I was playing today and someone told me that at a Regional last year, they were told that game mechanics (i.e. Death Star Dial and such) and Forced Reactions don't occur if both players miss that step. Is this true?

To me this is wrong. Obviously if a Forced Reaction was missed and it is too late to fix I'm not sure what can be done about it. But, if the Dark Side player forgets to move the Death Star Dial, according to the rules, it can't be fixed? I don't know of any players who wouldn't let them fix it, but apparently there are somewhere. I understand, with the Death Star Dial in particular, it is the DS players responsibility to move it, but the opposing player (LS in this case) shouldn't benefit from keeping silent if a Forced reaction/or other key gameplay effect is supposed to take place. That pretty much makes it an Opponents Reaction and not a Forced Reaction.

I swear to god if it was someone from my area traveling down to the VA event today said this I'm going to kick them in the nuts when I see them next.

The reality of the situation is this. Forced Reactions, the Dial, resolution of all Combat Icons, the Unopposed bonus, reconciling your reserve value, etc are all not optional rules. They, according to the rules, can't not happen. But we all know that sometimes they don't happen. At that point you have an illegal game state. If you can correct an illegal game state without placing undo burden on the events since, you should do so. There is no reason not to turn the Dial on turn 2 of the LS players turn if it was forgotten, no choice has been impacted by that incorrect game state. But yes there is a point where you have to just play it as lies for lack of a better term. As the game progresses the LS player is making choices based on the board as they see it, including the DS dial. Would they have left a blocker if the dial read 6 instead of 5? Attacked differently? Once you get into areas where a decision could have been effected, you can't then retroactively change the game state, even if illegal.

When there is an illegal game state you should call a judge, the judge should follow then general thought process I outlined above. But every must happen rule is the responsibility of both players, regardless of who it benefits. At any event I run, I'd warn both players to keep a closer eye on things. If the same player had a similar issue again, you are looking at a game loss or DQ. Whether it is intentional cheating or sloppiness no TO should let a player keep playing that can't be trusted to ensure rules are upheld.

You tell me who told you this so I can nut kick the appropriate party.

I won't throw anyone under the bus and nobody actually took advantage of that. I've never had any issues with this. But how you put it is how I assumed it would work and wanted to make sure. Thanks.

I won't throw anyone under the bus and nobody actually took advantage of that. I've never had any issues with this. But how you put it is how I assumed it would work and wanted to make sure. Thanks.

Really though if the TO isn't on the issue it could become an issue, ya know.

If it is who I think it is telling you, the story stems from last years NYC Regional, where one player let his opponent miss 3 must happen things over two games (Dial twice). There was a shouting match, the TO should have DQd both players (including the one from down my way) for that, but the one guy should have at least taken a game loss for his issues.

That is the one case I've seen where I think it was likely intentional on that players part.