A pike block with Kiel (the Kiel) has enemy TuG in contact to flank and front. The Kiel has chosen to fight the enemy to front and is not rolling dice agaist the enemy to flank.
The opponent is rollong combat dice from the front and from the flank.
Can the Kiel Break Off or does it count as fighting in two directions.
The Break Off move as described on the QRS - which is, IIRC, the only place the move is defined - just says "Directly back 2BW to move distance. KaB test where noted. Max is move speed in terrain.", there is nothing there about whether fighting in 2 directions affects it.
Clarries have this:
"BREAK OFF MOVES
• Must be directly backwards other than use of the Universal 1/2BW Shift.
• Cannot push back enemy SuGs as in the Fighting Phase.
• Troops breaking off consider only enemy in front edge contact with them for determining the move needed of KaBs rolled - ignore enemy in supporting files."
I recall that previously it has been said that if a unit has bases facing in more than one direction it cannot break off as it does not have a clearly defined rear - however, this is an interpretation (albeit sensible) and not specifically in the rules per se.
I also have a vague recollection of it being suggested (and maybe Si agreeing) that if a unit hit in the flank does not turn bases to face the flank attack, thus taking the risk of the melee ophase combats at +2 to the enemy, could the break off as it still has a clear rear.
RJC has previously said
"Any UG with enemy in contact with flank cannot break off. No exception for Kiel.
Richard"
Whilst that may indeed be a sensible idea, I don't believe that there is anything in the rules or the clarries that says, or indeed suggests that :(
I may, of course, have missed something.
Nik
Profound
You are saying that applies to any TuG
Yes.
I will add to clarrie that UGs with bases facing to flank or rear cannot break off.
Yes this leaves a trade off of keeping facing forward and suffering risk in Melee combat or not.
If I did write the RJC ruling somewhere let me know but I don't recall doing so.
Took the view in general hat a break off did not keep formation but rather it disvolved into a run and reform.
So I think you can argue the flank thing either way. I like this as a game mechanism.
Si
Added to clarries
Break Off
Add "An UG with bases turned to face flank or rear opponents cannot break off".