I ran into a situation at worlds where I wanted to measure distance and the opponent said, "you're not allowed to measure here." I think it was trying to determine if a person was inside missile range prior to picking an action.

So, I thought I'd put it out there. When can I and when can I not measure. I know I can measure a barrel roll prior to doing it to make sure it's possible. I also know I can't measure prior to setting my dial (obviously). Other than that, help a dude out.

Sunny

Basically, you can't measure until needed. So, in the exact situation you were talking about, you could only have measured if you declared you action to be target locking a ship, then measure to see if you can. If he is in range, you must target lock, otherwise you can choose another action.

Basically, the only time you're allowed to measure is to ensure you're capable of doing what you already said you're doing. After declaring you're going to barrel roll / boost left, you may "measure" to make sure you can complete it. However, if you can, you're committed to that action.

Likewise, you can measure range prior to TL a specific ship, but if the ship is in range, you must TL it. You may measure to determine distance when you're attacking a ship to see what range it is, but you're not allowed to change your target if the range is not to your liking - only if it's not in range at all.

TL:DR you can only measure to confirm your action/attack.

What if I have range 1-2 missiles and he's close to 3. Do I declare "missile attack" and then measure to find out I can't, and then get to pick something else, or am I bound to an attack? How does that move work?

What if I have range 1-2 missiles and he's close to 3. Do I declare "missile attack" and then measure to find out I can't, and then get to pick something else, or am I bound to an attack? How does that move work?

You declare your attack. You measure. If and only if you are at range 3, you may declare a different attack.

I think you can just declare "Target Lock" and measure to all ships, and then choose which ship to Lock. I might be wrong here.

I think you can just declare "Target Lock" and measure to all ships, and then choose which ship to Lock. I might be wrong here.

You are. You must target lock a specific ship, then measure.

What if I have range 1-2 missiles and he's close to 3. Do I declare "missile attack" and then measure to find out I can't, and then get to pick something else, or am I bound to an attack? How does that move work?

You declare your attack. You measure. If and only if you are at range 3, you may declare a different attack.

This isn't quite right.

Target selection measuring for attacks is still very open. You can evaluate multiple possible targets - including checking both arc and range - before selecting a target (and weapon - you don't actually select the weapon you're going to use until Step 2).

Yes, this is different than the other measurement limitations, but yes, it is confirmed from FFG that this is the way it is.

Just to make sure there's no confusion with the OP's original question - this is limited to when you are actually making an attack. So in the case above, you can't measure to check the range because you're not making an attack, you're performing the attack.

so when I'm in the action phase, I'm not pondering an attack, therefore I can't measure. When I'm in the attack phase, I can measure prior to declaring who I'm going to attack?

Eg: I have two targets who are close to range 3. I can measure both to see if one falls in range 2, and then declare I'm attacking that ship?

Eg: I have two targets who are close to range 3. I can measure both to see if one falls in range 2, and then declare I'm attacking that ship?

Yes. Unlike some other games, in X-Wing you don't lose an attack just because you misjudged the distance.

The rules on page 10 cover this.

In step 1, declare a target, you can check the range and arc before you declare a target.

I thought it was more or less legal to measure range from a ships at any point where you activating it and are not maneuvering it, IE when you could perform an action or when you are shooting. The only thing you really can't measure is maneuvers. There are additional rules which limit it which you can bring into effect if your opponent is dithering in the FAQ... but as standard X-Wing is really relaxed.

The intial rules stated that you could premeasure but the new competitive rules clause can cause you to play by a stricter rules set. We play so that you can measure when needed, but you can bet I'll have this conversation with every opponent I face at the tourny level. Especially all those rebel {scum} and thier target locks. Their answer also could tell me a lot about them as a player. I really thought this game had avoided gaming the game, now it is more obvious that is not the case.

From the FAQ:

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.

Leaving aside the ongoing confusion over the order of measuring/committing (and what the definition of "commit" even is to FFG) and the CRA, you can only measure when something lets you. So you can't measure when you're taking a focus, and if (for example) I'm considering using Squad Leader to give another ship a focus, I can't measure to see if an attacker is in range before I do.

Honestly, measuring in X-wing has always come down to whatever anyone wanted it to be. FFG has always been pretty vague, but it's never really mattered what the rules said or didn't say; many people have found a way to read it exactly as they wanted it to be, both before and after the CRA update.

But with the sole exception of target selection, the rules and rulings universally point to more restrictive measurement.