Unlike other phases of the game, the combat phase offers both sides a chance to inflict damage, although it is the player whose turn it is who will be the one choosing the order of the combats.

All close combats must be resolved during this phase – a unit in combat cannot choose not to fight, for whatever reason.

Most combats involve a single unit fighting a single opposing unit, so that's what we will discuss first. Sometimes however, you'll end up with a multiple close combat where there is more than one unit fighting on one or both sides. Multiple close combats have some additional rules, which you will find discussed towards the end of the chapter. As all the rules for a normal close combat also apply to a multiple close combat, you'll probably find it easier (and clearer) if you just work your way through the section.