If the cavalry unit engaged with the archers wishes to expand out to its right with an MF1 move what are its options?
ie Does the expanded base make a new file which steps forward into contact with the bow, or does it remain front corner to front corner with the existing element in contact, and thus count as an overlap? Can it choose and do either?
If it can step forward, is there any limit on how far such a step forward can be? (As depending upon angle of contact, in some cases it may require a step forward of more than 1 BW)
In this particular case, with a step forward it would mean that both cav bases would have been contacting the same base of bows. Does that mean it would no longer be able to count as an overlap, but would instead be bound by the provisions of p141 E.3 where the cav player would get to choose which base fights?
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Okay, melee combats can get messy when UGs are at different angles.
1. There is no such concept as "stepping forward". I think you are confused with "pressing forward" which applies only to charges. With an MF1 move you create a new file, adjacent to the existing file. It should contact the enemy. There is no choice here. If the angle between cavalry and archers is so extreme that contact cannot be made then the file is treated as a supporting file and placed in front corner to corner contact with the file that it is supporting.
2. Note also 9.5 I3.4 (page 146). If the cavalry create a new file to their right by MF1 move, I agree that the cavalry could choose either file to fight. If they choose the left-hand file, then the right-hand file can fight as an overlap (the archer file also gets an overlap). If the player chooses the right-hand file, the left hand file can count as a supporting file.
Richard
Thanks Richard!