I'm new to the game and was playing for my second time using Imps. I had never used barrel role and was going to use it to get out of range of my opponent. After/during my barrel role I got out my range ruler to see if I was in range. This didn't go over so well with him. My question is this, was I just being a little on the dirty side or did I actually cheat? I thought you could only not measure when during the planning stage.

On a side note, I wasn't trying to bend or break rules, I actually thought this was ok and within the rules and was going to barrel role regardless.

My understanding is, the only restriction is that you cannot measure anything with maneuver templates at any time, with the exception if boost/barrel roll movement. There is nothing in the rules (that I have seen) about using range rulers during the activation phase. IMO, your friend was over-reacting. My friends and I use range rulers all the time to see where we are range wise before deciding on an action.

You've touched on a larger debate, certainly.

I'm with the camp that says you measure range when the rules say you can measure range. That is, when taking a target lock, using a range-based ability like Squad Leader, or actually making an attack. If it's a matter of "the rules don't say you can't ," well, then the list of things that the rules would have to forbid would be rather long indeed. The rules say what you *can* do, and when to actually do it.

The only measuring the rules specify during a barrel roll is whether you can successfully complete it. You certainly can't give yourself information regarding relative range when deciding whether to commit to the action.

extensive discussion here:

http://teamcovenant.com/buhallin/2013/04/26/ffg-response-on-measuring/

I imagine these space faring vessels just might have computers than can measure on them…

That link seems odd. It says there is an official ruling that says one thing and finishes with the rules say something different. Which tells me that the official ruling isn't as official.

I think there should probably be something offical (from FFG) saying which is right. It seems right now that the side you take really depends on what games you have played previosly.

I guess in future games i just need to find out before hand.

Not only that but the link contradicts several rules… You can measure before several moves bwfore comitting to see if you can do them. The "official ruling" says you must commit and then if you can't you can pick something else.

Nosilloc said:

This is discussed at length at the linked location, but the key to understanding the response from FFG on the subject is WHY you can premeasure. The rules don't actualy say you can premeasure before a barrel roll. They say "The player may measure to see if his ship can perform a barrel roll ". There is a very specific purpose there that a great many people have tended to bypass, effectively abusing the rule.

I really don't want to start the entire debate again - it's been played out far too many times as it is. But the response linked there has also been received by at least one other TO that I know of who was looking for guidance. It's not "official" yet because FFG doesn't want to release an FAQ in the middle of the regionals season, but unless you want to buy into the "James Kniffen just handed his account over to an intern who didn't know what he was doing" or "Kniffen is trying to stage a rebellion against the lead devs by making wrong rulings" conspiracy theories, the word from FFG is that measuring opportunities are very limited..

That's still not "official", and it's always possible that FFG will change their minds before the FAQ is officially released, but IMHO I wouldn't bank on that.

Updated FAQ is out now and answers this question:

Q: At what times is a player allowed to measure range?

A: A player may measure with the range ruler at the following times:

• Before committing to an action that includes measuring range, such as acquiring a target lock.

• As part of declaring the target of an attack, before committing to that target.

• As part of resolving an effect that includes measuring range.

So there you go!

The end of the new FAQ, the Action Resolution section, more specifically answers the OP's questions about when and how to measure rolls, boosts, and range.