Pursuit from Overlap Eligible Position

[Francis Small]

A UG breaks its frontal opponent and normally would have to pursue. However, it is now in a position to fight as an overlap for its neighbor, although note that it has not yet fought as an overlap. Must it still pursue, does it have the option to pursue, or must it remain in place?

In splendid ASCIIVision (tm)

AAABBB
CCCDDD

BBB breaks. What are the pursuit options for DDD (assuming DDD would have to pursue if AAA/CCC were not present)

[nikgaukroger]

I think one of the Common Questions in the clarries helps here:

"•   WHEN DOES A FILE BECOME DEFINED AS A SUPPORTING FILE? This is all about the position you are in not whether you have fought yet.  Immediately you are in a supporting file position you are one. Therefore, you have the protection of the reduction in colour when shot at from that point onwards and count as an engaged base.  You are, in reality, busy in the fight from as soon as you get there."

[Francis Small]

I think one of the Common Questions in the clarries helps here:

"•   WHEN DOES A FILE BECOME DEFINED AS A SUPPORTING FILE? This is all about the position you are in not whether you have fought yet.  Immediately you are in a supporting file position you are one. Therefore, you have the protection of the reduction in colour when shot at from that point onwards and count as an engaged base.  You are, in reality, busy in the fight from as soon as you get there."

That section was discussed at the time, but was insufficient to settle the matter, and so the question remains.

[lionheartrjc]

I am unclear why there is any doubt.

If DDD has a base that is in contact with enemy troops that it could subsequently fight as a supporting file (even though it hasn't fought as a supporting file to this point) then it does not pursue.  9.7.C.1 (page167)

Richard