To Be or Not To Be - That is the RF question

[bluedogpete]

Playing two different players, two different games. Their interpretations of whether Residuals are placed or not could be deemed as follows:

1 Residual markers are placed whenever an attack occurs and an effective result is obtained on the IFT
2 Residual markers are placed whenever an attack occurs irrespective of the result on the IFT

Quoting the relevant rules for ASL/ASLSK:

(ASL) A8.2 RESIDUAL FIREPOWER:
"When a unit is attacked by Defensive First Fire/Subsequent First Fire/FPF, the target Location in which the attack is resolved (even if in Bypass) is marked with a Residual FP counter...

(SK) 3.3.5 Residual Fire:
"When a unit is attacked by Defensive First Fire, Subsequent First Fire or FPF, the location in which the attack is resolved is marked with a Residual FP counter..."

The rules are clear that an attack must take place, though reference to whether a 'successful' or 'effective' result should be obtained on the IFT is not evident. (Eg NMC, 1MC). Applying COWTRA (Concentrating on what the rules allow) implies that an attack is adequate for RF placement.

Forum users (GS, BGG et al) when discussing Residuals often refer to shooting, firing, attacking and so on, but I have yet to come across a reference to 'successful attack' or 'effective result' or similar.

Of course we are referring only to attacks in the Movement Phase. And 'attack' being a roll on the IFT.

I'm inclined to take an attack, successful or not, as enough to simulate a spray of arms fire as represented by residual fire in the target hex. Anyone willing to run the gauntlet of enemy fire should take the chance of being caught by gunfire, whether it previously hit home or not.

Are there any preferences, or does everyone play the same?

 

[jrv]

Residual is always placed after an attack regardless of result, with a few exceptions. If the attack is by ordnance, a target must be hit, and neither AP-like ammo, PF nor intensive fire leave residual [A8.25]. If a weapon keeps (and does not forfeit) ROF, its FP is not used to calculate the strength of the RFP left. If a weapon malfunctions, its FP is not used to calculate the strength of the RFP left [A8..221]. A Snap Shot does not leave leave residual [A8.223]. DRM and ammunition shortage may result in no residual being placed [A8.221, A8.26]. The FP of a MG placing a firelane is not also used to calculate the RFP left [A9.222].

JR

 

[Robin Reeve]

RF may be placed whatever the result of the DFF attack.
Of course, there are some exceptions : a weapon which malfunctioned, or kept ROF ; or if DRM exterior to the Location reduce the RF under 1....

A8.2 ... If the attack includes a To Kill DR vs a vehicle, Residual FP is created in the same manner [EXC: If AP (unless fired by a MG), ATR, APCR, or APDS was used, or if a Dud (C7.35) resulted, no Residual FP is created].

A8.221 ... Residual FP is not gained for an attack by a malfunctioning weapon, nor by a unit that makes a Small-Arms-attack Original 12 IFT DR while suffering from Ammunition Shortage (19.131).

A8.223 ... A Snap Shot does not leave Residual FP.

A8.23 ... A weapon does not automatically leave Residual FP if it retains a Multiple ROF...

A8.26 ... The amount of Residual FP left by any attack is reduced by one IFT column for each positive DRM caused solely by conditions outside [including CX, BU, Stun, leadership modifier, or hexside/bridge TEM of the target Location which modified (or could have modified; B9.32) the To-Hit/IFT DR, but excluding Height Advantage and LV DRM (E3.1)] the target hex (e.g., a 6 Residual FP counter is flipped over to the 4 FP side for a +1 DRM or changed to a 2 Residual FP counter for a +2 DRM [EXC: Fire Lane; 9.22]).

 

[bluedogpete]

Thanks both for the speedy, full and clear responses.

Much appreciated.

 

[Eagle4ty]

One exception to the rule you have referred to is RFP for spraying fire (A8.24). In that instance (only), no unit/target is necessary in the "vacant" hex to be able to place RFP (though the FP indicated may be reduced for area fire exerted in a non-unit occupied hex). The same is not true for ordnance as it must have a unit/target in a hex/Location to be able to fire at it (i.e. it may not fire at a vacant hex simply to leave RFP).