It feels a bit as of this forum is very much for minutiae so forgive me asking obvious questions again.
It appears, reading some posts on other topics, that it is legitimate, following a declaration of a charge by unit A on B, for B to declare that it too is charging, at A. Is that the case? Can't see anything stating otherwise. If so, and you can always declare a reciprocal charge, what's the function for which people use the countercharge mechanic? (I think we understand intercept – puts you in the way of the charging unit to shield the intended target.)
On a related topic, if a charging TuG has a path of charge which contacts a different unit which is a SuG, not the target of the charge, what happens? Does that unit have the normal runaway/skirmish options? Technically, it has been contacted by a charging unit and could therefore be destroyed?
If your unit is charged there is nothing stopping that unit from also declaring a charge. This can sometimes be useful in the move chargers sub-phase as it can influence you opponents choice in the order in which charges are moved.
Countercharges are useful in being able to determine the position the melee takes place, it could put that in a position better for you. It can also be used to get a unit that would otherwise be hit in the flank into a position where it will not suffer a flank charge as unlike an intercept a countercharge can wheel up to 90 degrees (NB it still has to be in the path of charge after the countercharge move).
If a SUG is in the path of charge it reacts as normal, although it probably will not shoot (it can only actually shoot if in the path of charge at the point shooting is determined).
I too haven't quite got my head round this as newbie so a couple of questions.
1) Do the chargers meet 'halfway' or is it the active player charging into the other unit which even though they have declared a charge remain stationary?
2) In the case of medieval knights do they both get charging lancer (charge) bonus.
3) This charge declaration by non-active player is not a countercharge?
I hope this makes sense.
Hi Andy,
1) Follow the turn sequence on page 83 & 84. Charges are declared in SP 2.2, but nothing moves at this stage. In SP 2.6 the chargers are moved. Charges are moved alternately starting with the active player. Nothing meets halfway if both sides charged.
2) All troops are considered as getting their claims for charging even if they didn't move. For charging lancers they must be in good going and the combat must be frontal contact for the claim to count.
3) Counter charges are entirely different. Countercharges (and intercepts) are declared in SP 2.4. Page 124 describes countercharges. The point about a countercharge is it is moved before charges.
It probably isn't intuitive but the rules explain carefully what happens and it does make sense.
Richard
Great thanks for your help
An not just forminutae but to help beginners to, so ask away. No issue. And welcome aboard.
Si