[ntaw]

so no matter what I bring, she will just write a list to counter it

Why not show up with a list and not tell her what you're going to play, only the points level? In my gaming group we never share lists until we're about to deploy. If someone wants to use a Knight or D weapons out the ass they'll typically say it pre-game so that their opponent will stand a chance, but list tailoring as the game is starting? Forget that.

I'd say my thoughts on your list but it doesn't seem like it will make a difference against this opponent.

 

[ntaw]

The problem is, I HAVE to play Saturday

Sounds like an intense need to roll some dice man. Shame you have to face someone who sucks the fun out of it all by only playing hard counters to whatever their opponent brings.

I'd take stuff with Barrage and range, maybe with plasma Scions DSing against high priority targets. Either way I'd take a CAD for ObSec on those Vet Chimeras.

I'm really thinking about bringing a couple different lists and flipping the script on her

Oh man, do this. Take two lists that are polar opposites and straight up lie to her about which one you're going to field. She'll find out at deployment she's (potentially, Tau are still pretty good) boned and maybe will learn that all-comers lists are the way and the light.

I want a picture of her face when she realizes what's happening. I imagine it will be something like this:

Only better.

 

[ntaw]

Emperor's Fist and Skyhammer combintation

That gets my vote. My BA assault elements combined with my Guard tanks has always worked out great for me. Drop Pod/Deep Strike units are typically high priority enough that your opponent will have a hell of a time deciding which element of your army needs to be shot down first, and if you focus your efforts you may just kill enough to come out ahead before Tau do what Tau do and shoot the crap out of your army.

She might never want to play again if I bring two list or three different lists and put them out depending on what she brings.

Isn't that almost exactly what she does to you, waits to see what you have and then makes a list tailored specifically against it? Tau are a top-tier army from what I read about tournaments (which is basically nothing), if anything you should be the one who gets to see her list and then tailor to it.

 

[ntaw]

I wouldn't say "I'm playing 150 Infantry," let her build her list, then pull out your tanks--that's flat out lying.

OK fine. I guess that suggestion was a little eye-for-an-eye, I just greatly dislike people who 'can't lose' at this game.

Way to be all normal and polite about it about it :grin: