3rd rank overlap

[hazelbark]

I know this was discussed but forget what consensus was.

11
XX
XX222
XXYYY

BGs 1 and 2 are lined up and fighting BGs X and Y.

The red X is the question in the 3rd rank. In this case it does not contribute POAs to its front (its not pike).

Does it count in an overlap versus enemy BG 2?

[petedalby]

Does it count in an overlap versus enemy BG 2?

I think it does Dan - but I may be wrong.

It meets the definition of an overlap position on Page 75. It's not disqualified by any of the bullets on page 86. So it looks okay.

Unless there's something elsewhere that disallows it?

[philqw78]

IMO it qualifies. Have done it myself with a column of cavalry, 3rd and 4th bases in overlap, though they were not in combat frontally.

[hazelbark]

We played it did count. But it brought to mind that pike overlap discussion.

[ShrubMiK]

I would have thought the logical approach is that each base can only contribute to one combat - a file that overlaps enemy BGs to either side chooses which one to contribute its dice to. In the example in this thread, I see no reason why the base in question would choose to twiddle its thumbs rather than get stuck in - remember the bases do not represent a rigid formation of troops of that depth, so the troops in front would be assumed to be not in the way of the ones behind getting to the other enemy BG.

Not sure exactly what pike example you are referring to, but in that case the 3rd and 4th ranks would be contributing to the frontal battle by adding POAs rather than dice, so the natural interpretation would be that they do not have the choice to overlap instead.

I suppose they could be allowed the choice of contributing POAs to the frontal combat or dice without pike POAs as an overlap...was that what you are referring to?...but since pike blocks are supposed to be relatively inflexible formations IMO it would not be justified to give the choice.