Using and Resolving Commands

What is a command?

A command is an order that allows a unit to act. Commands can include movement, shooting, melee, defensive actions, recovery, or a special effect described by that command.

Most commands cost 1 Command Point unless their rule says otherwise. The unit must be eligible to receive the command, and its declaration trigger must currently be valid.

Before declaring a command

Check all of the following:

• The command can be declared at this point in the turn or in response to the stated trigger.
• The unit is eligible to perform it.
• You can pay its Command Point cost.
• Any required target is legal when the command is declared.
• The unit does not already have a restriction that prevents the command.

If any required condition is not met, the command cannot be declared.

Command order

Unless the command gives a specific exception, use this order:

1. Declare the command and identify the unit using it.
2. Confirm eligibility, targets, costs, and other requirements.
3. Spend the required Command Points and place the appropriate Command Token.
4. Open one response window. The opposing player may declare no more than one valid responding command when a rule allows it.
5. Resolve the original command completely. If it includes movement, resolve that movement first unless the command specifically says otherwise.
6. Resolve the responding command, if there is one, using the updated battlefield positions and game state.
7. Apply any restrictions, status changes, or lasting effects created by the commands.
8. Once the command and its immediate effects are complete, perform the normal post-command melee check.

Responding commands

A responding command is still a normal command. It must meet its own trigger and eligibility requirements, costs Command Points normally, and applies its stated token and restrictions.

The original command normally resolves first. The response then resolves using the battlefield as it exists afterward. A responding command does not create another response window unless a rule specifically allows one.

Three commands provide explicit exceptions because they must affect an event before it continues:

• Covering Fire resolves before the triggering unit completes its shooting attack.
• Defend, when declared in response to an attack, resolves before that attack reaches Target Lock or damage.
• Intervene resolves before the triggering Charge begins movement.

Follow the named command for the complete conditions of each exception.

If part of a command cannot be completed

If one part of a command is no longer legal when it resolves, complete as much of the command as its own rules allow and skip the illegal part.

If the command says that losing a required condition makes the entire command fail, follow that instruction instead.

Tokens and restrictions

A Command Token records the command that was issued. The token is not automatically a restriction.

A unit gains only the restrictions specifically listed by the command. Apply those restrictions after resolving the command unless its rule gives different timing.

When is a command complete?

A command is complete after its action has resolved and all of its immediate restrictions, status changes, and other effects have been applied. Resolve any required responding command and the post-command melee check before moving on to the next command.

Example

A unit is eligible to use Move, so its player spends 1 Command Point, places the Move token and declares the command. An enemy unit is allowed to respond with Snap Fire. The moving unit completes its movement first. Snap Fire then resolves against the unit in its new position. After both commands and their restrictions are handled, the players check the battlefield for any melees created by the movement.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a command cost?

Most commands cost 1 Command Point unless the command or another rule gives a different cost.

When can I declare a command?

During the unit's normal command window, or when that command's rule gives a specific trigger. The unit must be eligible and all declaration requirements must be met.

How many commands can be declared in response?

The normal response window allows the opposing player to declare no more than one valid responding command.

Which command resolves first?

The original command normally resolves completely before the response. Covering Fire, Defend and Intervene contain explicit exceptions.

What happens if a target becomes illegal before part of the command resolves?

That part normally fails while the remaining legal parts are completed. If the command says it fails entirely, follow the command's specific instruction.

Does placing a Command Token automatically restrict the unit?

No. Apply only the restrictions specifically listed by the command.

When do I check for melee?

After the command, any valid response, and their immediate effects have been completed.

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