olicana | 11 Jan 2018 3:55 a.m. PST |
General situation: Last night, in a SYW game (Austro – Russians Vs Prussians), a unit of Prussians was facing an Austrian unit at very close quarters (1" range), line Vs line, parallel to each other but offset by a couple of inches so that one flank of one unit outreached one flank of the other unit. All of a sudden a unit of Russians, in line, marched up perpendicular to both the Austrian and Prussian units and directly to their flank. (I hope that's clear enough?) Conundrum: The Russian unit wants to charge the Prussian unit in the flank but, because the Prussian and Austrian units are aligned but offset the Austrian unit will be contacted first when the Russian line charges. Question: Do you: A. Allow the charge because the Russian line could contact the Prussians, refusing (or simply ignoring) that part of their line that would contact the Austrians first? B. Declare that there is not a clear target to charge because of the misalignment / overlap? I think the answer is clear enough but, last night there was some disagreement. |
advocate | 11 Jan 2018 4:46 a.m. PST |
B unless the rules specifically allow a unit the option to split as described. |
Florida Tory | 11 Jan 2018 4:46 a.m. PST |
C. Allow a wheeling movement into contact for an attack, with no charge increment or bonus. Rick |
advocate | 11 Jan 2018 4:47 a.m. PST |
If the Russians had wanted to charge (or even fire) they should have manoeuvred clear of the Austrian unit. This might have been slower, but that's the cost of fighting in a confined area. |
Bellbottom | 11 Jan 2018 5:03 a.m. PST |
wouldn't allow wheeling in a charge, otherwise no impetous. Wheel and 'advance to contact' maybe? delay charge by one turn and change formation so as not to contact friends. (favourite) Prussian unit should be denied any charge or counter-charge orders against the Austrians because of the Russian unit on their flank. |
Big Red | 11 Jan 2018 5:24 a.m. PST |
B. Options or maneuvers other than charge may be possible. |
leidang | 11 Jan 2018 8:55 a.m. PST |
Remember the battalion as made up of companies. While the entire battalion would be blocked the individual companies could be ordered in. I would make them pass a morale test an then allow a charge with half the unit. With the combat factor adjusted accordingly. That said, if your group normally goes by the written word of the rules then you would need to stick to that standard. |
Mick the Metalsmith | 11 Jan 2018 10:07 a.m. PST |
Also, would want to consider if it is a move to close combat with the bayonet or a movement to volley. A certain amount of disorder to the unit advancing or moved through is bound to occur. |
Secsesh | 11 Jan 2018 10:18 a.m. PST |
B. In the smoke and noise of battle the Russian come upon the flank of the Austrians and stop and re-order as officers reform the line and figure our where the enemy are before renewing an ordered advance. |
Herkybird | 11 Jan 2018 6:55 p.m. PST |
B for my rules too, the Russians would take the time to get clear of the Austrian front line before charging. Remember they would be charging though a crossfire! And as has been said, the battlefield would be filled with smoke and confusion, the Austrians would not be happy having their 'allies' apparently charging their flank! |
Shagnasty | 11 Jan 2018 7:07 p.m. PST |
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