We've all run into those times where the LOF looks difficult to rule on, no matter how objective we may be.

In these instances, the fishing line, shoelace, etc. is broken out, and now our imperfect eye has to gauge LOF while "aided" by folds in the map and the lack of a simple dot printed in the center of each square to judge LOF from.

However, simple geometry can help in several circumstances, and I'm going to discuss two.

In these examples, A is Attacker, B is some form of Blocker to LOF, T is the target, and X'x are non-blocking terrain.

Know your diagonals and follow them EXAMPLE:

AXXXXXX
B1XXXXX
XX2XXXX
XXX3XXX
XXXX4XX
XXXXTLX

1,2,3,and 4 are the squares that proceed directly down the diagonal to L, a legal target square for A. Viewed on a map however, it may appear to some that T may actually be in LOF to A, but if you know your diagonals, you will know this is not possible. A's LOF will, no matter how it looks with a line, stray into the B square.

The situation is above is made even harder to gauge when the distances are increased.

Know that if both figures back away from a diagonal adjacent corner in an identical, but mirror-opposite manner, there is LOF between those figs unless other terrain is in the way EXAMPLE:

AXXXXX
XXXXXX
XXXXXX
XX1XXX
XXB2XX
XXXXXX
XXXXXX
XXXXXT

A wants to shoot at T, but we can't use our diagonal principle above. Before we resort to our biased eye and taut line drawn across an imperfect map, let's look at the geometry here. We can all agree that 1 and 2 have LOF to each other. If we move vertically three squares from 1 (up) and 2 (down) and then horizontally two squares (1 moving to the left, 2 moving to the right), then we can see our attacker and target have moved in an identical but mirror-opposite path. There is absolutely LOF between these figs.

Hope this helps. Sorry it's wordy, if you can quote it, parasimplify it, and post it, that would be helpful.

What would be even better is if some could a) show me how to code my diagrams so they match the map proportions, or b) copy and paste the post with the diagram coded in.

Thanks,

Jim

Here ya go man:
1:
2.

Just hit the 'Quote' button to see how it's done man.

Clixer, I use both these methods extensively (far more often than string) and can vouch for their usefulness. Unfortuantely, people seem to not understand and grouse some of the time.

I haven't won fellowship in forever. :P

There is a diagram available online with the FAQ our judges use them all the time,they have every LOF you can get on them.Just print one off and keep it with your maps.Saves so much time and no bickering

Thanks for the tip, clixer11! I'll admit that I needed to read your post a couple of times before it sank in, but Mathmatics and Geometry have never been my strong suits. 'll definately apply this technique, as many times I am too lazy to reach for string.

Here's a method that my friends and I have used - sorry if it's just something that people are like, "Well, duh!"

This helps out on shorter ranged attacks, mostly. But take a look at this diagram:

(A is still attacker, T is Target, B Blocking.)
If we count the squares between A and T (6), then half it, we get 3 squares. So LOF Intersects at the farthest point of the 3rd Square from each figure in question. (Where the bottom of "B" Intersects with the top of "1".) So in the above diagram, there is no LOF - LOF travels through B. However, if the Blocking terrain is here:

Then there is LOF, b/c the line of fire would pass exactly at the point where 1 touches 2, without overlapping B.
This doesn't really have to do with those tricky diagonal LOF issues, but it helps on more straight-on ranged attacks.

Again, sorry if this is common knowledge, but it has helped in our games.

And thanks for the tip on the coding, Psylocke'sLover!

Now that I think about it, that's probubly the same exact principle in practice. If we look at your original diagram of the figures further apart:

And use the method I spoke of, there are 6 squares between Attacker and target on the Y axis (Vertically). There are 4 squares between them on the X axis (Horizontally). So 2 squares to A's right, and 3 down puts us at square one. Two squares to the left of "T", then 3 squares up puts us at square 2. Viola! Clear LOF. Which in a roundabout way, is pretty much your method.

So I guess it's a matter of "you say tomayto, I say tomahto..."

What the heck is LOF

Line Of Fire

ah

Well, since you are on the topic, there is a LOF question that I have wondered about.

OK, LOF is blocked by a stealthed character (excluding and Ultimates thing) and when you draw line of fire, you are drawing it from the center of your square to the center of the target square. If these are true then it stands to reason that LOF is blocked to all defenders in the diagram below.
A is the attacker, S is the stealthed defender and 1-5 are the other defending characters

XXXXX
AXXXX
XXXXX
XXSXX
XX1XX
XX2XX
XX3XX
XX4XX
XX5XX

Hopefully, the diagram comes out clearly. Basically S blocks LOF to 1 and 1 blocks it to 2, etc. If you look at it on an actual game, it looks so absurd. In looking at it, you think, Jeez, I oughta be able to hit ONE of these guys! Anyway, let me know if my understanding is correct

sebsee-- yo9u are correct (and yes, it looks absurd!)

sebee, that it is one of the more refined and devastating tactics in the game, especially with Figs that have Charge and RS that take their actions and open up all kinds of LOF lanes...

Just...avoid LE Annihilus at all costs

Wow, that last one looks ridiculous but may be effective.

3 with TK
5 with MC

4 moves out of 5 LOF so 5 MC A and brings it for 1-2 to get nice with him, then 3 TK 4 back to its place.