Showdown: The Coming Indo-Pakistani War Rulebook

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

• 1.0 INTRODUCTION
• 2.0 GAME EQUIPMENT
  • 2.1 The Game Map
  • 2.2 Charts & Tables
  • 2.3 The Playing Pieces
    • 2.3.1 How to Read Units
    • 2.3.2 Definition of Terms
  • 2.4 Game Scale
• 3.0 SETTING UP THE GAME
• 4.0 SEQUENCE OF PLAY
  • 4.1 Sequence Outline
• 5.0 MOVEMENT
  • 5.1 Procedure
  • 5.2 Movement Restrictions
  • 5.3 Stacking Restrictions
  • 5.4 Effects of Terrain
    • 5.4.1 Road Movement
    • 5.4.2 Trail Movement
  • 5.5 Mobile Movement Phase
• 6.0 ZONES OF CONTROL
  • 6.1 Effects on Movement
  • 6.2 Effects on Retreat & Advance After Combat
• 7.0 SUPPORT FIRE MARKERS
  • 7.1 Allocation of Support Fire Markers
  • 7.2 Support Fire Application
• 8.0 BOMBARDMENT & GROUND COMBAT
  • 8.1 Bombardment
    • 8.1.1 Range
    • 8.1.2 Procedure
    • 8.1.3 Results
    • 8.1.4 Terrain Effects
    • 8.1.5 Bombardment Retreat
  • 8.2 Ground Combat
    • 8.2.1 Combat Procedure
    • 8.2.2 Effects of Terrain
    • 8.2.3 Fortifications
    • 8.2.4 Combat Resolution
• 9.0 SUPPLY
  • Combat Results Table (Fire & Movement System)
• Showdown Exclusive Rules
• 10.0 EXCLUSIVE RULES
  • 10.1 Introduction
  • 10.2 First Player
  • 10.3 Reinforcements
  • 10.4 Unit Types
    • 10.4.1 Mountain Units
• 11.0 SURFACE TO AIR MISSILES (SAMS)
  • 11.1 Firing a SAM Unit
• 12.0 NUCLEAR ARSENAL
  • 12.1 Triggering Nuclear War
  • 12.2 Using a Nuclear Weapon
  • 12.3 Nuclear Weapon Effects
• 13.0 CEASE FIRE HEXES
• 14.0 BRIDGES & RIVER CROSSINGS
  • 14.1 Bridge Repair
  • 14.2 River Crossing
• 15.0 SFM BOMBARDMENT RANGE
  • 15.1 SFM Restrictions
• 16.0 SCENARIO SET UP
  • 16.1 Game Length
• 17.0 VICTORY CONDITIONS
  • Combat Results Table (Showdown)

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Each game represents an actual or hypothetical battle, as included in the Exclusive Rules.

The map included with the game represents each different battle's terrain. The pieces represent the actual (or hypothetical) units that participated or might have participated in the battle. The System Rules are rules that fit all games using the F&M system, and the exclusive rules are specific to each represented battle.

2.0 GAME EQUIPMENT

See exclusive (scenario) rules.

2.1 The Game Map

The map sheet portrays the battle area. Printed over the terrain features is a hexagonal grid to regulate the movement and positioning of the game pieces throughout the game.

2.2 Charts & Tables

Various visual aids provide the players to collate, simplify and illustrate certain game functions. They are the Combat Results Table (CRT), the Terrain Key, and the Game Turn Record Track (GTRT). Exclusive rules may contain additional charts.

2.3 The Playing Pieces

The cardboard playing pieces (counters) represent the actual military units that took part in the battle. The different colored units (combat units) represent forces of opposing sides. The numbers and symbols on the counters represent the attack and defense strength, movement capability, and type of unit represented by each counter.

Important: In the system rule diagrams and examples, the exact units may not appear in the current game; however, all designations and terms used are consistent with the units in the current game unless the exclusive rules dictate otherwise. See exclusive rules for unit type symbols.

Counter diagram labels (the diagrams themselves are not reproduced): Leg Combat Unit (Front): Unit Type Symbol, Unit Size Symbol, Unit ID, Attack Strength, Defense Strength, Parent Formation, Movement Allowance. Leg Combat Unit (Back). Mobile Combat Unit (Front): Mobile Unit Designator. Black box = Leg Unit; Red box = Mobile Unit. Support Fire Marker (Front/Back): Type Symbol, Support Strength.

Note: The front side of a combat unit is the full-strength side and the back of the unit is normally its reduced side. For most games in the series, the reduced side shows the unit type symbol having the same background color as the counter. Not all combat units have a reduced side and thus are one-step units.

Important: The exclusive rules will list the specific types of units available in each game.

2.3.1 How to Read Units

Most units contain identifiers (or names) and sizes. The identifier or name of a unit has no bearing on play, except as part of set-up and reinforcement rules. An identifier that lists two numbers separated by a slash represents the battalion number and then the regiment number from which that battalion derives (though that parent regiment may or may not be in the game).

Example: A unit printed with 4/47 is referring to the 4th Battalion of the 47th Regiment. A single number identifier typically refers to a single formation of its type (9 could refer to the 9th Division).

Unit Sizes

• •••: Platoon
• I: Company
• II: Battalion
• III: Regiment
• X: Brigade
• XX: Division
• XXX: Corps

Note: Games may include additional unit sizes. See exclusive rules.

2.3.2 Definition of Terms

Attack Strength: The relative strength of a unit when attacking other units, expressed in terms of attack strength points.

Bombardment Attack: An attack conducted by the active player using support fire markers only. Bombardment attacks take place during each player's Bombardment Phase (8.1).

Defense Strength: The relative strength of a unit when defending against the attacks of enemy units, expressed in terms of defense strength points. See attack strength.

Combat Modifier (Support Strength): The strength of support fire markers. They represent everything from corps artillery, naval support, aerial bombardment and organic mortars used to attack enemy units. The combat modifier (expressed in terms of a "+") value that players may add to the strength of a friendly unit during combat or as an attack strength when conducting bombardment.

Movement Allowance (MA): The number of movement points (MP) a unit may expend in a single Movement Phase. Each hex a unit moves into and/or each hexside crossed forces the unit to expend a given number of MP.

Leg Unit: A unit that is not a mobile unit. It represents any type of unit that lacks inherent conveyance or transport.

Mobile Unit: A unit that is not a leg unit. It represents any type of unit that moves by a means other than by foot. A mobile unit can be anything from tanks to wagons. Only mobile units may move during the Mobile Movement Phase and/or conduct attacks during the Mobile Combat Phase (4.1).

Support Fire Markers: Represent naval gunfire from ships offshore, bombers/fighters providing ground support or interdiction support, or artillery units of all types and sizes not represented as units in the game.

2.4 Game Scale

The exclusive rules will indicate the scale of the map and the time that each game turn (GT) represents.

3.0 SETTING UP THE GAME

Players should determine the side each will play. Players then consult their respective setup instructions in the exclusive rules. The instructions will list the strength and position of each unit in play on the map during the first GT. The exclusive rules:

a) Will indicate the player who is the first (starting) player and the player who will set up first.

b) May assign units specific set-up hexes, general areas near a specific location/hex number, or instruct the players to choose the set-up hexes for their units.

c) Will specify the number and GT of arrival for any reinforcements scheduled for that battle. Players should place reinforcements to the side of the map or place them on the GT RT in the GT box for the GT they will arrive.

• Consult the exclusive rules to determine the placement of support fire markers. The support fire number may be on the GTRT. The number signifies the number of support fire markers (not points) available each GT.
• The GTRT may contain other information pertinent to game play. See the exclusive rules for details.

Important: There has been a major update to the bombardment rules. Players may use these bombardment rules in previous games in the series, however, they have not been subject to play test with all games.

4.0 SEQUENCE OF PLAY

Players conduct each game in successive GTs, each turn is composed of alternate player turns. During the GT players maneuver their units and resolve combat according to the sequence outline and within the limitations provided by the rules.

4.1 Sequence Outline

Each GT consists of a First Player Turn followed by a Second Player Turn. One player takes the First Player Turn while the other player plays the Second Player Turn. The GTRT on the map and/or exclusive rules will indicate which player is the first player. Complete each player turn in the order given below. Complete each phase before beginning the following phase.

Support Fire Marker Phase: Both players organize their support fire markers as outlined in 7.0 or as dictated by the exclusive rules.

First Player Turn

Movement Phase: The current (active) player may move any number of his eligible units, as he desires within the limits and restrictions of the rules of movement (5.0), zones of control (ZOC) (6.0) and the exclusive rules. The active player may bring reinforcements onto the map as allowed by his reinforcement schedule and the reinforcement rules.

Important: Mobile units that move during this phase cannot move during the upcoming Mobile Movement Phase.

Bombardment Phase: The active player may conduct bombardment attacks against enemy units (8.1).

Combat Phase: The active player may use his units to attack enemy units (8.2).

Important: Mobile units that participate in combat during this phase cannot conduct combat during the Mobile Combat Phase.

Mobile Movement Phase: Only mobile units can move during this phase. Mobile units that moved during the preceding Movement Phase cannot move this phase. Movement in this phase is otherwise identical to the Movement Phase.

Mobile Combat Phase: Only mobile units can attack this phase. Mobile units that participated in an attack during the preceding Combat Phase cannot conduct attacks this phase. Combat in this phase is otherwise identical to the Combat Phase.

Second Player Turn

After the first player has completed his turn, the second player then conducts his turn using the same procedures and order given for the first player.

Game Turn End Phase

After the second player completes his player turn, the GT ends. If it is the last turn of the game, players determine victory. If there are turns remaining, advance the turn marker one space along the GTRT and conduct that turn using the above procedures.

5.0 MOVEMENT

5.1 Procedure

During the Movement Phase, the active player may move any number of his eligible units as he desires.

• Units may move in any direction or combination of directions, up to the limits of each unit's printed MA.
• Always move units one at a time, tracing a path of contiguous hexes through the hex grid.
• As each unit enters a hex, it pays one or more MP from its movement allowance.

5.2 Movement Restrictions

Movement cannot take place out of sequence. Neither player can conduct movement during the opposing player's Movement or Mobile Movement Phase. A player can only move units during his own Movement or Mobile Movement Phase.

• A unit:
  • a) Cannot expend more MPs than its total printed MA during any one turn.
  • b) Cannot accumulate unused MPs from phase to phase or from turn to turn, nor can players transfer MP from one unit to another unit.
  • c) Cannot enter a hex if the unit does not possess enough remaining MPs to pay for the cost to enter, as well as the cost of any hexside terrain the unit crossed.
  • d) Cannot enter a hex containing an enemy unit.
  • e) Cannot enter a prohibited terrain hex or cross a prohibited hexside.
  • f) Cannot exit the map unless specifically allowed by the exclusive rules.
• Units may have their movement affected by enemy zones of control (EZOC) (6.0).
• Players may not move a unit that has completed its movement during that same turn except as a retreat or an advance after combat.

Important: There is no minimum number of hexes a unit may move; a unit may not have enough MA to move to any adjacent hex, in which case it may not move at all.

Important: Advance and retreat may take place during a Bombardment Phase, Combat Phase or Mobile Combat Phase. Advance after combat and retreat after combat are not movement and do not require the expenditure of MP.

5.3 Stacking Restrictions

Units cannot stack.

• Only one unit can occupy a hex at the end of any phase.
• A unit may move through hexes occupied by other friendly units at no extra MP cost.
• A unit cannot end its movement stacked with any other unit.

5.4 Effects of Terrain

A unit must expend one MP to enter a clear terrain hex.

Important: Hexes may depict more than one type of terrain. In this case, use the MP expenditure of the terrain with the highest cost in MP.

• To enter other types of hexes, a unit must expend more than one MP.
• The Terrain Key or TEC (normally printed on the map) list each type of hex and hexside terrain with the corresponding MP cost for each type of terrain.

Important: The following examples may not reflect the actual terrain types or movement costs for a particular game. Consult each game's terrain effects for specific MP costs.

Example: A jungle terrain hex costs 3 MPs to enter.

• Hexsides may display other types of hexside terrain features (such as a river) that require additional movement points to cross. This cost is in addition to the cost of the terrain in the hex.

Example: A unit crosses a river (+1 MP) and enters a clear terrain hex (1 MP). The cost to enter that hex would be 2 MP.

• In hex terrain may have a "+" and a number. If that is the case, add that number to the cost of other terrain in the hex.

Example: A unit enters a clear hex (1 MP) that contains a village (+1 MP) and that unit crossed a river hexside (+1 MP). The cost to enter the hex is 3 MP.

5.4.1 Road Movement

A unit that moves from one road hex directly into an adjacent road hex through a road hexside normally expends one-half (½) of a MP, regardless of other terrain in the hex or hexside terrain. See exclusive rules for exceptions.

5.4.2 Trail Movement

A unit that moves from one trail hex directly into an adjacent trail hex through a trail hexside expends only one MP, regardless of other terrain in the hex or hexside terrain.

5.5 Mobile Movement Phase

During the Mobile Movement Phase, the active player may move any number of his eligible units as he desires, subject to the following restrictions:

• Mobile units that moved in the Movement Phase of a player turn cannot move during the Mobile Movement Phase of the same player turn.
• Leg units cannot move during the Mobile Movement Phase.
• Units moving during the Mobile Movement Phase follow the same procedures as used during the Movement Phase (5.1 through 5.4).

6.0 ZONES OF CONTROL

The six hexagons surrounding each hex constitute the zone of control (ZOC) of any unit in that hex.

Diagram: "Unit does not exert a ZOC" (counter marked with a black hexagon) and the hexes shaded in the example ZOC diagram are not reproduced.

• Zones of control extend into all types of terrain and across all types of terrain hexsides.

Exception: Games may have fortifications or other restrictions that will negate the projection of ZOC into specific hexes.

• Enemy and/or friendly units never affect the presence of ZOC.
• If an enemy and friendly ZOC extend into a hex, they have no effect upon each other, i.e., both co-exist. The ZOCs mutually affect the hex.
• If a unit is in an enemy zone of control (EZOC), the enemy unit is also in that unit's ZOC.

Example: The previous diagram shows the hexes (shaded) that are in the zone of control of the unit depicted.

• All units not marked with a black hexagon in either the upper right or the left side of the counter exert a zone of control. ZOC are always in effect, regardless of the phase or the player turn.

6.1 Effects on Movement

ZOCs inhibit the movement of enemy units.

• A leg unit that begins its movement in a hex not in an EZOC that then enters a hex in an EZOC must immediately stop its movement, regardless of the number of MP it has remaining.
• A leg unit that begins its movement in an EZOC can move directly into another hex in an EZOC by expending all its printed MA as long as the terrain is not prohibited and the unit has sufficient MA to expend for the hexside/in-hex terrain.
• Any unit that begins its movement in an EZOC can move into a hex not in an EZOC. The unit would expend the normal MP costs for that hex. It may continue movement normally.
• A leg unit must halt its movement if it later enters another EZOC.

Example 1: The 51st Infantry Regiment can move into the hexes connected by black arrows. It can move from its starting hex directly into hex 2311 or 2413.

• A mobile unit must expend half (round down) of its printed MA (plus the normal cost of terrain) when it moves into an EZOC (i.e., a unit with MA of "7" would expend three movement points to enter an EZOC).

Example 2: The 1st Cav can move into the hexes connected by black arrows.

Exception: A unit may not move from EZOC to EZOC across a minefield hexside or to enter a fortification hex; however, this restriction does not apply to commandos. Commandos never pay additional movement costs to enter or exit an EZOC.

6.2 Effects on Retreat & Advance After Combat

Units retreating after combat cannot retreat into hexes in an EZOC (8.3). Units advancing after combat ignore EZOCs (8.5).

7.0 SUPPORT FIRE MARKERS

Support fire markers represent indirect fire assets not represented in the game by actual counters. Support fire markers do not exist on the map as units; they represent the incoming fire from supporting assets.

7.1 Allocation of Support Fire Markers

Important: The exclusive rules may modify the availability and allocation of support fire markers. Players should check the exclusive rules before proceeding further.

Each side has its own pool of support fire markers, allotted by the support fire allotment number printed on each turn box of the GTRT.

• The support fire number equals the total number of support fire markers the players will receive at the beginning of that GT.
• If the allotment of support fire markers indicated on the GTRT is less than the total quantity of markers in the pool for that player's side, that player must select from the lowest-valued markers before selecting higher-valued markers. Players must select support fire markers in order from lowest to highest.
• If a box has two numbers, the first number is the support fire marker allotment for the first player, the second number is the support fire marker allotment for the second player.

Example: "8/9" printed in the first GT box indicates the first player has 8 support fire markers, and the second player 9 support fire markers.

7.2 Support Fire Application

All support fire markers function the same, though markers may have different printed "+" values (the combat modifier) and different icons.

Exception: Bombardment range (8.1.1).

• See the scenario instructions for allocation of support fire markers.
• Support fire markers used during the Bombardment Phase or any Combat Phase are not available again during the same GT.
• Once used, return support fire markers to the player's pool. They are not available for the remainder of the current GT but may be available in subsequent GTs.
• Players may not accumulate support fire markers from GT to GT. If not used during the GT allotted, players must return them to their respective pools.
• Players randomly pick support fire markers from the pool (unless scenario rules instruct otherwise) when allocated to bombardment and/or combat. Players must place them face down, meaning the "+" value is not showing.
• Players can only use a support fire marker once during each GT.
• The value represents the combat strength that players may apply to bombardments or combats that occur during the turn. Whether as the attacker or the defender, the applying player places his support fire marker(s) and then adds the support fire markers "+" number to his total attack or defense value.
• A player may not divide or split the "+" value of a support fire marker among different targets. A player may only apply each support fire marker to one target hex only.
• Combat results (bombardment and ground combat) have no effect on the allotment of support fire markers during the current or any future GT, except when stipulated differently by the exclusive rules.

Example: If two 4-4-10 units are attacking a 2-3-8 unit; the total attack value is "8". If the attacking player has added two "+2" support fire markers, the final attack value becomes "12". If the defending player has added one "+6" support fire marker to that same combat, the final defensive value would then become "9".

8.0 BOMBARDMENT & GROUND COMBAT

There are two types of combat: bombardment which takes place during the Bombardment Phase, and ground combat which takes place in the Combat or Mobile Combat Phases. The rules below apply to both bombardment and ground combat.

• The active player is the attacker and the inactive player is the defender, regardless of the strategic or tactical situation.
• Combat is not mandatory. There is no requirement for unit to attack, although a defending unit cannot avoid combat.
• A single defending unit can be the subject of an attack in each of the Bombardment, Combat and the Mobile Combat Phases; however, it can only suffer one attack in each of the above phases.
• A single attack may only attack one defending hex (i.e., attackers may not attack more than one hex during a single attack).
• There is no requirement for an attacker to declare all his intended attacks at the outset of the Bombardment or Combat Phase. He can declare each eligible attack as he reviews the map and conducts each individual attack.
• Players must resolve each attack prior to conducting any other attacks.
• The attacker can resolve attacks in any order the attacker wishes, provided he resolves each combat before declaring the next combat.

8.1 Bombardment

During the Bombardment Phase, the active player may conduct attacks using support fire markers only.

• Bombardment attacks do not require a friendly unit to be adjacent to the enemy units attacked.
• Friendly ground units do not participate in a bombardment in any way, including advance after combat. Bombardment does not affect friendly units except as outlined in 8.1.3.
• Each support fire marker may only target one enemy occupied hex.
• A maximum of two markers may bombard the same hex during the same player turn.
• Markers may be of any value from among the markers drawn from the player's pool.
• Once a player uses a marker, follow the procedures outlined in the exclusive rules to determine the marker's eligibility for reuse in a later game turn.

8.1.1 Range

A player may use support fire markers to bombard targets anywhere on the map. The exclusive rules may assign specific ranges for certain types of support fire markers.

8.1.2 Procedure

To conduct a bombardment, the active player may select any enemy unit that is in range of the support fire markers used (8.1.1). Follow the procedures below, in the given order, for each bombardment.

1. The attacker identifies the enemy unit he will bombard.

2. He may select a maximum of two support fire markers, stating the number he has selected and their total strength.

3. Calculate the combat differential by totaling the support strength value minus the total defending unit's strength value. Locate the line on the CRT that matches the terrain in the defender's hex (8.2.2).

Exception: Do not apply hexside terrain (8.2.2).

4. Next, on that line locate the column on the CRT that corresponds to the final combat differential. Roll one six-sided die and cross-reference the result within the combat differential column on the CRT. Apply the results immediately.

8.1.3 Results

Apply the results the same as ground combat with the following exceptions:

• Ae, A1, A2, A3 & Ex: Treat as no result.
• (A): Apply this result only if there is at least one unit friendly to the bombarding player adjacent to the hex bombarded (friendly fire).

8.1.4 Terrain Effects

Players may use bombardment regardless of intervening terrain or units (enemy or friendly). It is not subject to line of sight restrictions, except when stipulated differently by the exclusive rules. In all cases, the defending units benefit fully from the terrain in the hex they occupy (not hexside terrain) per the CRT.

8.1.5 Bombardment Retreat

Conduct retreat after bombardment using the procedures outlined in 8.3.

• The retreating unit must, if possible, retreat farther away from the closest enemy unit.
• If there are no enemy units on the map, the unit must retreat towards the closest friendly unit.

8.2 Ground Combat

Ground combat can only take place when friendly units are adjacent to enemy units.

• The active player may declare any number of attacks by eligible units as he wishes.
• The attacking player may decide which of his units will be participating in an attack against which defending units.
• A mobile unit cannot attack in both the Combat Phase and again in the Mobile Combat Phase of the same player turn.
• There is no requirement for all adjacent units to attack.
• Units that do not participate in one attack may participate in a later attack against another hex if the unit meets all other requirements.
• A player may attack a unit from all adjacent friendly occupied hexes.
• A unit cannot attack across a prohibited/restricted hexside or into a hex prohibited to the attacking unit.
• The type of terrain the attacking unit(s) occupy has no effect on their eligibility to attack.
• All attack and defense strengths are unitary. A player cannot divide a unit's strength among different combats, whether as the attacker or the defender. A unit may not combine its attack and defense strengths for any reason.

8.2.1 Combat Procedure

Follow the procedures below, in the given order, for each attack.

a) The attacker states the quantity and the strength of his attacking units, and the enemy unit that is the subject of the attack. Once declared, the attacking player cannot call of an attack.

b) Both players may select available support fire markers in support of the current combat. This is a five-step process:

1. The attacking player may select one support fire marker placing it value-side down near the battling units to indicate it will support that combat.

2. The defending player may then select one support fire marker placing it value-side down near the battling units to indicate it will support that combat. The defender may do this whether the attacker did or did not place a support fire marker.

3. The attacker may then select a second (one additional) support fire marker. He may do this whether either player did or did not already apply a support fire marker.

4. Finally, the defender may select a second (one additional) support fire marker. He may do this whether either player did or did not already apply any support fire markers.

5. Both players reveal their support fire marker values (flip the markers over).

Important: After each step, neither player can change his mind about having placed, or not placed, a support fire marker in a previous step.

c) Each player adds the combat strengths of his ground units and support fire markers into one total.

d) Calculate the combat differential by subtracting the defender's total from the attacker's total. Locate the line on the CRT that matches the terrain in the defender's hex, including hexside terrain. Then on that line locate the column on the CRT that corresponds to the final combat differential. Roll one six-sided die and cross-reference the result within the combat differential column on the CRT. Apply the results immediately.

8.2.2 Effects of Terrain

Only defending units benefit from the terrain in the hex they occupy and/or that hex's hexside terrain feature. The terrain within the hexes occupied by attacking units has no effect upon combat.

• Defending units do not benefit from river or ditch hexsides unless all the attacking units are attacking that defending unit across a non-bridged river or ditch hexside into that hex. If all units are attacking across a river and at least one of the units is attacking across a bridged hexside, use the bridged line on the CRT.
• The effect of terrain on combat is an integral part of the CRT. Refer to the terrain in the defending unit's hex and/or hexside and cross-reference that terrain type with the combat differential (8.2.1).

Important: Hexes may depict more than one type of terrain and may have hexsides that impact combat. In this case, use the terrain most beneficial to the defender.

Important: River hexsides contain a bridge wherever a road crosses a river. If at least one attacking unit is attacking across a bridged river hexside, that attack is an attack across a bridge (not across a river) when resolving an attack on the Combat Results Table (CRT).

8.2.3 Fortifications

If a game includes fortifications (whether printed, or as counters), the following applies to any unit occupying a hex containing a fortification:

• Double the printed defense strength of a unit.
• Halve (round down) the combat modifier (the "+" value) of an attacker's support fire marker when applied to a fortification hex.
• This rule does not apply to support fire markers applied by the defending player.

8.2.4 Combat Resolution

The combat results listed on the CRT are as follows:

• De: Eliminate the defending unit(s).
• D3: The defending unit(s) must retreat three hexes.
• D2: The defending unit(s) must retreat two hexes.
• Ex: Flip one attacking unit and the defending unit to their depleted side (or eliminate if already depleted or a one-step unit). Among multiple attacking units, the attacker chooses the unit to deplete.
• A1: The attacking unit(s) must retreat one hex.
• A2: The attacking unit(s) must retreat two hexes.
• A3: The attacking unit(s) must retreat three hexes.
• (A): Deplete one adjacent unit (or eliminate it if already depleted or a one-step unit). If conducting bombardment, this result applies if friendly unit is adjacent to enemy unit being bombarded.
• Ae: Eliminate all attacking units.
• • : No Effect.

* Note: The retreating player may choose to ignore his retreat requirement by declaring stiff resistance and depleting his unit instead (8.4).

** Note: On a De, or Ae result, eliminate all units. Do not deplete two-step units, eliminate them.

Important: If the combat result is a retreat, the retreating player retreats his own units in accordance with the retreat rules (8.3).

8.3 Retreat

When a combat result requires a unit to retreat, the owning player must immediately attempt to move that unit the indicated number of hexes away from its current hex. A retreat is not movement and does not require the expenditure of movement points.

Important: If a rule states that a unit is to deplete, eliminate the unit will if already depleted or is a one-step unit.

• If a unit cannot retreat at least one hex (for any reason), eliminate the retreating unit (this does not nullify the retreat).
• A unit should (if possible) end its retreat closer (in hexes) to a friendly map edge (or a friendly source of supply).
• If possible, a retreating unit must retreat along a path of vacant hexes (not occupied by other friendly units). A unit may retreat through friendly occupied hexes if no other retreat route of vacant hexes is possible. See 8.3.1 for effects.
• Under no circumstances may a unit retreat into or through a hex occupied by an enemy unit or a hex in an EZOC.

Important: Friendly units and friendly units with a ZOC into a hex do not negate any EZOC into that same hex for the purposes of retreat.

• A unit may not retreat into or through prohibited terrain (an all-sea hex).
• Seaborne units required to retreat to a sea hex must deplete (scenario rules will identify units that may be seaborne and may supersede this rule).
• A unit that must retreat must stop its retreat the number of hexes away required by the combat result retreat number (from its original combat hex). If the unit can retreat at least one hex but cannot retreat the required number of hexes for any reason, deplete the unit in the last hex to which it can legally retreat. If depleted, then eliminate the unit.
• Unless specifically stated in exclusive scenario rules, units may not retreat off the map.

8.3.1 Displacement

If a retreating unit's only available final hex in a retreat path is occupied by another friendly unit, the retreating player may choose to displace (move) that other friendly unit from its hex to one adjacent hex as if that other friendly unit was also retreating because of combat.

• Displacement is voluntary; a retreating unit unable to retreat because of the presence of other friendly units may deplete instead of displacing a friendly unit.
• A retreating unit may not displace a friendly unit if any eligible vacant hex is available.
• Displacements cannot be into a prohibited hex, into an EZOC, or into a hex in which the displaced unit would stack with another unit.
• After the displaced unit has moved, the retreating unit may retreat into the displaced unit's formerly occupied hex.
• A displaced unit can displace another friendly unit using the same procedure.
• The displacement of units may continue until all units are in a hex that does not contain a friendly unit.
• A given unit may displace more than once in a phase.
• An attacker's displaced unit is ineligible to conduct an attack during the remainder of the attacker's turn.
• A retreating unit does not displace a friendly unit when moving through that other unit's hex during a retreat, but only if ending a retreat in the other unit's hex.

8.4 Stiff Resistance

Instead of obeying a retreat combat result, a player may declare stiff resistance. The player makes this decision after the combat die roll. A player may use stiff resistance when defending against bombardment and ground combat.

• When declaring stiff resistance, there is no requirement to retreat.
• The unit conducting stiff resistance is immediately depleted. If the attacker declares stiff resistance, any unit that does not retreat must suffer depletion.
• A player may opt to declare a depleted or one-step unit to offer stiff resistance to avoid the retreat combat result. The player must eliminate the depleted or one-step unit and still fulfill the requirements of the stiff resistance. This prevents any advance after combat into that combat hex (8.5).

8.5 Advance After Combat

A player can only advance after combat following a retreat combat result on an attacked (defending) enemy unit (i.e., D2 or D3). Advance after combat does not take place after an Ex or De result.

• A defending unit may never advance after combat.
• There is no advance after combat when conducting a bombardment.
• When an enemy unit retreats due to combat, it will leave a path of vacant hexes behind it, called the path of retreat. If a unit was unable to retreat the required number of hexes, the retreat path is the last hex into which the retreating unit could legally retreat. This includes units when unable to complete the entire retreat (8.3).
• Any or all units that participated in the combat that caused the retreat are then eligible to advance along the path of retreat.
• The decision to advance after combat must come immediately after the retreat is complete.
• Advance after combat is voluntary and the owning player always determines which units and how far they advance.
• Advancing units ignore all EZOC along the entire path of retreat.
• Unit(s) advancing after combat may end their movement in any of the hex(s) along the path of retreat, but they may not stray from the path of retreat while moving.
• If multiple units advance after combat, no more than one unit may end its movement in any one hex of the path of retreat.
• After an advance after combat, an advancing unit is not eligible to attack or perform any other activity during that player turn (unless specified otherwise by an exclusive rule).
• An advanced unit is subject to attack by any eligible enemy units in the immediately following enemy Combat Phase, just like any other unit.

9.0 SUPPLY

There are no supply rules (unless otherwise noted in a specific game's exclusive rules). All units are always in supply. Isolated or surrounded units suffer no penalties.

Combat Results Table (Fire & Movement System)

This is the standard system chart as printed in the system rules. The Showdown exclusive rules use their own printed CRT (section 17.0 page of the exclusive rules, reproduced at the end of this rulebook); it differs from this one only in the Mountain row, which adds a −1 column.

Defender Terrain	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12
Mountain	0	+1	+2,+3	+4,5	+6,7	+8,9	+10
City, Rough, River	−2	−1	0	+1	+2,+3

Reader's note: the chart is laid out as a grid, so the column numbers above are only for alignment. The die-roll table below uses the same column positions as the terrain row differentials.

Die Roll	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12
1	(A)	A3	A2	•	Ex	Ex	D2	D2	D2	D3	De	De
2	(A)	(A)	A3	A2	•

• Attacks at less than the lowest differential are resolved at the lowest differential.
• Attacks at greater than +10 are resolved as +10 attacks.
• When conducting bombardment treat the results in Bold as No Effect.
• De**: The defending unit is eliminated.
• D3*: The defending unit must retreat three hexes.
• D2*: The defending unit must retreat two hexes.
• Ex: One attacking unit and one defending unit must be flipped to their reduced side. If already reduced or is a one-step unit the unit is eliminated. Among multiple attacking units, the attacker chooses the unit to deplete/eliminate.
• A1*: All attacking units must retreat one hex.
• A2*: All attacking units must retreat two hexes.
• A3*: All attacking units must retreat three hexes.
• (A): One attacking unit must be reduced. If unit is already reduced or a one-step unit it is eliminated. Among multiple attacking units, the attacker chooses the unit to reduce/eliminate. If conducting bombardment, this result only applies if a friendly unit is adjacent to the enemy unit being bombarded.
• Ae**: All attacking units eliminated.
• • : No Effect.

Showdown Exclusive Rules

The following are the Showdown Exclusive Rules (Version 2F, 2023), which are read together with the Fire & Movement System Rules above.

Components include: Fire & Movement System Rules; Showdown Exclusive Rules; 17×22-inch map; 120 1/2-inch counters.

10.0 EXCLUSIVE RULES

10.1 Introduction

Showdown simulates a hypothetical invasion of Pakistan by India sometime in the future, with the possibility of a nuclear exchange. The scenario accounts for current strategic doctrines, and assumes nuclear weapons use, or at least the threat of nuclear weapons use and the effect of that threat on both the Indian and Pakistani military.

Each game turn (GT) represents one to three days, units are divisions with some brigades. Each hex represents 26km/16 miles.

Unit type symbols:

• Armor
• Infantry
• Mechanized Infantry
• Artillery
• Engineer
• Mountain Infantry
• Composite: Composite units represent a combined arms combat group of divisional size.
• Surface to Air Missile (SAM)

10.2 First Player

The Indian player is the first player (3.0).

10.3 Reinforcements

There are no reinforcements when playing Showdown. The game represents only the first few weeks of an Indian invasion. The units that are to participate in the invasion are assumed to have already been mobilized before the game has begun.

10.4 Unit Types

Units represented in the game are composite units representing a combination of tank, mechanized or motorized infantry, and various other supporting arms.

10.4.1 Mountain Units

The two Indian 4-4-3 mountain units treat mountain hexes as clear terrain when:

a) Attacking into a mountain hex; or,

b) Moving into or through a mountain hex.

Important: Treat mountain hexes normally when mountain units are defending in a mountain hex.

11.0 SURFACE TO AIR MISSILES (SAMS)

SAM units function normally in all respects, except they may be used to nullify and/or eliminate support fire and nuclear weapons.

Important: Indian SAM units are mobile combat units; Pakistani SAM units are leg combat units.

• SAM units do not exert a ZOC.
• SAM units have an attack strength of zero. SAM units may not participate in an attack.
• SAM units defend normally.
• SAM units are one-sided; they may be bombarded and/or attacked normally.
• In addition to the attack, defense, and movement allowance (MA), each SAM unit is also printed with a range rating (red number in white hexagon).
• Range is the number of hexes from the SAM unit's hex to a target hex where the enemy player is using an aircraft support fire marker or nuclear weapon marker. Do not count the hex containing the SAM unit, do count the target hex.
• Each SAM unit may only attempt to nullify one aircraft support fire marker or nuclear weapon marker per Combat Phase.

Example: A SAM unit could make four attempts to nullify support fire markers and/or a nuclear weapons marker during each GT (i.e., one attempt in the Indian Combat Phase, one attempt in the Indian Mobile Combat Phase, one attempt in the Pakistani Combat Phase and one attempt in the Pakistani Mobile Combat Phase).

• Multiple SAM units may attempt to nullify the same support fire marker or nuclear weapon marker; however, all attempts for each target hex must be declared prior to determining the result of any attempt.

11.1 Firing a SAM Unit

Whenever a player applies an aircraft support fire marker (any support fire marker with a jet aircraft printed on that counter) or a nuclear weapon marker, the enemy player may fire any SAM unit(s) within range of the hex where the aircraft support fire marker or nuclear weapon marker is being applied (even if on the SAM unit itself).

• The firing player then rolls 1d6 for each SAM unit firing at that target hex. If the result of the die roll (DR) is a 1−2, that aircraft support fire marker or nuclear weapon marker is permanently removed from the game. Any other result has no effect.
• Nullified aircraft support fire markers or nuclear weapon markers do not participate in an attack, bombardment, or nuclear attack.

Important: SAM fire only eliminates aircraft support fire markers and nuclear weapons markers. They have no effect on other type support fire markers.

• After each SAM unit is fired (regardless of the result) the SAM unit is flipped over to show its Fired side.
• After all combat has been resolved in the current Combat Phase, both players flip all fired SAMs back to their combat side. They are eligible to be fired in any ensuing Combat Phase.

There is no limit (other than the total allotted markers) to the number of nuclear attacks each player may make per GT.

• When a nuclear weapon marker is placed in a hex, the enemy player may first attempt to fire any SAM unit(s) within range of that hex.
• If the nuclear weapon marker is not nullified, the weapon is detonated.

12.0 NUCLEAR ARSENAL

Before beginning the game, the Indian and Pakistani player must each secretly roll 1d6 to determine the quantity of nuclear weapon markers each player will receive.

• The Indian player adds 2 to his DR.
• The Pakistani player adds 4 to his DR.
• The net result of each roll is the total number of nuclear weapon markers the Indian and Pakistani players are allotted for use during the game after nuclear war is triggered.

12.1 Triggering Nuclear War

Neither player may use any nuclear weapon marker until nuclear war has been triggered.

Important: The Indian player may not use a nuclear weapon marker until the Pakistani player has used at least one nuclear weapon marker. This is true even if the Pakistani nuclear weapon was nullified.

• At the beginning of the Pakistani's player turn, if the Indian player occupies (has one non-SAM combat unit) at least one Pakistani city (not town), nuclear war may be triggered.
• Prior to conducting any phases in the Pakistani player turn, the Pakistani player may roll one six-sided die. If the result of the DR is equal to or less than the number of Pakistani cities that are currently occupied by at least one Indian unit, the Pakistani player may use any, or all nuclear weapons allotted to him (12.0) during any Pakistani Combat Phase.

Important: The Pakistani player is not required to conduct the DR, nor is he required to conduct a nuclear attack.

• Once a nuclear weapon weapon has been used, it is expended permanently and may not be re-used nor re-allotted.

12.2 Using a Nuclear Weapon

To use any nuclear weapon marker, the owning player may place the marker in any hex.

Exception: Neither player may place a nuclear weapon marker in:

1. A city or town within his own country, even if occupied by any enemy unit.

2. In any hex that is occupied by a friendly unit.

12.3 Nuclear Weapon Effects

When a nuclear weapon is detonated (survives any SAM fire), the owning player rolls 1d6; if the result is a 1, the nuclear weapon malfunctions and has no effect.

• Malfunctioning nuclear weapons are permanently eliminated.
• If the nuclear weapon did not malfunction:

1. Any enemy unit in the target hex is immediately eliminated.

2. The target hex becomes irradiated and is permanently prohibited to all units' movement (into or through) for the remainder of the game.

• ZOCs do not extend into irradiated hexes.

13.0 CEASE FIRE HEXES

If a unit of either side attempts to enter a cease fire hex (Terrain Key), the owning player must determine the number of movement points (MP) the unit must expend to enter that hex.

• This procedure is conducted in both the Movement Phase and Mobile Movement Phase.
• The owning player must declare the cease fire hex the unit is moving into.
• The player then roll one six-sided die, the result is the number of MP the unit must expend to enter the hex.
• No matter the result (even if the result is greater than the unit's remaining MP) the unit then enters the hex.
• If after expending the required MP the unit has remaining MP, the unit may continue moving (including into another cease fire hex).
• If the result is greater than or equal to the unit's remaining MP, the unit must cease movement in the hex.
• Each unit, that enters a cease fire hex, must conduct this procedure, even if a previously moved unit entered the same cease fire hex.

14.0 BRIDGES & RIVER CROSSINGS

The instant any Indian unit enters a hex within Pakistan that is adjacent to a bridge hexside, and that hex is within the movement range (in terms of hexes, not MP) of any non-SAM Pakistani unit, the Pakistani player may (the Pakistani player is not required to attempt bridge demolition) attempt to demolish that bridge.

Important: The Pakistani player may not attempt to demolish any bridge that began the current GT adjacent to any Indian unit.

• Beginning the next GT, the Pakistani player may attempt to demolish the bridge again, if all the requirements in 10.0 are met.

(In the printed sheet this bullet falls at the top of the following column; it is placed here, after the note it continues.)

• The Indian player must temporarily halt the unit's movement.
• The Pakistani player then declares if a bridge demolition attempt will be made.
• If no attempt is made, or if it is determined there is not an eligible Pakistani unit within range, the Indian player may continue moving the unit normally.
• If there is a Pakistani unit in range and the Pakistani player wishes to attempt the demolition, the Pakistani player rolls 1d6, if the result is a 1−3 the bridge is demolished.
• The Pakistani player then places a bridge demolished marker pointing towards the now demolished bridge hexside.
• A demolished bridge remains demolished for the remainder of the game unless an Indian engineer unit repairs the bridge.
• A demolished bridge immediately becomes a river hexside. All normal combat and movement restrictions then apply to that hexside, as if a normal river.

Example: An Indian unit moves into hex 3719. The Pakistani player declares that an attempt to demolish the bridge will be made. There is Pakistani tank unit (six MP) in hex 3914. The Pakistani unit is within six hexes of 3719, and thus is eligible to make the attempt. The Pakistani player rolls one six-sided die, with a result of 2. The bridge is demolished.

14.1 Bridge Repair

At the beginning of (prior to moving any units) of the Indian Movement Phase and/or Mobile Movement Phase, the Indian player may attempt to repair any demolished bridge that is within the movement range (14.0) of an Indian engineer unit.

The Indian player may not repair a bridge hexside that adjoins a Pakistani occupied hex, or a hex that is in the ZOC of a Pakistani unit.

• Indian engineer units may attempt to repair any number of bridges that meet the above requirements. Only one attempt per bridge per GT may be conducted.
• For each eligible bridge the Indian player wishes to repair, the Indian player rolls 1d6. 4−6: the attempt succeeds.
• The engineer unit may not move in the Movement Phase in which a bridge repair was attempted.
• A repaired bridge may not be demolished in the same GT it was repaired.

14.2 River Crossing

At the beginning of (prior to moving any units) the Indian Movement Phase and/or Mobile Movement Phase, the Indian player may declare that an engineer unit is placing a temporary bridge across one (and only one per GT) river hexside if that hexside:

1. Is within the movement range (10.1) of an Indian engineer unit; and,

2. Has one of the hexes adjoining the hexside occupied by an Indian unit.

• Each engineer unit may only have one temporary bridge in place at a time.

Important: The engineer unit may not attempt bridge repair and conduct temporary bridge operations in the same GT. The Indian player may not place a temporary bridge across a hexside that adjoins a Pakistani occupied hex or hex in a Pakistani ZOC.

• The temporary bridge may be used in both the current Movement Phase and ensuing Mobile Movement Phase of the current GT.
• The engineer unit may move during the Movement/Mobile Phases and continue to provide the temporary bridge if, the engineer unit remains within its movement range of the designated hexside.
• A temporary bridge allows Indian units to:

1. Treat the hexside as a bridge for movement purposes, including connecting with a road in either or both adjoining hexes.

2. Retreat across the river hexside.

• Pakistani units may use a temporary bridge to attack and advance after combat during either Combat Phase. If used in this manner the temporary bridge is removed after the current combat is resolved.
• Pakistani units cannot use a temporary bridged hexside for movement during a Movement or Mobile Movement Phase.
• If at the end of any Combat or Movement Phase, a Pakistani unit occupies at least one adjoining hex, the temporary bridge is immediately removed.
• Demolished bridges cannot be repaired using this procedure.
• The Indian player should place the bridged marker pointing towards the bridged hexside.
• The Indian player may remove a temporary bridge at any time, including prior to constructing another temporary bridge at the beginning of a Movement or Mobile Movement Phase.

15.0 SFM BOMBARDMENT RANGE

Players allocate support fire markers as per 7.1.

15.1 SFM Restrictions

When conducting bombardment or ground attack, player may select the SFM marker(s) they will use as per 8.1 and 8.2.1.

• All SFM with an aircraft icon may be used anywhere on the map (they do not have a limiting range).
• All other SFM markers may conduct bombardment against targets that are up to two hexes (one intervening hex) distant from a friendly unit.

16.0 SCENARIO SET UP

All SFM are placed aside. Place the GT marker in the 1 Box on the Game Turn Record Track.

• The Pakistani player places one 1-3-2 infantry unit in Jammu (hex 3821) and one 1-3-2 in Srinagar (hex 4221).
• Stacking restrictions (5.3) are in affect.
• No units of either side may be set up within the Cease Fire Zone.
• Set up of all remaining ground units is conducted one unit at a time, starting with the Pakistani player as follows:

1. The Pakistani player places one unit on the map in any hex within Pakistan.

2. The Indian player places two units on the map in any hex with India.

3. Players continue to alternate as per 1) and 2) until all Indian units are placed on the map.

4. The Pakistan player then places all remaining Pakistani units on the map as per 1).

16.1 Game Length

Use of nuclear weapons may increase international pressure to end the war prior to either side gaining their objectives.

• The length of the scenario is decreased by one GT for each successfully detonated Pakistani nuclear weapon (Indian nuclear weapons have no effect on game length).
• Each time the Pakistani player detonates a nuclear weapon, move the GT marker one box to the left, thus shortening the game by one GT.
• If at any time during a GT, the marker is moved into the current GT, the game ends immediately (no further actions by either player are allowed).

17.0 VICTORY CONDITIONS

Victory is determined at the end of the last GT.

• Indian Victory: The Indian player wins the game if four cities within Pakistan (not towns) are occupied by Indian units and no towns or cities in India are Pakistani occupied.
• Draw: If the Indian units occupy four cities (not towns) in Pakistan and any Indian town or city is occupied by Pakistani units, the game is a draw.
• Pakistani Victory: If Indian units do not occupy at least four cities in Pakistan and at least two Indian towns or cities are occupied by Pakistani units, the Pakistani player wins the game.

Combat Results Table (Showdown)

This is the Showdown CRT as printed on the last page of the exclusive rules, and it is the chart used in this game. Compared with the system chart above, the die-roll grid is identical and the Mountain row adds a −1 column.

Defender Terrain	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12
Mountain	−1	0	+1	+2,+3	+4,5	+6,7	+8,9	+10
City, Rough, River	−2	−1	0	+1	+2,+3

Die Roll	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12
1	(A)	A3	A2	•	Ex	Ex	D2	D2	D2	D3	De	De
2	(A)	(A)	A3	A2	•

• Attacks at less than the lowest differential are resolved at the lowest differential.
• Attacks at greater than +10 are resolved as +10 attacks.
• When conducting bombardment treat the results in Bold as No Effect.
• De**: The defending unit is eliminated.
• D3*: The defending unit must retreat three hexes.
• D2*: The defending unit must retreat two hexes.
• Ex: One attacking unit and one defending unit must be flipped to their reduced side. If already reduced or is a one-step unit the unit is eliminated. Among multiple attacking units, the attacker chooses the unit to deplete/eliminate.
• A1*: All attacking units must retreat one hex.
• A2*: All attacking units must retreat two hexes.
• A3*: All attacking units must retreat three hexes.
• (A): One attacking unit must be reduced. If unit is already reduced or a one-step unit it is eliminated. Among multiple attacking units, the attacker chooses the unit to reduce/eliminate. If conducting bombardment, this result only applies if a friendly unit is adjacent to the enemy unit being bombarded.
• Ae**: All attacking units eliminated.
• • : No Effect.