"Silly Newbie Question" Topic

So, I just received the rules and I am very excited to play. I do have one question: what is the advantage/disadvantage of open order? There doesn't seem to be much of a difference between open order and closed order troops.

Close order troops get a +1 in hand to hand combat.
Also if they are stationary, both ranks can fire.

Thanks Winston!

Also, remember that the unit itself does not move. It's the figures that move.
If they start in close order, they move two dice. If they start in open order they can move three.

Watch out for those narrow firing arcs too!

Close order troop are a class 1 target while open order troops a class two target.

There is no such thing as a silly question if you don't know the answer.

Also keep in mind, when in open order, regardless of whether the unit moves, both ranks get to fire. When you're in close order, both ranks only fire if you were stationary, which is trying to simulate the front rank kneeling.

J

All good answers above. For Brits and other regulars I think It can be summed up as:

Opposed to Close Order, Open Order makes you faster, makes you harder to hit with enemy fire, and sometimes allows you to bring more fire on enemy targets -- but it also makes you weaker defending vs. enemy close combat/melee attack.

When you charge in close order you roll three dice, when you charge in open order you roll four dice for movement.