I don't know how many times I've seen this topic come up.. but would you guys consider guessing ranges to be a skill? I think it is. To guess distances in your head and plan your moves accordingly is not only a sign of veteranship at table-top gaming, but also a demonstration of true wargaming skill.
For example, I move a unit in position to charge next turn. His charge distance is 14". I'm eyeballing this game-changing maneuver a turn in advance so I can force my enemy's next move into a check. I know that if he gets in my charge range, my flank charge will win the game for me, but can he judge range as well as I can? Another scenario can arise when I need to make a critical shot from a Stone Thrower. I need to guess the correct distance to stop that Stegadon from charging and breaking my units. My aim has to be true and I must not miss. Luck is not a dependable factor to justify victory or defeat. The last example would be that I need to make the correct game winning activations with Cygnar. I know my Stormclad's charge range is 8" + reach but do I really need that extra 2" from Telekinesis or Temporal Acceleration or can my focus be better spent to boost my Defender's ranged and damage dice.
All these things are mere examples of what veteran wargamers consider a skill and what amateurs consider luck: It was pure luck that you moved your units 2.5" back and made me fail my charge! It was pure luck that you hit my Bloodthirster with a Stonethrower from 28" away! It was pure luck that you moved your units 2" away out of my 14" range and I wasted 3 focus on my warjack!
Guess range is an art gathered from years of seeing that measuring tape extend and retract. It's like watching a pianist play a masterpiece with his eyes closed. He has done it so many times he has it in his mind. Sadly, from what I hear about 8th Ed. Fantasy, guess ranges are out of the picture and you can measure anytime when determining charges. No further comment.
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