An alternative opinion from "Anthony" on the Yahoo DBMMlist group:
https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/DBMMlist/conversations/messages/184863---In DBMMlist@yahoogroups.com, <carla_tong@...> wrote (message number 184863 :
This is a reply to landmeister on the DBMM Forum, but as it is taking weeks for my request to join to get approval, I have given up waiting and am posting my comments here.
The question is about turning to face when a line hits a column.
Let’s say a Cv line hits a Ps column. Upon hitting the column, the Cv make their EMTLU such that the one on the end of the line first contacting a Ps is front corner to front corner with that Ps. Each Ps then turns to face the Cv on its flank. The Cv line does not break up and every Ps contacted turns. This looks right. This feels right. And, no surprise, this is right when following the rules.
If the same Cv line hits something else, like a Lh column *exactly* the same happens, but for some reason, this situation creates headaches, so let’s look at exactly what the rules say.
(1) P. 33 Flank edge: The *initiating* element … must end in mutual front corner to front corner contact .. (emphasis added)
Please note, *not* each and/or every element, *only* the initiating element, i.e. the element in a group that contacts the enemy first. One end of a line should contact the column fractionally before the rest. If it is too close to call, I think most people would go with the one contacting towards the front of the column.
(2) P. 33 EMTLU: An element or *group* … must … end lined up with an enemy *edge* … (emphasis added)
Note, firstly, this means the group gets one EMTLU, *not* each and/or every element, so the group must move as one; *it does not break up*. And secondly, there is no obligation for each and every element to end lined up front corner to front corner; the first (initiating) one must, but the second, third and so on just have to be in line with an enemy edge, again, *not* corner-to-corner.
(3) P. 35 Turning to face: Any element … only contacted on its flank edge by enemy elements’ front edge(s) … turns … into full front edge contact with whichever contacted it first …
Please note that there is nothing about corner-to-corner. Once the first element has achieved this, corner-to-corner is *done*; everything now is about front-edge-to-side-edge.
You will also note that the rule talks in plurals (elements’ not element’s, and edges(s) not edge). Thus, there is the expectation that two or more enemy front edges may be in contact with one side edge, as will happen when a Cv line contacts an Lh column.
By following this instruction, the line will remain in place and each element in the column will turn to face in order, either ending in front edge combat or behind another (as per the next para. on p. 35).
Consequently, if three Cv hit four Lh (and assuming the lead Cv contacts the lead Lh), then first, the Cv will line up such that the first is front-corner-to-front-corner with the first Lh and the other two move with it so as to be contacting Lh flank edges. Then, the Lh will turn – first into front edge combat with the first Cv, second behind that, third on to second Cv, and last on to last Cv.
The Cv do not make separate moves and their line does not break up. At the same time, every Lh contacted turns to face and none remain facing forward. As in the Ps case, this looks right, feels right, and, dare I say it, is right.
Anthony
