Stepping Back & Firing
In my last game I had a line of Russian infantry on my right flank on a hold order.They were facing a greater number of Prussian infantry & some meat cleaver wielding Curiassiers with homicide on their minds.My left flank was moving forward with the intent of breaking my opponents weaker flank & I needed to buy time for that to occur.I remembered the step back rule & began moving my right flank infantry backwards 3inches.I did this for a couple of turns by which time the Prussians had arrived.I intended to do a first fire.My opponent argued that because I had stepped back that constituted a full move & those troops could not fire.My logic was that they had only moved 3 inches which was half their movement rate & that they could fire but with a -2 firing modifier.Can you please advise who is correct. Similarly if a unit refuses a flank are they prevented from firing that turn? Thanks

I believe you were in the right there. Of course, this isn't just me siding with a Russian player over a Prussian one, but the way the rules were wqritten you only moved half the full movement distance, even tough you can only "reverse" a maximum of 3". After all, you're pointing in the right direction, you're all revved up and ready, and you're formed. Next time you go ahead and demand that crucial first fire bonus! The refusing flank thing: goodness knows - its something that's never come up! Any ideas, gentlemen? Best Wishes, Angus Konstam www.edinburghwargames.com

Stepping back & firing
Thanks Angus.Next time I will stand my ground!