Lining up question

[landmeister]

Dear all,

I have a question raised in my last game. Please look at the diagram.



Elements 1 and 2 (grey) are mine. Elements A and 1 are in close combat. I want to contact frontally element B with my element 2. According to page 33:

"A move is cancelled (and its PIPs lost) if either a friendly element at least partially in front of the moving element, or any element that is in close combat or providing rear support, obstructs the moving element's lining up in contact."

Element A is obstructing my element's lining up in contact. Is this a geometric plot to avoid contact?

Thank you very much in advance.

[Barritus]

I don't think it's a geometric ploy to avoid contact. You've quoted the relevant rule yourself:

"A move is cancelled (and its PIPs lost) if...any element that is in close combat...obstructs the moving element's lining up in contact."

Element A is in close combat, so blocks Element 2's access to Element B.

If Element 2 had been entirely outside the flank of Element B, then it could have hit Element B on the flank. Alternatively, if Element 2 had been part of a group, it would have forced Element B to conform.

However, I await correction...

[landmeister]

But I think that element  should be able to contact element B anyway. I still think it's a geometric ploy because the player could choose the appropriate angle for element B not not be contacted on front nor flank. 

[Valentinian Victor]

But I think that element  should be able to contact element B anyway. I still think it's a geometric ploy because the player could choose the appropriate angle for element B not not be contacted on front nor flank.  

I don't think its a ploy per se, often elements get left in this situation due to recoils, repulses etc. Had element 2 been instead part of a two element group then you could have moved straight forward and hit element B's right front corner, forcing him either to line up with your elements if he can or to stay in place and take the -1 as per the rules.

Single elements cannot perform some combat moves that even very small groups can sadly.

[Barritus]

But I think that element  should be able to contact element B anyway.

Well, with respect, why did you ask us if you've already chosen your answer? To me the wording of the rule is quite clear: elements in close combat block access to other elements.

I still think it's a geometric ploy because the player could choose the appropriate angle for element B not not be contacted on front nor flank. 

No, I think that claim doesn't work for a few reasons. Firstly, the situation could easily arise through no conscious action of your opponent: Element B could well have been there unmoving for several bounds, and Element A could well have been recoiled several times. Secondly, if Element 2 had another element with it, you could simply advance and force Element B to conform. Thirdly, even if your opponent did move Element B to that position, it blocks Element A's recoil - if you recoil Element A again, it will take a -1 in combat after that.

[arvnranger]

But I think that element  should be able to contact element B anyway. I still think it's a geometric ploy because the player could choose the appropriate angle for element B not not be contacted on front nor flank.  

[it] "Geometric ploy" implies some devious intent IMO. Presuming your diagram is to scale both A and B are within the TZ of 2 and consequently constrained per p32.

Q1: Was B moved into that position during the bound immediately preceding yours?
Q2: Was 1 moved into close combat with A this bound?

[landmeister]

Thank you very much for your help. My opponent found the solution after all. On page 33, Front edge contact, third bullet:

When an element contacts an enemy front edge, but is obstructed from lining up front corner-to-front corner by other enemy elements, a fortification or impassable terrain, the enemy contacted or obstructing lining up must immediately line up if they can.

So when element 2 contacts the front edge of B, as it cannot line up, EXCEPTIONALLY, B must line up as an enemy element (A) is obstructing.

Please excuse my comments on geometric ploys  . I was sure Phil had had this situation into account.

[Barritus]

Thank you very much for your help. My opponent found the solution after all. On page 33, Front edge contact, third bullet:

When an element contacts an enemy front edge, but is obstructed from lining up front corner-to-front corner by other enemy elements, a fortification or impassable terrain, the enemy contacted or obstructing lining up must immediately line up if they can.

So when element 2 contacts the front edge of B, as it cannot line up, EXCEPTIONALLY, B must line up as an enemy element (A) is obstructing.

Please excuse my comments on geometric ploys  . I was sure Phil had had this situation into account.

*sigh* Well, there you go...another rule I don't think I'd previously seen. Thanks for that.