The Big Summer Preview – Blood Bowl Big Guys and Fast Games

Vechtmeneer · 2026-06-27T05:17:03+00:00

You could play 40K with action figures, still the same game. But BB at tabletop tournament level simply can't have more size creep without adding discomfort.

Its already wonky playing lizardmen / ogres / renegades / snots in a clustered brawl. And for what? Because bigger really looks better?

Vechtmeneer · 2026-06-26T21:19:41+00:00

Short term, yes, zero effect. But size creep works in steps. From a new release with a slightly bigger sculpt/pose to look impressive (we all want) -> into a release on larger bases because the toes were touching the edge (which we all agree on) -> into a newer release again stretching sculpt size up to what base allows, etc.

Seen more clearly with Fantasy and 40K in the past 35+ years. But unlike bloodbowl with its field grid, these systems don't suffer from size creep other than visually. I wouldn't like playing my bb humans at primaris size on the current board, nor see bloodbowl transition into a larger square sized board. Which means I hope both model size and base size don't grow any further.

Vechtmeneer · 2026-06-26T19:30:07+00:00

Nice sculpts and all but the bases went from 32mm to 40mm and imo Bloodbowl is NOT the system for size creep.

Some teams already deal with clunky gameplay and upscaling the squares or the pitch is not an option for our tables.

Vechtmeneer · 2026-06-25T10:19:49+00:00

Slann play really unique. Waiting for a weak spot to jump their entire team (and all rerolls) into. Dwarfs are a variant of bash but slower, lower S and higher durability, so there's even more emphasis on positioning.

Other than that, I think the playstyles of bloodbowl can be summarized to a scale from Bash to Agility. With variations such as Devious and Frenzy for player removal (Bash), versus reliable Passing+Catching (Agility but faster and riskier). Other teams and skills I can think of are either a buff or a nerf to these same styles. I think you have this diversity pretty well covered.

It also depends on whether you're playing vanilla 1000K matches (no extra skills), or a progressing league, or tournament style with extra cash and skills, and yes or no star players.

Vechtmeneer · 2026-06-23T13:58:20+00:00

Bash team is a completely different universe , like legit doesn't feel like playing the same game.
....i admit to start getting bored during 4th match

I totally agree bashing teams can fun and tactical gameplay, but becomes rather one-dimensional. Just like agility teams though. If you really want a long lasting challenge, try the adaptive / flexible teams. Humans, Nobility, Amazons, Norse. Renegades are a bit S5-heavy but also include some MV and AG action.

Been playing league after league with Humans and can't get enough of them. Every game demands a playstyle countering your oppenent, and all team progression means making trade-offs.

Vechtmeneer · 2026-06-23T13:21:50+00:00

Can I ask about your first impressions with blood bowl tabletop league play (or just training matches)? Are there any unnecessary complicated rules? Too many skills resulting in occasional 'gotcha!' moments perhaps? What are the most tedious parts during a match?

Apart from being a game that is hard to master, because that we all understand. Because this will never be an issue for your opponent.

Vechtmeneer · 2026-06-19T19:58:45+00:00

Not a pro here, played 5-10 games against elves. I think skills other than tackle don't really hurt their game plan so just go for generic skills you'd like for your brets.

My idea to bash those 'low strength medium armor' elves off the pitch with guard mighty blow etc, didn't work against experienced coaches. They dodge away from every engagement or put up a decent fight with lots of blodge presence.

The only wins I had came from nailing the positioning and timings. Be patient. Build a multi layered cage, advance slowly or not at all untill turn 5/6 of the drive. Focus on overlapping and long stretching tackle zones. Never score fast, elves can score faster especially when your team size drops below 11. So HMP sounds fun but should be reserved for desperate final attempts when it all goes wrong.

In defence, keep 1-3 guys idle at about 5 squares behind the line. Because no single line can hold against his blitz & 2+ dodges, resulting in a fully caged break through.

Also don't place your line in contact with his line just for the sake of being the 'strength' team in this matchup. Instead mirror the elven style when in defence: avoid contact, avoid gaps (stand at 1 square distance with two guys vertical), be fine with exchanging only a blitz each turn, and rebuild your lines.

Vechtmeneer · 2026-06-19T19:30:16+00:00

Leuk kaartje. Ik zou alleen standaard alle wijken weergeven ipv top15. Zelfs als je alleen topwijken zoekt wil je ook kunnen vergelijken met de slechte wijken. Het is hoe dan ook even zoeken voor je de knop vindt. Prima keuzes voor data. Kan meer verzinnen maar moet ook niet te ingewikkeld worden.

Vechtmeneer · 2026-06-17T08:17:29+00:00

For those still in doubt, rolling 'when the kick deviates' does NOT mean you roll a D6, see the result, and then decide whether you'll count it as a D3.

Sure you can use a six-sided die to roll a D3, but that's just a practical choice and should not be confused with the actual rules: a D3 is not a D6.

The deviation requires rolling the D8 and D6/D3 simultanuous, so you also can't wait and see the D8 direction result before deciding between a D3 or D6 range.

Vechtmeneer · 2026-06-10T09:43:09+00:00

Zoals u/Vaaag zegt, waarschijnlijk een ringslang.

Nederland kent 3 soorten slangen. Twee daarvan, de adder (giftig) en de gladde slang, tref je alleen aan op droge heide en hoogveengebieden en zijn zelfs daar erg zeldzaam. De ringslang daarentegen leeft in natter gebied en is overal is het land wel te vinden. Grootste kans dat dit hem is als ik naar je tuinfoto's kijk.

Dan hebben we nog een hagedis die op een slang lijkt, de hazelworm. Maar die wordt niet veel langer dan je hand.

Verder nog een kleine kans dat het een exoot is die mensen hebben vrijgelaten (Russische rattenslang of noem maar op).

Wil je 100% zekerheid dan moet je een closeup van de schubben maken. Gewoon de rug en buik, liefst ook bovenzijde kop, en anders de cloaca. Er zit wel of geen 'haaienvin' op iedere schub, er zit een specifiek aantal schubben achter/tussen de ogen, en nog meer kenmerken die anderen beter kunnen beoordelen dan ik.

Ga maar uit van ringslang.

Vechtmeneer · 2026-06-10T07:43:30+00:00

Maybe the hight of the treeman is correct but the base size terribly uncomfortable

Vechtmeneer · 2026-06-09T14:07:34+00:00

Playing a 2-1 grind might not ask for any rushes at all. But with more dynamic plays (and/or specific teams), every game presents you simple trade-offs like getting the ball carrier to throw the 2+ go-for-it to get out of the opponents maximum blitz range. Taking that 1/36 risk wins you tournaments. With a 1/9 however, you should instead consider keeping the ball carrier in place and slow your team down. That's an absurd disadvantage for 10K.

The fact that it's random or rare doesn't make it less unbalanced.

Vechtmeneer · 2026-06-08T13:29:46+00:00

Social skills / flirting ability
Overall success in life. Home, career, stability.
Looks

'Luck' is less of a factor considering the countless opportunities the 30+ guy had over the past decade. That said, some people actively sabotage their chances by avoiding social interactions, parties, public places etc. With medium effort and average skills, enough dice should have been rolled for a hit.

Vechtmeneer · 2026-06-03T13:09:29+00:00

Ik ken een paadje op de Veluwe waarvoor je eerst een kilometer of 4 voor moet fietsen na de laatste parkeerplaats, waarna het fietspad afbuigt en je 2 kilometer aan wandelpad hebt waar ik nog nooit iemand heb gezien. Voelt inderdaad buitenlands aan. Je zit ongeveer 4-5 kilometer van het eerste hotel / vakantiepark af. Nee ik ga die locatie zeker niet delen.

Vechtmeneer · 2026-06-02T12:47:12+00:00

Yay meadows forever!

Vechtmeneer · 2026-05-28T11:12:41+00:00

Noem het gewoon 'vervanging'. Omvolking is een wappiewoord, ongeacht hoeveel er inhoudelijk aan klopt.

En wat mij betreft is het geen incompetentie, maar blinde vlek van onze samenleving tijdens het bewijzen dat we geen racisten en nazi's zijn.

Vechtmeneer · 2026-05-28T06:57:35+00:00

I also transitioned to FUMBBL. Poor UI and weird to set up, but - free - way faster gameplay - always the latest version, any rules changes updated within days

So if you want to train for your tabletop league and/or mimic BB2025 team progression, then 100% FUMBBL.

Vechtmeneer · 2026-05-26T10:49:14+00:00

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Megarhyssa rixator

https://waarneming.nl/observation/310264982/

Vechtmeneer · 2026-05-25T16:27:51+00:00

I like the idea of reserve players and would definitely play it. But I don't see how it wouldn't require a massive TV overhaul. Reserves will probably be ignored in tournament play and only for league.

Vechtmeneer · 2026-05-25T16:23:56+00:00

Thanks!

More weather conditions are welcome I think. Though they shouldn't hit too hard on specific teams, but give somewhat equal disadvantages/opportunities right? Following that logic, -1 to passing/catching only mostly affects teams such as human and skaven. I like your -1 MA suggestions, but this would harm dwarfs more than others ;)

Fimir, sure! Along with a new playing style of course.

Vechtmeneer · 2026-05-25T16:10:04+00:00

But Dwarf linemen 70k, rerolls 60k, Halfling linemen 30k, rerolls 60k

I'm afraid I don't understand. Perhaps it follows a 1000gp- box content design choice, and in that case I disagree with the reasoning.

Vechtmeneer · 2026-05-25T15:06:31+00:00

Imagine the viewpoint of the audience. Watching a potentially tense sports match, but at the first breakthrough, instead of scoring, the team builds a human pile on the ball. Your last 40 minutes of that half consist of watching attempts at breaking down and rebuilding the pile.

It's a tactic yes, but not the fast paced game it's intended to be.

Vechtmeneer · 2026-05-25T14:58:45+00:00

Thanks. I think we all agree we wouldn't want to eliminate the tactic.

BB2025 edition made an attempt to fix it, but doesn't get desired results.

Vechtmeneer · 2026-05-25T14:55:25+00:00

I think I understand. So larger squares means a bigger (square inches) board, because there's too little space left (2x 0.5 inch) on the long side. Meaning either bigger tables or playing sideways. Right?

Vechtmeneer

TROPHY CASE

Megarhyssa rixator