returning player vs demons

[Talmon]

Hello everyone. I'm a returning player to 40k and the SW. One of my first battles will be against a very experienced demon player and I'm seeking advice of all kinds. The game is only 1000 pts so unit options should not be a major issue. What should I look out for? Priority of targets? Solid firebase or spread him out? I have read in a couple of places take every bolter I can. Avoid assault unless odds are heavy in my favor. All constructive help appreciated. Ty in advance.

[Max_Dammit]

All I can say is know his rules for bad stuff that has to happen to him, those unstable roles are easy to forget.

[Baulder]

if it is demons he is wanting to get in CC right? So maybe set up a decent fire base with good fire lanes and if you can channel all his units down one single path that will help you reduce the numbers before he gets in charge range. Wolves do well on the counter attack so you can try make him come to you.

[Talmon]

Any advice on which units to take down first? To really watch out for?

[Kasper_Hawser]

Not sure how updated you are on 6th to 7th ed, but one of the cheesiest tactics they have now is summoning spam. If you see a lot of Tzeetch units, chances are he is going to try go for as many psychic levels as possible to cast Summoning, which summons 10 free daemon troops of his choice. Combined with the ability to deploy a Portaglyph, which is a portal to periodically summon daemons, and you can be overwhelmed if your not careful.

 

So basically, try to kill his pink horrors as soon as you can. Their damage is peanuts but like I said, leave them alone and you will find yourself outnumbers 5 to 1.

 

Also, Rhinos are a lot stronger now and the daemon RANGE weapons has little AP1-2 so unlikely to blow them up in one turn. 

[Z00Z]

As Kasper said, watch for summoning spam. Target priority for you will be very important and I'd strategically go after his big psycher and melee units. An effective method to play against sumoning spam is to create effective unit blockers. The lone wolf excels in this area as it will halt their progress and tie up a unit for a round or 2 allowing you to focus on the other units. I'd recommend 3 at least, either positioned between your core army and his or DS them into the back-line to create a rear guard threat to the units which are game changers for daemons.  

[Talmon]

Thx guys, this is what I was looking for. Reports from other players say he fields Belakor and smaller deamons typically and likes to summon. On some occasions he will field the big nasty HTH  GD. So I am figuraing to target Belakor and any TZ deamon I see first depnding on availabilty. Thx again

[mcpolle]

Belakor in 1000 pt games, is a bit over the top, I would say, but Blood claws with flamers, in a drop pod, are awesome against  a lot of his Horro units, and most other demons do not like getting burnt up, and they are cheap as chips.

Also TWC  with an Iron Priest are a great unit, as they chomp thru Demons, and get there quick

 

Storm fang is also a great hvy choice, as it can shoot the crap out of belakor, and has a nice large blast template as well.

 

Polle

[gwarsh41]

Don't castle up in the corner or anything, daemons LOVE gun lines and castle armies. Daemons have speed, that is your biggest worry, make sure you get the charge off, even if they have defensive grenades. The tough thing about prepping for daemons is the wide variety of usable units they have. Screamers beasts and plague drones are all useful, and ranked in that order. Know that any AP of any kind is wasted against daemons 4/5 times, as generally only a daemon prince will have an armor save. 

 

The -5 initiative armor will be awesome at fighting any character he tosses at you outside of a keeper of secrets (who is initiative 10) I would highly suggest bringing it if you think he will have a big nasty MC. He gets into CC with your dude, challenge happens, his dude drops to initiative 4 or less and you get to swing before/at the same time. 

 

Soul grinders are also really viable this edition, so watch out for them.