Slitherine

This query came up in a game today, and there were differing opinions on how to resolve it. The situation has 2 BGs of Artillery facing up. The right hand one is supported by a 6 base BG of Shot, and is in melee with a Pike and Shot unit to it's front. There is a BG of DH belonging to the P&S player in a position to charge the rear of the Artillery/Supporting Shot. It is Impact Phase for the DH player.




The query is about stepping forward.

A ) The player with the artillery suggested that the situation after Impact should look like this



as although the Shot are treated in all respects as if their front edge is level with the front of the guns, the gun bases remain in place and the supporting shot have their rear edge 80mm behind the front edge of the guns (i.e. 40mm for the gun base and 2 x 20mm for the shot bases.

OR


B) The DH player thought it should look like this



as the Shot are actually sitting in the same space as the guns as far as the rule mechanic is concerned, and leaving the gun bases in situ is simply keeping them as a marker for future reference. The obvious difference being that in the 1st instance the distance is too great to step forward and contact the 2nd, left hand, BG of Artillery whereas in the 2nd the DH step forward and contact the 2nd/left hand artillery BG.

Which one is it, A or B or did both get it wrong?

I believe the answer is (b). The supporting BG is assumed,as you say, to be In all respects at the front of the guns. The only reason tHe infantry are behind is aesthetics and practicalities. Therefore, the cavalry in effect hit the back of the infantry/artillery and step forward into the 2nd BG of guns capturing them.

Don

I Agree. Most unfortunate for the pike.

Kevin