Art De La Guerre

[Neep]

Mike, yes the charge must charge to contact!-)
The point is that extensions and contractions are already very restrictive and cannot be combined with turn, slide, or wheel - with the exception of the contraction wheeling. That may be restricted when charging. Not sure it represents that much of an issue. I suppose you could make some creative use of a one unit contraction to "hook" around some obstacle, much to the surprise of your opponent;-)

[SteveR]

Thanks Dan, you're giving me too much credit when you say I am remembering something.

But let me make sure I understand though.

Bullet 1 under page 43 charge movement allows a unit or group to wheel or slide (but not both) or make a turn with an optional wheel before charging. I had always understood those to be the only allowed maneuvers before a charge. Which as bullets 2 and 3 say must be in a straight line.

You seem to be saying that bullet 5 allows for an expansion or contraction maneuver before charging as well.

May a group contract and then wheel and charge? Since a wheel is allowed in a contraction as well as before a charge.


(my specification of the lead element being stationary was just because it was in melee)

[Hazelbark]

[Hazelbark]

[Neep]

Page 33 Contraction seems perfectly clear that you can advance your lead elements, wheel them, then form up behind them. And advance any remaining movement allowance.
Now that doesn't fit very well with the "indicate the exact direction of the charge" step, and the wheel may well be excluded by bullet 1, but then does bullet 1 allow you to turn before contracting?? The procedure could do with a few more words.