Intercept Move

[marek]

Hi

Had a situation last night which I think we resolved correctly but would just like to check.

A TuG of formed loose cavalry decalred a charge on an enemy cavalry TuG. An enemy infantry phalanx TuG ( drilled /close) declared an intercept move and placed themselves in the path of the charge.

As the charging TuG and intercepting TuG were both average/protected the factors were +2 in favour of the phalanx. ( looking at it again this morning it should have been +1 but I don't believe that is relevant to my question). The cavalry were javelin armed /short spear.

The question is - do the cavalry have to impale themselves on the pikes or can they stop short ?

Rightly or wrongly we decided that as they would not be disadvantaged by 3+ or more they did have to charge home. I think we got it right but perhaps for the wrong reason !

As the intercept move seems to be quite powerful - if you have the cards - I want to make sure I undertsand it properly.

Grateful for all comments.

Marek

[nikgaukroger]

The cavalry have to complete their charge and contact the pikemen.

The disadvantaged by 3 claims or more rule only applies when deciding whether a unit is subject to a Forced Charge. If the unit has declared a charge it must carry it through no matter how disadvantageous the resulting combat.

On the combat factors, if 4 ranks deep (maximus) the pikemen would have been at +3 claims - +2 for Pk vs. mounted and an additional +1 for the 4th rank - whilst the cavalry would have been at +2 claims - +1 for the SSp (not cancelled as the pike are not standing to receive the charge) and +1 for fighting foot who are not standing to receive. So the charge phase combat is a net +1 to the pikemen as you suspect.

Intercept can indeed be quite powerful 

[marek]

Thanks for speedy clarification - gald we got it right albeit it ended poorly for me !