Four way battle

[Tipper]

I’m getting a small group of friends together to play 500 points games of 40K. All of us are new, newish, or haven’t played in a long time. It occurred to me that 500 points leaves a lot of table space, and I could maybe get 4 players on the table at a time.

I did a search and didn’t come up with anything, but if you have a link to a thread about it, that would be great.

I think my main concern is that, especially if it’s a free for all, then a player could be totally wiped out, having 3 opponents go before them, very quickly.

Anyone have experience with this?

Other idea, I could have them be teams, does two people having their turn at once work well?

Any insight from more experienced players is welcome, even if you haven’t tried this specifically.

[Grotsmasha]

Back when I started (waaaaay back in 2nd), this is how my group did it. Our first game was a free-for-all, and exactly that, one player was wiped immediately. The next game we played two simultaneous games, each settings up in a board corner with our "Primary" opponent opposite us. We were only allowed to target our Primary, and only if we managed to table them, we could target another force of our choice.

Alternatively, we also played 2v2's a lot, which worked fairly well too.

[Commisar Necros]

My group does double alot like this, saves from getting someone wiped. Everyone brings a 500pt list and then we switch up teams after the game. 2 players a side can also speed up rolls if someone knows both armies used. Its been alot of fun.

[BluejayJunior]

There were rules for a 4-way battle in a White Dwarf not too long ago. After they finished up their Tale of the Four Warlords. Might have been at the end of 8th, but could probably still use them if you find it. 

The main thing I remember was that for each phase you choose one player and then can only target that players units for the phase. 

[NovemberIX]

I think it's WD 251 that has rules for a game mode called Carnage for  4 players. It boiled down to a single objective in the middle of the table, players set up in corners within 12 inches, roll for play order. My game group has played this pretty regularly, the balance of play stayed relatively even till someone would get close to the objective. We have played 2v2 and larger games with little issue.

[Tipper]

Perfect! Thanks so much guys!