So I have been reading my daily blogs and a thought has occurred to me. Why don't I start doing a few weekly segments that people are interested in for discussion? So the first one I'm calling, "Ask the Rules Lawyer", and other segments to come.
So our first rule to start off this segment is from the cover section of the rules: Exceptions
A.) Shots MUST pass through the gaps of a unit or through elements of area terrain in order to grant cover. So if the shot would go over the unit or area terrain there is not a cover save. If the unit firing is at an elevated location and can shoot the target without obstruction, no cover save is granted. If the model or unit is behind area terrain and not between the elements of said terrain, no cover save. I think this is an important exception as the new game grants so many cover saves, you need to learn how to beat it.
B.) Units can shoot through 2" of terrain before their target will be granted a cover save. So take notice of this one. If that lascannon is 3" from the edge of the area terrain then your unit will get a cover save!
C.) Units firing over a barrier MUST be based to base with the linear piece in order for it not to grant the enemy a cover save.
So here are some cover save rules that are sometime abused in games of 40K. Sometimes abused on purpose but more often than not, abused based on ignorance of the rules.
Hmmm... thoughts below.
ReplyDeleteA.) If the shots pass thru the gaps of a unit an intervening unit, they'll get cover. I see nothing expanding on it except for if target is partially hidden so if it goes thru a unit (not own unit firing model is attached to, but any other unit friend or foe) then the targeted unit gets a +4 cover save. (pg 21 rulebook under intervening models) You'd have to define partially hidden (ie, a leg perhaps, 30% of the model, etc). So keep that in mind if someone fires thru a unit you can possibly get a cover save. Learning to beat this (as it could be the single largest reason for most cover saves) is difficult unless you are using arcing weapons or firing from elevated height. This gets back to mobility so knowing which units to run around so you have no unit between you and the target will always take priority if all else are equal.
B.) Rule of two is basically what this should be called. If you are within 2" (I haven't fully read how they define within so I don't know if they are meaning the model has to be fully within 2" or just partial of its base) from the edge of the terrain then the unit you fire on gets no cover. So try to remember that when placing your heavy weapons guy in the back of the unit. Not sure if vehicles and walkers follow this rule but if so, keep it in mind when someone fires at you.
C.) This one you kinda need to agree on what height of the linear piece will stop Line of Sight. If a wall is 1" inch tall which is the same as a model, you can go either or as to whether it blocks. Once that's in place its fairly easy to figure if it blocks LoS. The base to base is a HUGE thing to remember since it basically means any shot coming over the barrier grants a cover save by default without base to base. Another advantage if this applies to a vehicle or walker firing over a barrier at another vehicle or unit.
Cover saves do abound everywhere so even though GW is trying to make the game faster, they also throw out things like this which slow it down. It's good though, mind you, since any save that ignores AP is welcome.
The exceptions are not so bad once you can get them remembered for the basic things. IE, is there a unit between me and the enemy when firing starts, is a model firing over a barrier and not in base2base, etc.
The truly magnificent part of a lot of terrain on the board is the depth at which you force yourself to view it. It's like a chess game to me. If you can see the broader picture of the field in relation to your units, you have gained a decent advantage going into the match.
I really think you've hit the nail on the head. I think GW is trying to actually make this a game of chess rather than a game of checkers it has been in the past. They are listening to players who want as close to real tactical strategy table top game as you can get. We'll see what the next decade will bring.
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