink Horrors (300) – 10 x Jade Obelisk (100) Changecaster, Herald of Tzeentch (120) – 20 x Blue Horrors and Brimstone Horrors (260) – 1 x Burning Chariot of Tzeentch (140) – 1 x Burning Chariot of Tzeentch (140) [Lore of Change] [Manifestations of Tzeentch] 2000/2000pts 2 drops
Run us through your list a little bit. What made you choose this list, and why do you enjoy playing it?
I have a tendency to enjoy playing against or as “annoying” armies. I think they force you to play the game in different ways than just mashing your models together and that is enjoyable for me. The list is built on tarpitting with the horrors and bringing them back with the lord of change. It is a rather simple gameplan but there is some skill expression in your tactics sequencing/denial and usage of the pieces that are not horrors. The Burning Sigil (tzeentch manifestation) is also incredibly strong and just adds to the fun with this list.
What does the list do well against? What match-ups are you hoping to avoid?
One of the reasons I love this list so much is because it has play into almost anything. However, there is a distinct weakness to some high volume shooting. So I am hoping to avoid Skaven but there is still play even in that matchup.
Are there any battleplans that you’re hoping to avoid? Why?
Not in particular. This list is very good on close missions but due to what Tzeentch can do plays wide missions well. I am curious how it does on Scorched Earth as that might be the one missions that is “too wide” for this list.
What was your road getting to the event like? Was it something you were aiming for after participating last year?
It was certainly a journey this year. I got 2nd place for a ticket at 5 different events and had a 6th one canceled. However, one of the winners of those events was unable to attend and I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have been able to have the ticket move down the line to me. (Though I did finally win a golden ticket event AFTER this XD). I absolutely was aiming to return. This was one of my favorite weekends of last year and getting another ticket was a big goal for me this year. I was ecstatic when I found out I get to go again.
How does it feel to be going to the event? Are you nervous? Excited? Do you have different goals compared to last year?
It feels awesome! I’m excited to see all my friends! My goals this year are to improve on my result from last year. I went 3-5 last time and I’m hoping to maybe flip that into a winning record!
How do you expect the competition to be different from other events? Is there anything you’re doing differently to prepare?
I expect every round to be a lot more intense on the table. However that does not mean it will be any less fun or friendly. Last year I really felt like I made 8 new friends over the course of the event and I’m hoping to do that again!
For prep…I already play a ton of warhammer games so I can’t really say I’ve done much different than I already do. The biggest part for me was getting over a bit of an army crisis I had until the lovely Steve Follows sent me this horrors list.
How do you expect you’ll do at the event? What’s a “good event” look like for you, record-wise?
I honestly do not know how I will do. Lots of good players! A good event for me is hopefully a winning record. In addition to making this event again my other goal for the year has been improvement and that would be an awesome way to see my improvement!
How much do you miss Blizzard?
If I speak my mind I will be suspended.
Have you played much Spearhead since Dallas?
I sadly haven’t played any! I really enjoyed spearhead but my focus has been entirely on the main game. I’ve been waiting for some interesting spearhead events (I know some folks floated around neat team event ideas) to pop up but none really in an easy driving distance of me.
Is there anything you wanted to add?
Bring back Big Waaagh! Please I’m begging
Thanks again for taking the time to answer our questions. Good luck at the event!
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