You can trade an action for a maneuver, but you're still bound by the rules for maneuvers. That is, (1) you are still limited to two maneuvers during your turn, and (b) a second maneuver costs 2 Strain to make.

There doesn't really seem to be a benefit to trading an action for a maneuver. Is the gained maneuver supposed to be a free maneuver?

Am I missing something?

I think just that rather than taking a second manouver for 2 strain, you are trading an action for a manouver.

Hence not taking 2 strain.

Exactly. There are (usually) two sources for an extra maneuver: You can exchange your action for it or you can buy it for 2 strain.

Awesome. So it's a free maneuver. Fair enough. Thanks!

1 hour ago, RLogue177 said:

Awesome. So it's a free maneuver. Fair enough. Thanks!

Pedant mode: no, it's not free, it costs an action.

Also, if you lose your action, you cannot trade your action (which you no longer have) for a maneuver.

2 hours ago, Cifer said:

Exactly. There are (usually) two sources for an extra maneuver: You can exchange your action for it or you can buy it for 2 strain.

2 Advantage rolled on the dice is also a very common source of an extra maneuver (as are 2 Threat rolled on your opponent's dice, but then you get to do the maneuver out of turn, which is awesome!).

As well, if you'red under an effect that prevents you from taking Maneuvers, you also can't use the Maneuver you got from converting your Action.