#1 This is my first time playing, what should I bring?
#2 Where else can I find Newbie information?
#3 How do I know if I will like playing with TANGO?
#4 What rules does TANGO play by?
#6 I'm going to my first scenario game with TANGO, what should I bring?
#1 This is my first time playing, what should I bring?
Good attitude: This is a GAME, remember this is supposed to be FUN!
Grubby clothes: You run through trees and lay on the ground and stuff, so you get dirty.
High-top shoes of any kind: Ankle support is what you're after here.
Clothes: Dark colors, a couple of layers, no shorts or T-shirts. A flannel shirt over a T-shirt works great, camouflage helps but really isn't necessary. Play a couple of times before investing in a full camo outfit. If you just can't wait, buy a shirt in some "hunters" camo first. Heck TANGO shirts are gray in color with a very bright TANGO on the chest (excellent camo in a wall paper store).
A baseball cap: Put it on backwards under your mask, it makes the head shots easier to take.
Gloves: Hand shots are no fun, gardening gloves work fine.
Guys: A cup, not the water kind. (If you think hand shots are bad...)
Gals: Wear a heavy duty sports bra. Something you can comfortably jog in is a safe bet because they're usually pretty thick and can provide some protection. Leave off the makeup, it just sweats off and attracts bugs anyway (most perfumes and hair sprays are great bug attractors as well).
Mosquito stuff: You're playing outside, bugs are just a reality.
Water to drink: The hotter it is, the more you sweat (especially with long sleeves and pants on). Water is also useful in cleaning off your splats.
Paper towels: To clean up the water you used to clean up your splats.
NO BOOZE/DRUGS!! If this is not clear enough, reference the TANGO Rules.
#2 Where else can I find Newbie information?
We would never think that you thought our FAQ was inadequate. Let's just agree that it will never be the complete, unabridged repository of all paintball knowledge. What we’re going for is the Cliffs Notes™ version of the Dummies Guide to Paintball™. With that in mind, be sure to check out the W.A.R.P.I.G. FAQ and all the rest of the Info Sites under the Links - Info Sites selection.
#3 How do I know if I will like playing with TANGO? First-time player comments:
Ed C.: Thanks Bob!!! Having coordinated a few of these myself in the past I know first hand the time it takes to pull it together, invite people, collect money, finalize lists, confirmations, etc. You did a fantastic job. My son and I both had a great time. We were a little apprehensive at first about playing with a bunch of experienced people. However, it seemed that there was a good mix of novice to pro and everyone was out for the fun of it, no one had the killer, gotta win at any cost attitude that can sometimes mess it up for everyone. This was by far the most people that my son and I had ever played with, and we both talked about how much better it was having more people. More people shooting at you, but more people to shoot at also! It was great talking to the experienced TANGO guys who gave us plenty of ideas and suggestions on strategy, equipment, modifications, etc. In fact my son wanted to stop at the paintball store Saturday night to check out the cost of packages. He'll have his own gun for sure by the next time we play and I'll probably invest in at least a new barrel for mine. Unless there is a death in the family, you can count us in for the next one. Any word on the shirt order? My son is already planning on wearing his to school. Terrific job and thanks again!!!!
Shaun K.: I thought that both TANGO and Futureball hosted a very nice game. At first it may have been overwhelming with so many players, but that is part of the fun.
Eric H.: Two Thumbs up for TANGO. I appreciate your organization allowing guests to play. A large group of friends of Shaun K. were present and loved it. I was most impressed by the etiquette of the players. The sport can quickly develop cocky attitudes and I was happy to see that everyone played with a common courtesy, even as they covered me in paint. I look forward to joining you on the battlefield again.
Bryan L.: It was my first time playing, and I thought it was awesome! I am definitely hooked.
Bidhi: Thanks for inviting me to your outing this past Saturday. I had a great time and would definitely love to do it the next time you hold such an event. What I really appreciated the most is how you made everybody feel welcome especially the new people who weren't part of your club. Thanks again for a great time.
Flaminia S.: It was so much fun, I got the bruises to prove it. It an awesome game.... My son, believes this is more fun than Cedar Point.... now, this is a compliment. Please add me to your distribution list. Thank you, and I'll get you next time...
Lenny C.: Bob, I had a GREAT!!!!!!! time playing with Tango. It was really nice to meet all the other Tango members I cant wait for the next outing. I would like to know though how do we get one of those awesome tango shirts its a must have for me. Hey thanks again for an excellent time. Also good luck to those of you going to Indiana have a great time. I have to work but I will be there in spirit.
Tom L.: Hello all, I'd just like to thank everyone who played on Saturday. That was my first time playing with the Tango group and I was very impressed with the sportsmanship every single person displayed. In 10ish years of playing I haven't seen a group that's more courteous to new players and that genuinely plays stand-up ball. I will be looking forward for the next time I can play with you guys. Thanks Again.
Christopher K.: Awesome time! If you have never played paintball like myself, TANGO is the group to go with. Everyone there was more than willing to help or give advice. This game is so addicting. I can't wait to get back out and play again. Great time, great game and a great group of people!
Chad M.: I had a great time! As a first time player I was concerned about being a sitting duck for the experienced and better-equipped players. This was not the case at all. I felt we were able to compete with everyone playing and people were willing to help out the new comers any way they could. My only suggestions would be to shorten the time between games. It is so much fun playing, I hated waiting to get out there and play again!
Bill M.: I've been playing paintball off and on for over six years, and playing with TANGO was one of the best times I've ever had. The people were great, very laid back. I brought my son Jay. He went home with so many stories now his older brother has to play. We just played on a Friday and they wanted me to call Bob on Sunday to see when the next time TANGO is going to play. Its only been a week and already Jay's stories are getting pretty tall, and the rivalry is starting. Personally I don't know what was more fun the games or between games when everyone was showing off where they got shot. Many times I heard "Can you BELIEVE I got shot here!" or the ever popular "OH YEAH !! Well look at this!". Most took great pride in getting shot. After all if you don't get shot at your not in the game. I don't think the paintballs hurt near as much as not getting shot. The only comments I was pleasantly surprised not to hear was who won the game? It seems just having fun was good enough.
Andy A.: It was my first time out with T.A.N.G.O. and I loved it. Everybody was very fair and friendly. The field is excellent. Can't wait to play again, but next time I will have my ELECTRIC SPYDER ready!!
Chris F.: This was the first time I had played with the TANGO group. It was a lot of fun. There were no egos and no hunting the new players. I didn't see anybody not having a good time. I brought with me new players and they had all good things to say. Spindle City was awesome. I would recommend playing with this group.
Thabani C.: I was dying to try paintball out, but as I told Bob previously, it's not a very girlie like thing to do so, my friends didn't dig the idea. I'm happy I took it upon myself to just bite the bullet. I must say that talking to Bob was a deciding factor. I thought to myself well, if everybody else is as nice as this then, let's go for it! I had a blast and this is in what I considered to be less than desirable climatic conditions (It was cold and rainy, not a personal favorite!). The group is awesome and so inviting. I didn't know a soul yet I felt welcomed. Few comments on the game maybe? It was FUN and I can't wait to get back out there once I've healed from the last experience (just kidding!).
Yi-Jin W.: Played outdoor paintball for the first time, and also first time with the TANGO players. I had a great time, and definitely will be doing it again soon! Contrary to initial fears of playing with such experienced people, it was a great opportunity. By watching the more seasoned players and asking questions, I picked up some good tips on strategies and playing techniques. And it is certainly better playing in a closed game than just walk-on with unknown people. I'd recommend that beginners try with TANGO. The club president, Bob, is especially helpful and emphasizes safety and fun for all, especially beginners.
Christine L: I have a six welts and a sore arm to prove that I had a blast.............I can definitely say that my first impression of paintball was a good one and I can't wait until the next time I do it.
Ian Hall: (note about Future War) I think that there were 6 or 7 FCG's. The TANGO team was there to even out the playing field between the red and blue teams. We acted as the mercenary squad, and fought both teams. It would have been really cool if we could have fielded an entire team. It was pretty tough, because both teams had about double the people that we had. It was a great time! We all have the bruises to prove it. :) The entire day was a 'blast'. This was my first time playing paintball, and the veteran TANGO players guided us for the first half of the day. By the second half we were confident enough to strike off in groups of our own. One mission in particular sticks in my mind. It was the fabled attack on Fort #4. The TANGO team was re-inserted in the jungle, and stealth wasn't an option. Luckily for us, we had been dropped just outside the range of the gunners of Fort #4. The fort stood on the far side of a creek with pill boxes jutting out at odd angles. Quickly we attacked. Our left flank was pinned down by enemy fire, while the right stormed the ramparts. In the final stages of the assault I was tagged while on the left flank, but the flag of the Blue team fell. A smile had to cross my face...only 15 more minutes to another re-insert. The TANGO guys were great. I have to admit that I was a bit skeptical about playing with the veterans. You always here about paintball teams where the new-guys get used for target practice or something like that. TANGO's not like that at all. They were really helpful in pointing out strategy, enemy positions, and laying down covering fire when we (the new-guys) got into trouble. Thanks TANGO. I had a really cool time.
#4 What rules does TANGO play by?
1. Swearing is strictly prohibited. Yeah right, hey we know "stuff" happens and sometimes things get goofy just like any other sport but TANGO wants this to be FUN so the rule is.......during the game, no more than 1 swear word in any 20 second time period.....that's 3 words/min MAX. Exception: After the game, swearing is allowed in small amounts when bragging to others about how great you are and how much of a "non-smart gluteus maximus " your buddy is. Seriously, keep the language clean so all can enjoy the game.
2. Take the surrender. We don't care what the field says about this rule - Do the honorable thing..........if someone on the opposing team gets close enough to you ( 20ft or less ) to offer you a "surrender"... TAKE IT! We don't need folks shooting each other at close range. Now if it's you OFFERING a surrender YELL the word surrender REAL LOUD so the surrender-ee can hear it.....then proceed to the "Exception" noted in Rule #1 above.
3. No wiping splats off during the game. If the ball breaks and leaves a mark the size of a "nickel" anywhere ON YOU or on any equipment you are CARRYING you are O.U.T., OUT, end of story, adios, good-bye, toodles..see ya next game. There is no such thing as a "flesh wound" in paintball (except for scenario games playing the medic rule, but that's another story). Our head ref keeps a sharp eye out for this sort of thing.
4. Have FUN. This is really the #1 rule......don't ever forget it. This is the whole purpose of TANGO. If you ain't having fun, tell someone and we'll change something.
5. "Experienced Player" are not always the best folks to follow. Don't necessarily assume that all those experienced players are always great examples to follow. There were a couple of "experienced" players taking a short cut through a swamp, yup, right through the middle of it......great plan but one thing....it was the wrong swamp!..... did they stink a bunch……. did they have FUN....."H---" yes.....mission accomplished....sorta.
6. Don't shoot before you see the whites of their eyes (COLOR OF THEIR ARMBAND!) Splatting a team mate is highly discouraged. Uhmmmm, yes, we admit it....some of us have done this. Whenever this happens, it usually ends up in a "Rule #1" violation. Nobody likes getting tagged out, but it's even worse when your teammate does it. By the time we get back to the dead zone, everyone is laughing about it though. Also, the splatee reserves the right to make sure the splatter never forgets that they shot them...
7. NO BOOZE/DRUGS!! This is just plain common sense. Anything stronger than Mountain Dew™ is strictly forbidden. Alcohol and "guns" just doesn't mix. This has never been a problem in the past, but we just want everyone to be clear on this up front. If TANGO sees anything in the way of controlled substances on the field, we'll ask you to leave, never invite you back, inform the field owner, call your mother, give you detention, you get the picture...
#5 What exactly is a TANGO?
TANGO: (n) is derived from This Ain't No Golf Outing.
TANGO:(n) like-minded people playing paintball.
TANGOs: (n) 2 or more TANGO gathered together.
TANGOnian: (n) a TANGO who lives in the state of eating, sleeping and thinking about paintball (see obsessive).
TANGOite: (n) a TANGO who does not eat sleep or think about paintball. Also believes that the world is flat.
TANGOneer: (n) a TANGO who is an engineer.
TANGOess: (n) a female TANGO.
TANGOid: (n) an underage TANGO.
#6 I'm going to my first scenario game with TANGO, what should I bring?
- Sportsmanship (this is the most important thing - TANGO is stand up paintball).
- Everything you own (hate to want something and realize it is at home).
- Working marker, air tank, hopper and mask, plus if you are like a lot of us, backups for all these same items.
- No paint (it is field paint only). You will likely use a case of paint, that goes for around $70 per case. Bring cash for paint and air fills. If you are trigger happy like I tend to be, then you might get into a second case. You choose how often/how much to shoot
- We'll be sleeping in tents (some people sleep in their car). Bring your sleeping bag and teddy bear for warmth and comfort.
- Flashlights (small one for in your pocket to find your way off the field at night). Feel free to bring big flashlights for playing with (Q-beams are cool), plus any lights you want for just around camp at night. We’ll have lanterns too, so if you don’t have anything for camp, don’t worry about it.
- Bring batteries for everything you own that takes batteries.
- I bring 2 sets of cloths to play in (often don’t need it, but just in case) plus something clean to sleep in. Your call on what you choose to bring
- Once at the field, we’ll not likely leave it, so bring stuff to eat and drink. Lots of water is good. To make things simple, we usually go with food that is ready to eat already. Subs, pop tarts, sandwiches, etc. all are good
- A great majority of us run with radios with remote buds for in our ears so that we can banter amongst ourselves throughout the game. We probably should use it for tactics, but mostly we just chatter. I personally have a Motorola TalkAbout 250. These radios operate on the FRS frequencies. If you don’t have one, don’t worry, but they do add to the game. If you choose to get a radio, make sure it not only has the 14 channels, but also has the sub codes, called Interference Eliminator Codes. These radios are available everywhere (places like Best Buy).
- Several people will have some night vision, and if for some strange reason you own some, bring it along. Most of us just wander around at night, but some folks either run with night vision or else go the opposite way, and bring out Q-Beam lights.
- We’ll be playing outside, so have clothing for whatever temperatures/weather might be encountered. Layers is the best way to go. Bug spray is great too.
- Don’t worry if you don’t have something or forget something, as most of us seem to own more than one of everything, so we can help you out.
- Bring a good attitude, superb sportsmanship and have some fun.
#7 I read the scenario rules at http://www.scenariopaintball.com/rules/, but what are the key points?
- Day chrono speed is 280 fps. Night chrono speed is 250 fps. Make sure you never exceed these speeds.
- Both teams will have colored arm bands on (you can actually play without an arm band on, but both teams will shoot you). You get taped up at your home base, and only at your home base. If you are ambitious, you can try to convince the enemy home base to tape you up with there colored tape. You cannot obtain the opponents tape in any other manner than being taped up at their base (no finding the tape, stealing the tape, buying the tape, etc.)
- You absolutely can lie about what color tape/team you are. At night, feel free to ask someone what team they are on, but they are free to lie. This is not cheating. It is part of the game. We can give you some pointers on how to deal with this challenge.
- There may be a spy or two in on your side, so beware. No one on TANGO spies though against our side (this is our internal rule so that we can play together without suspicion).
- Wear your goggles at all time. You lift them up or remove them, you are out for the game.
- Don't argue with the refs. They are right even if they are wrong. See one of us "scenario veterans" if you have an issue and we'll take it up with the ultimate ref. Remember, in the end, it is just a game.
- DON'T CHEAT. Don't wipe paint off. If your shot, you're only out for less than 30 minutes.
- During the day, if the paint does not break on you (or on anything you are carrying), you are still alive. Remember, if it hurts a lot, it probably did not break. At night, any hit, break or not, means you are out (kind of hard to do paint checks in the dark).
- Paint that breaks on your marker, goggles, shoes or anything else you are carrying still means you are out.
- Assuming we have a medic (we'll tell you when we start), you can be saved if the medic gets to you within a minute of you being hit. He/she will wipe the paint off, note your player number on his/her medic card, and then you are good to go. If you are hit in the head, then the medic cannot save you. The medic must come to you, you cannot run to them. Just start yelling for a medic. Depending on the game rules, if you choose to call for a medic, the other team is still free to shoot at you to get the head shot that prevents the medic from saving you. Also, the medic needs to decide if they want to, or even can, get to you to help.
- If you are shot and out, get your gun up and yell out that you are out. This will prevent you hopefully from being shot even more. You will sometimes get hit after you have stated you are out. It happens. Forgive them and get off the field. You probably will accidentally shoot someone who is out yourself during the game, so it all evens out.
- If you sneak up on someone and "barrel tag" them, do it gently and make sure you say, "barrel tag." Remember not to put the barrel anywhere that it would hurt should the marker accidentally go off and make sure you do not stick the person with the barrel either. If someone "barrel tags" you, quietly exit the field.
- In scenario games, we do employ the surrender rule. It is an option. If someone sneaks up on you, they can offer you a surrender. Take it if they are that close, otherwise you are going to get blasted. Also, offer it if you have gotten that close to someone yourself. Be aware though the person being asked to surrender could decide to turn and shoot. If you have to shoot aim low since you're probably very close. If they turn and hit you because you don't want to fire at the close range, then you are out and you go off the field. You did the honorable thing in offering the surrender, they should have taken it. Consider that when someone offers you the option to surrender. You'll have to decide instantly and declare "Dead Man" very quickly lest you be shot. One caution: Don't fall for someone just yelling out to surrender from a long way off. They are just trying to scare you. Make them come and get you.
