Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you: No adverts like this in the forums anymore. Times and dates in your local timezone. Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance. Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely. Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net. If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

Is there any point at which a unit that has Infiltrate must be definitively placed in Reserves (other than the obvious "before you tell your opponent you are done deploying Infiltrators")? I'm considering the possibilities of when I might leave, for instance, a unit of Chaos bikers or Raptors in reserve (for outflanking or deep strike) vs. using Infiltrate to get them closer to the opponent (such as when fielding Huron). I am thinking that, if one has to simply "decline to deploy an Infiltrator" in order for them to enter reserves, that I could do the following:

1. Keep the Infiltrating unit not deployed for the first phase, pointing out to my opponent that this fast unit with Meltaguns or Flamers may be infiltrating,
2. Observe to see how his deployment is adjusted in reaction to that,
3. Choose whether I'd rather place them during Infiltration or place them into reserves at that point.

The rulebook is ambiguously worded; it simply states "when deploying their armies, players can choose not to deploy up to half their units...", and "during deployment, when declaring which units are kept as reserves...". The infiltration phase is titled "Deploying infiltrators..." indicating that this is still "during deployment".

Thanks for your input.
-M8B

I believe the indication in the rules is sufficiently clear that you must declare all Reserves at the time you deploy the main portion of your army.

I disagree. You're still deploying your army when it comes time to Infiltrate and you can't make a deployment choice for that unit until its time to deploy them.

I think Rigeld has the right of it. In an earlier conversation about Infiltrate, it seemed clear to me that deploying Infiltrators happens wholly after the deployment of the bulk of your army. (Meaning point 1 is moot, since you do not have the option of deploying a unit with Infiltrate during your main deployment portion, as Infiltrate no longer appears to be optional.) The book says "units with [Infiltrate] are deployed last, after all other units (friend and foe) are deployed." (p38) "When deploying their armies, players can choose not to deploy up to half of their units...keeping them as Reserves..." "During deployment, when declaring which units are kept as Reserves, the player must clearly explain the organization of his Reserves to the opponent." (p124)

I'd say you don't make the choice of whether or not to Reserve them until you have the option to MAKE that choice, which does not occur until "all other units (friend and foe) are deployed," barring other Infiltrators, of course.

Still, good question. Presents some interesting tactical flexibility.