Element Wide Gaps

Moving Through Gaps

Moving into any less than element wide gaps has always been a grey area for DBM. The latest v3.0 rules introduce a new definition to resolve any problems (see extract below).

Essentially, any element can enter a gap as long as it can move straight forward without having to deviate from straight ahead (sliding sideways or pivoting.)

Example 1 - this was technically illegal under v2.1, but is now sensibly permitted under v3.0.

Diagrams drawn to 15mm scale, all dimensions in "mm" unless otherwise specified.

#1 - Element A intends to make flank contact with element X.

#2 - Element A moves into contact with X. It does so without meeting any obstruction (Y) or sideways movement to get into position.

Example 2 - a similar situation except Element A cannot move into contact without shuffling sideways, hence making it illegal.

Diagrams drawn to 15mm scale, all dimensions in "mm" unless otherwise specified.

#1a - Element A intends to make flank contact with element X.

#2a - Element A moves into contact with X but its path is obstructed by Y forcing it to move in a "dog-leg" [while in a less than 1 element wide
gap]. This is therefore illegal.

P. 20. MOVING THROUGH FRIENDLY TROOPS OR GAPS; Para 1. "Except when contracting a group into a column, no element can enter a gap less than 1 element wide between elements it could not interpenetrate in the direction moved and/or fortifications or impassable terrain, unless while it is in the gap it moves straight ahead or back and stops when it meets any obstruction that it cannot pass through."

Diagrams drawn to 15mm scale, all dimensions in "mm" unless otherwise specified.
#1 - Element A intends to make flank contact with element X.	#2 - Element A moves into contact with X. It does so without meeting any obstruction (Y) or sideways movement to get into position.

Diagrams drawn to 15mm scale, all dimensions in "mm" unless otherwise specified.
#1a - Element A intends to make flank contact with element X.	#2a - Element A moves into contact with X but its path is obstructed by Y forcing it to move in a "dog-leg" [while in a less than 1 element wide gap]. This is therefore illegal.