A Retreat Rules Question

[open_book]

After explaining that a unit retreats having sustained hits equal to its remaining stength, the Full Rules say:

"Otherwise compare the defender's total strength in the area to the number of hits incurred."

The table follows. Are the values for defender's total strength in the table those for remaining strength, or strength before the combat?

Thank you.

[Weids]

Retreat decision is made before combat is over, and if retreat, defenders take one hit less than if they hold.

[ParabikMiwar]

Hey just read both sets of rules for the game and they are conflicting about who can hold objectives. Is it anything with a WS or just troops?