"[Altar of Freedom] Edge to edge combat questions" Topic

How do you handle edge contacts in close combat? The rules talk about front edge for the attacker, and it looks like any edge for support, so does that prevent combat if only edge to edge?

Example:

1111 2222 3333 = US infantry brigades
AAAA BBBB CCCC = CS infantry brigades

Three brigades clash, and it's all one-to-one combats with no supports as each brigade is engaged on its own:

111122223333
AAAABBBBCCCC

Let's say US brigade 2 gets knocked back and CS brigade B advances:

_____2222

1111BBBB3333
AAAA____CCCC

In this case, 1 and A fight and 3 and C fight. Does CS brigade support BOTH A and C, or does the Confederate player have to choose?

Second question:

Let's say it's just CS brigade B vs everyone, and it manages to break into the US line (below):

_____2222

1111BBBB3333

US brigades 1 and 3 are only in edge to edge contact with B. Who fights? No one? Anyone?

Question 3:

Can CS brigade B wheel into either 1 or 3? Technically, there wouldn't be space to wheel without a back corner overlapping an enemy base, but that maneuver would really be by regiment.

So is something like this legal:

____B
____B
____B
1111B____22222

(__ lines inserted to keep approximate spacing)

To answer those support questions--(1) Combat does not occur if opposing units are in contact only on their side edges. At least one unit needs a front edge point of contact, so it is possible for units to be sitting next to each other but not actively in combat. (2) In the first example, if unit BBBB is unengaged after following up, it may offer support to BOTH combats behind. (3) Your second example is a good illustration of this circumstance. No one is engaged here, even though BBBB appears surrounded. (4) As long as this wheel has room for BBBB to fit at the end and there is no other enemy unit nearby to exert a zone of control, this is a legal move. Perhaps not a wise move given the inevitable counter-attack by 2222, but a legal one.

Thanks, Greg, much appreciated. I really like Altar of Freedom. It's gotten me painting and playing ACW minis again.

I ran the Seven Pines scenario awhile back with a married couple (boardgamers but not minis gamers). They really enjoyed it, too.

Thank you also for releasing The Gibraltar of the West campaign – very generous of you. It's an excellent product.

Glad you enjoyed it! Lots of people downloaded it, which I suppose is to be expected when you make it free.

I appreciate the clerification as well.

The next question is – when are you going to cut a deal with Cigar Box to make a 6x4 mat with the Altar of Freedom map of Gettysburg on one side, and Antietam on the other?!!??!?

That idea has merit. :)