Hello
Just received and read my copy of the second edition rules.
First impression is that they should run easier than the previous version but one issue struck me.
In the example scenario the British unit advances 4x4 inches, this is in a one base wide column. The Dervish unit then charges it, and the column appears to get a chance to fire all its bases. How does this work?
Up to then I thought only the first two ranks can fire so a climb rolls 2d6? To see if the head of the column can fire?
The only time I could see the whole column reacting would be to a flank attack were each base could rotate independently? This becoming a line and all bases being in front rank?
This then triggered another question, the attackers and defenders adjust formation to 4 based wide before melee, so when in the sequence does this occur?
Does it happen as the charge is declared, so a column attacked from the front expands to 4 wide before opportunity fire?
Or on contact before the pairing begins?
Ps I assume in a fight the front rank fights the front rank, the second fights the second etc, with only spare bases choosing random targets?
Also what happens in pairing when a front rank bases is paired with a front rank dead base?
Love the concept of the rules, just want to get them straight in my head!
I admit I have only played a couple of games of PITS and find this section of the rules "uncomfortable". As the Fuzzy Wuzzy player it is very hard to get close to a column due to its ability to fire all bases even though in column. Yes if approached from the flank but not from the front or rear.
Perhaps this could be changed to show the British can bring bases out from the column into line at the rate of 1 base per inch the chargers have to cover.. Any basesd bnot in the front rank are then in the second rank when it comes to the fight.
Apart from this its a great set of rules.
Derek
The only way I can rationalise is that the column being on 20 or so strong scrambles to get into fire positions. The opportunity rolls mean that fewer get to fire the shorter the start distance!
Have since noticed in the example the charge distance was 7" but the opportunity rolls were calculated at 8" plus ie 4 ,5,6! So in the example on 1 should fire?
I have played the old version, and enjoyed it and expect the latest version is a bit quicker!
Hi, dont have my copy to hand, but if I remember correctly, how a unit in column reacts to a charge depends how close the attacking unit is . Ie, further the distance a charge starts the unit in column has more time to react.
It is in the rule book
Stewart
A sweet smelling unit in the desert. I think the Australians would have had something to say about that.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSOTBqiM4nY
This will address the exact question I think(?)
https://www.peterpig.co.uk/videos%20of%20game%20mechanisms.html
These are a set of videos that will help with the game.
Have a look at these. They are all pretty short, so can be watched whenever you have spare time patches.
Hope this gets us ahead.
martin :)
Thanks,
I think I am getting there now.
Off into the desert for a patrol then?
martin :)