Richard MacRae - 03:45pm Mar 2, 2002 PST (#2285 of 2292)

A rule question: Lebensraum Questions From the Rules: "7.3 COMBAT
RESULTS: ...The first step of loss required may always be taken either
as a step loss or as a retreat of 1 hex by all involved friendly
units...Subsequent steps of loss must be taken as losses. In addition,
the side that takes more indicated losses (even if actual losses are the
same or less after absorbing the first step in a retreat) is required to
retreat any surviving units (again, if need be)...."

"7.33 ADVANCE:When ever all the opposing units in a combat are
eliminated, surviving friendly units (attacking and defending) may
advance. ...The number of hexes that the surviving units may advance is
equal to the number of excess steps over that which was required to
eliminate the opposing units (including any steps taken as retreats) in
the combat.The first hex of this advance must be into the hex that was
previously occupied by opposing forces that were eliminated in the
combat."

The questions: 1. In a combat result of 1/3. The attacker elects to
retreat one hex, the defender (a one step unit) also retreats one hex,
and then takes a step loss (eliminated).

Is the surviving a attacker prohibited from advancing because it is no
longer adjacent to "the hex that was previously occupied by opposing
forces that were eliminated in the combat."

2. In a combat result of 1/2. The attacker (a 3 step unit) elects to
take a step loss, the defender (a two step unit) retreats one hex, and
then takes a step loss (one step surviving).

Since the defender has taken "more indicated losses ", is he required to
retreat another hex (the "in addition" part of 7.3). Also, since the
defender, although retreated, is not eliminated, does that invalidate an
advance opportunity for the attacker since the precondition for advance
is elimination, not vacated hex.

Stephen Newberg - 04:33am Mar 3, 2002 PST (#2286 of 2292)
Simulations Canada, Ltd.

Richard,

To Question One, the answer is No. The attacker may advance into the hex
orginally occupied by the defender that retreated and was then
elminated.

To Question Two, the answer is Yes, to part one of the question and Yes
to part two of the question as well.

Interesting, eh? [:)

pax, smn