Pass through p66

[hazelbark]

First this is an interesting rule.

but it says disorderd cavalry still in contact with enemy infantry pass through.

Am i right it would be extremely uncommon for this to happen? (steady is different and i get).

But it looks like if the cavalry is disordered, it will retire away as an outcome move.

So if the cavalry and the infantry were both disordered and the foot retired and the cavarly pursued and regained contact, then you could try to pass through if you could CMT.

I'd be curious about examples of how this rule plays out and what it is intended to do. Does it help run down the infantry or charge a 2nd line? Or does it try to create the Eylau situation where Murat charged through the Russian lines and then came back the long way?

[terrys]

but it says disorderd cavalry still in contact with enemy infantry pass through.

Am i right it would be extremely uncommon for this to happen? (steady is different and i get).

Yes!

But it looks like if the cavalry is disordered, it will retire away as an outcome move.

Agreed. Therre are some extremely rare istances where this might happen. Disordered infantry reting 1 or 2 MU from an obstacle are one example. The cavalry get to move across it to occupy it (not a pursuit). They would then get to move through the infantry as a pass through.

So if the cavalry and the infantry were both disordered and the foot retired and the cavarly pursued and regained contact, then you could try to pass through if you could CMT.

Interesting one this - It's not supposed to be allowed for cavalry that have pursued (especially since the rules state that a second combat will occur, either this turn or next). However, it does raise interesting possibilities.....

I'd be curious about examples of how this rule plays out and what it is intended to do. Does it help run down the infantry or charge a 2nd line? Or does it try to create the Eylau situation where Murat charged through the Russian lines and then came back the long way?

It's there in order to allow cavalry to pass through infantry squares. This can only happen if the cavalry remain steady, or if the square is wavering, and the cavalry is disordered. I don't think that running down infantry not in square is a problem.

[donm]

If the infantry are in square, then it is very difficult for the cavalry to pass through.

In my experiance, it is best to get into square before the cavalry declare a charge.

Allows you to shot before the impact.

Don

[hazelbark]

I presume also that if there is a 2nd line to atttack the cavarly after it has passed through there is a real cahnce to shatter the cavalry as it can't retire through around the guys they just passed through as an outcome move correct?

[donm]

Yes they are unable to pass through if there is no room.

Don

[BrettPT]

Don is correct.

You cannot pass/burst through enemy formations. See page 64.

The retiring cavalry that has been ambushed on the far side of the square may be able to slide around the square (you get a free 1-base slide when retiring if the obstruction us under 4MU away, or a 2-base slide if it is 4+ MU away). However if it cannot slide enough to dodge the square (or the square has mates that prevent safe passage) then the cavalry will stop their retirement 1MU short of the square. This may mean that a pursuing unit which caused the retirement catches the retiring cavalry, possibly fighting another round of combat immediately against their battered opponents.

Cheers
Brett