Which bases to remove

[Caratacus2021]

I have to ask this basic question to resolve a disagreement.

The Base Removal priority rules say "Close Combat: Any front rank base facing the enemy battle group which inflicted most hits on the battle group".

We had a divergence of interpretation on 'facing'.

Ignoring awkward flank contacts, and concentrating only on frontal combat - I read the base removal rules as meaning:

If a BG is contacted by a single enemy BG only on PART of its front (say a single base), a destroyed base must come from that part of the front rank, not from (for example) the far end of the line.

If contacted by more than one enemy BG, the base lost must come from that part actually in contact with the BG which inflicted most hits - again, not from any other part of the front rank not actually in combat.

If (and only if) there are NO bases in a second rank, the line can then shuffle up to fill the gap, but if there is even ONE base in the second rank, that one must fill in before any other front rank bases.

Is that correct?

[philqw78]

One for the wordsmiths on facing. I believe it should say fighting, and means that anyway.

But, IMO, what you say is correct. Bases removed must always be replaced by a rear rank base that is not fighting in the first instance. Then replaced by a not fighting base rear rank, then front rank base. Then, if all are fighting one fighting the BG that did most hits is removed. The BG may then actually lose contact with the enemy doing most damage as that base is removed.

[imanfasil]

That is correct, you cannot contract your frontage via base removal unless you are only in one rank.

Nor can you keep base losses from opening up second ranks or differently equipped troops.

[grahambriggs]

Important to remember that the replacement base can come from anywhere in the rear ranks. It doesn't need to be behind the base that dies. so a lot of the "which front rank base dies" questions don't matter that much.

[gozerius]

Some things to remember.
A BG must always maintain contact with all enemy BGs it is fighting, unless insufficient bases remain.
A BG can never separate to maintain contact with multiple enemy BGs.

[hazelbark]

That is correct, you cannot contract your frontage via base removal unless you are only in one rank.
Nor can you keep base losses from opening up second ranks or differently equipped troops.

That is not entirely right. I get your intent, but there is a clever way around.

__EE
113
222
12

E is enemy that just inflicted a base loss on your group. Since only one base is in contact that is lost. I have numbered it "3".
123 are all part of a mixed BG of front rank Ltspear/sw represented by 1 and 3. 2 is the 2nd rank Bow only.

When 3 is removed it can be replaced from anywhere in the BG. So the 1 currently in the 3rd rank can leap into the dead "3" location. like so:

__EE
111
222
_2

[philqw78]

When 3 is removed it can be replaced from anywhere in the BG.

Even though I no longer own a rule book I am sure it must first be replaced by any rear rank base, not from anywhere in the BG. If there are no rear rank bases not in combat then a front rank base.

[hazelbark]

When 3 is removed it can be replaced from anywhere in the BG.

Even though I no longer own a rule book I am sure it must first be replaced by any rear rank base, not from anywhere in the BG. If there are no rear rank bases not in combat then a front rank base.

Buy a rule book.

Other bases of the battle group immediately shuffle up to retain contiguity and fill vacated front rank positions. All vacated front rank close combat fighting positions (except overlaps) must be filled if the battle group has any bases available to do so. Non-front rank bases must be used if any are available, and can be from any part of the battle group.

I think must people read the shuffle up part. Then skip the later part I bolded.

[kevinj]

I think "Shuffle up" is poor wording as it does imply that you need to move like one of those picture puzzles, and contradicts the part that you bolded.