Network Communications: Tau at 1,000 points

I was wondering how you would run Tau at 1000 pts. I have a local league coming up at said point cost and would appreciate any input. i'll be facing Chaos, Chaos, Orks, Dark Angels, Space Wolves, Black Templars and Tau.

Currently considering:
HQ
Shas'el Fireknive+targeting array
2 fireknive bodyguards+targeting array
Elites
3xDeathrains
Troops
13xKroot carnivores
6 xFw+fish
Heavy
1xhammerhead, burst cannons,targeting array,disuptiond pod,multi-tracker,target lock, railgun
 2xBroadsides target array

I have access to the following models since im borrowing a friends tau cadre :/

7 suits
24 fire warriors
6 pathfinders
2 tanks
 5 stealth suits
 2 broadsides
 Thank you in advance for any feedback
zirjin


Reply: 


Zirijn, this list looks pretty strong for 1,000 points. I normally try to gain fire superiority when fielding small lists. I go for cheap units that can really pump out the firepower. Let's start by doing some reconnaissance. Looking at your opponents it looks like you're going to facing off against mostly Marines, either Chaos or loyalists. I first typed into google "1,000 pt marine list" and got a large number of hits. Looking at a couple of them, I noticed most of them would include 2-3 tactical squads in Rhinos, carrying Meltaguns and Lascannons or Missile Launchers. This core was supported by varying units, like Dreadnoughts, Special Characters and tanks like Vindicators and Predators. The three variants here, Space Wolves, Black Templars and Dark Angels, will most likely look similar with the exception of Dark Angels, who might bring a Bikers List. Not to worry, Bikers are simply target practice for Tau, we seem uniquely outfitted to wrecking their armies. 


Chaos Lists will be similar with the exception that you will probably be facing less models that are tougher. Yes, I'm talking about Plague Marines. At the very least, you can still expect to see your enemies relying on the mobility provided by their Rhinos. The good news is, you've got what you need in your current list to knock out 3 Rhinos in one turn; the Deathrains, Fire Knives, and 2 Broadsides. Try your best to take going first so you can trash his Rhinos before he pops smoke for the 4+ cover save. This is priority number one. If you're not looking across the board at a mechanized force, simply look for the fastest units and take them out first. 


Let's consider the economy of force with your list. Starting with the obvious, Deathrains, will target Rhinos or Monstrous Creatures in a pinch, Fire Knives, Rhino then marines or heavy infantry, 2 Broadsides target heavy armor and transports, Fire Warriors stay in their Devilfish (in reserve) until needed to claim objectives, Kroot, in cover, protect the Broadsides from assault and the Hammerhead targets infantry, firing off submunitions and burst cannons every time (Note; Don't be tempted to shoot of the solid slug and the Hammerhead already comes with a Targeting Array so you cannot give it another one for BS5). You've got most of your bases covered.  


There are some problems with the list. There aren't lots of troops in this list. Any objective-based games are going to be extremely tough for you. The 2 broadsides are a little vulnerable but I wouldn't remove them of put more points into them. Simply be aware that if they take a casualty they will be forced to take a leadership test at LD 8, so they'll probably end up fleeing off the board. Be careful with them. Personally I think you're dropping too many points into your fire knives. I would drop them down to regular Crisis Suits to shave off some points for more Troops.  Ideally I'd be aiming to get another squad of 6 Fire Warriors in a Devilfish with multitracker and pod.  This is a nice list for killing stuff but objectives will be difficult. 


What about our regulars? Any list advice for zirjin? Anyone have a great 1,000 point they want to share?