Today in several games a player stood The Atom on a desk and said he had a 22 defense in melee, which pretty much stopped it ever getting hit (as if he needed the extra help there)

I'm pretty sure I'm in the right here but will need confirmation to print 'n' show as proof next time - you only get a benefit from the desk when CARRYING it via Super Strength, correct?

I've had a similar argument...you only get the benefit if....if you are carrying it. Think about it...if Ulik successfully hits someone and then says...oh yeah...the coke machine gives me an additional point of damage, and he wasn't carrying it in the first place...it doesn't count. Hope this helps.

Correct. You have to actually be carrying the Desk to gain the benefit from it. And the desk is destroyed if it is used for the +1 DV bonus.

Actually, it's a +2 DV bonus.

http://www.wizkidsgames.com/heroclix...ects_Rules.pdf

I hope the correction didn't comes across as snotty, P-lover.

I forgot the smiley face.

My bad. But the rest of it was correct....

Here's a question: when do you state how you're using the desk?

For example, if Doc Samson picks up the desk, does he now state either "I am using the desk as a normal light object" or "I am using the desk for defense"?

Or does he wait until someone is about to attack him before choosing how to use the desk? And can he switch? For example, if he gets attacked by Destiny (who can't possibly hit or hurt him) can he change from a defensive desk (which will be destroyed) to a normal light object? Or am I misinterpreting that the desk is destroyed whenever it is used for defense?

And can Doc Samson change after he sees the die rolls? For example, if Silver Surfer barely hits Doc Samson who is carrying the desk as a normal light object, can Doc then say, "Oh, I guess I hid behind the desk then, so you missed"?

You can choose to use the desk defensively when you are attacked, but you must choose before the dice are rolled.

In other words, while holding it, it is just an object, period. If you make a close combat attack, you MUST use it as a light object.

If someone attacks you, you may choose to use it as a shield. But, as I said above, you must do so before the dice are rolled.

When the attack is announced the bearer of the desk decides to use it and can not take his decision back. If it is used the desk is destroyed, even if the attacker did not hit (not even if he rolled snake eyes, lol).

Heimdall

Yeah, that's the worst thing about it. Even if they miss, your desk is gone.