Hi everybody, first post here!
I always wanted to play LoTR SBG but the problem was miniatures. It is very hard to get them in my country...
Recently I managed to buy a box of Warriors of Minas Tirith and a box Mordor Orcs and I was very happy about it!
Now, my question is regarding the playing surface. Considering the number of models that I currently have, 12 on both sides, is the 2' by 2' board enough for playing or should I start with 4'x4' from the very begining?

I would start with a 4' by 4' green or brown cloth. You can always fold the cloth to make it 3' by 3'
Welcome!

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"the same as a duck you must be made of wood"

I'd say a 2x2 square is more than enough space for 12 models per side when you're just getting into the game. In fact, small tables can make for some of the coolest scenario games like Weathertop, Balin's Tomb and Lets Hunt Some Orc from the Two Towers Sourcebook.

With that few models you won't need much width and you won't want to start the game much more than 18" apart.

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Finished 2nd in the 2014 GBHL. My Wife's so proud

Free SBG fanzine: viewtopic.php?f=1&t=29569

Welcome! If you play (at least in the beginning) with a few models, then space is not a problem, you can re-arrange the scenario's outfit, if it is for home games!

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Conversation/Ideas over painting etc, can check here:
http://www.one-ring.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=29455

As a practical matter cloth is sold in 36" and 48" widths. You might want to consider a 3' by 3' or a 4' by 4' and fold it to the size you need to start. Adding a few stones or twigs from the yard for basic terrain will greatly increase your enjoyment of the game. A book under the cloth will make a basic hill. A trip to the dollar store will probably turn up some cheap trees. Have fun.

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"the same as a duck you must be made of wood"

Thanx guys! I think I'll start with 2'x2' board. It is easier to store, and I can expand it as soon as I get more models.

Storing a 2' by 2' game board can be a storage problem. It will fit under the bed or behind the couch. When you you have more than one you have to really start thinking about it.



If you make a nice playing surface you really do not want to stack things on top of it. A 2' by 2' won't fit on a self. But a 1' by 2' will.



If you want to make a gaming board and have space for it consider 1' by 2' and make two. The next set would be a 1' by 2' river section then you could have a 3' by 2' with a flexible river section. Flexible in the sense you could use it right, left or center.



I have been gaming 40 years I prefer a cloth. Storing accessories is easier than storing boards,

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"the same as a duck you must be made of wood"

Oldman Willow thanx for the river idea! I'll consider it.