Flank Charges

[SteveO]

Another game and a couple more questions. This one is about flank charges.

On p. 121 para H3, the two conditions necessary to permit a flank charge are outlined. I think they are pretty clear, including the Condition 2 requirement for the 1BW x 1BW space on the flank to be clear of a separate enemy TUG. (I have simplified the actual rule but that is the gist of it.)

However, my opponent rightly pointed out that in the accompanying diagram at the bottom of the same page, Condition 2 makes no mention of a separate TUG being required and a separate TuG is not displayed in the diagram. Given my opponent had some previous experience of FoG and the earlier version of MeG, he argued that the diagram was correct and you could not claim a flank charge if you started in the 1BW x 1BW space even if it was vacant.

So the question is, is Condition 2 correct as written in para H3 and the diagram is meant to show the flank charge cannot be claimed because there should be another TuG in the 1BW x 1BW space on the flank of the Gallic TuG?

I have to say, I always believed the diagram was simplified for ease of reading and para H3 provides the definitive and complete conditions. But maybe I was wrong?

[nikgaukroger]

There is nothing in the rules that says (or IMO implies) that if the charging unit is in the 1BW square that they cannot claim a flank charge. The rules only talk about enemy TuGs in or touching it, bugger all about your own.

[SteveO]

So my interpretation is correct. While I was also in no doubt beforehand, my opponent did correctly point out that the diagram does not show a TuG (enemy or friendly) in the 1BW x 1BW flank space that stops the flank charge claim.

[nikgaukroger]

An enemy TuG only has to be touching the square with its front edge or corner - I believe the diagram was set up to emphasise that point; the wording above it clearly mentions in or touching.