Hey there I just had this come up last night and would like a bit of clarification on at exactly what point an action is locked in. Just for clarity I am including each action here, even though it is more than came up last night (the specific issue, btw was talking through the options and said EVADE, and then prior to putting the EVADE token down and on the same ship activation changing the mind to a FOCUS action if it matters). Is there like a finger off in chess? I know with dials you can put it down and pick it up and change it and we always ask each other for confirmation that we are happy before moving on. With some things where information is gained, like a target lock, or even a boost or barrel roll if you lay out a template there is information gained so I can see that, but until moving on to the next ship (or in the case of the last ship), what is the rule? Does a player have to mumble quietly to themselves to talk through their options or is the first thing they say what their opponent jumps on in the case of no information gained?

TARGET LOCK - Target ship is declared and range is measured. Action is locked since information is gained. edit: Only if legal, as mentioned below.

BARREL ROLL - Direction must be declared and action is locked as long as that direction is legal (does not overlap or leave the play area). This must be taken along the base even if the desired spot on the base wasn't available. If legal BARREL ROLL not possible another action may be chose, including but not necessarily BARREL ROLL in other direction may be taken.

BOOST - Player must select the direction of the BOOST at the time the action is declared. If legal (the ship does not overlap or fly off the table, the move is locked. If not, another action may be chosen, including but not limited to a different BOOST direction which follows the same pattern of choosing the template first.

FOCUS - ???

EVADE - ???

OTHER RANDOM TOKEN BASED (EXPOSE, CLOAK, ETC) - ???

Thanks!

Not explicitly stated in the rules, but one way or another don't be a jerk about it.

TL in particular is only locked in if the ship is in range - if it's out of range you explicitly can choose a different target to lock or another action entirely.

If you are asking for tournament play I'd say you are "locked in" when you announce your action assuming that the action announced is allowed.

It's not explicitly called out in the rules, but I tend to take "when the template hits the mat" as the point of no return for Boost and Barrel Roll, since that's when information is gained. I don't know how many times I've said "I'm going to Boost straight... wait, no, left." As long as I haven't put the template down (or held it out over the map, or whatever) I haven't gained any information; I'm just thinking out loud.

Thanks all, it was actually just a casual before league night game, but I was asking for general knowledge with an eye for tournament play, but my own thoughts were more or less confirmed. Thanks!

I tend to use digitalbusker's method.

As long as a template/ruler hasn't been put on the table you can change your mind. That or some other information has been gained.

Once you pit it down is when its locked in, IMO. That aplies to the templated for boost/barrel roll, measuring for range for the TL, and the roken next to the ship. The hold it in your fingers until you are you are sure is the equivalent finger on chess piece to me and how I play it.