Lateral movement

[Jack Rabid]

On 6 out of 8 of the track sections (i.e. not starting section or the one directly across from it), it becomes unclear whether moving across the track toward the inside line is lateral movement or back blocking, just due to the nature of forcing an oval out of hexes.  This is especially troublesome if you’re looking at the first and second row back from a blue strip (assuming you’re moving in the derby direction).  If you look from the perspective of the forward strip, it’s pretty clearly lateral movement.  If you look from the perspective of the strip behind, it looks like you’re moving clockwise.

Is there a rule of thumb?  We’ve had a couple of eyebrows raised as to the legality of blocks to the inside in these rows and would love an official clarification.

[Jack Rabid]

(sorry, that should have read clockwise blocking, not back blocking in the first sentence)

[Niki HammondKey Master]

Here’s a simple check:

Obviously if you’re getting closer to the blue row in front of you, you’re going counter-clockwise, and if you’re getting further away from the blue row in front of you, you’re going clockwise.

If you’re moving parallel to the blue row in front of you and toward the outside line, you’re going counter-clockwise.

If you’re moving parallel to the blue row in front of you and toward the inside line, you’re going clockwise.

If this sounds arbitrary, I can assure you that there is math to back it up. Detailed explanation available upon request. =)

[Niki HammondKey Master]

By the way, the above applies to the 6 “curved” sections of the track, not the two straightaways.

[Jack Rabid]

Thanks!

[Author]

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