6 or eight stand units

[Schnockel]

When a six stand unit is in two ranks, three stands wide, how can it expand ranks and still maintain a 'legal formation'? They can only expand 2 stands...

Same is true for the reverse...a six stand unit in a single rank can't contract frontage and maintain a legal formation.

Am I reading this right?

[nikgaukroger]

The rear rank can contain fewer bases than the front rank and still be a legal formation. However, you also need to conform to the rules for certain formations (such as the ones for pike & shot) which can impose restrictions to the general rule.

[Schnockel]

Allow me to re-phrase the question...is it a legal formation for a 6-stand unmixed battle group to have 4 stands in the front rank and only two stands in the rear rank? Unfortunately in the rules concerning this they did not proceed with the progression (though they did imply that it would be OK)

Thanks

[nikgaukroger]

Allow me to re-phrase the question...is it a legal formation for a 6-stand unmixed battle group to have 4 stands in the front rank and only two stands in the rear rank? Unfortunately in the rules concerning this they did not proceed with the progression (though they did imply that it would be OK)

Thanks

Yes, unless they are constrained by other formation rules. For example a 6 base BG wholly of musket troops could be so deployed, but a 6 base pike and shot BG cannot be.