Rule 22. NAVAL INTERCEPTION AND COMBAT

All good things must come to an end. The moving player may conduct naval activities and counter-intercept; the defender may intercept the moving player’s naval activities and (in rare cases) counter-counter-intercept the moving player’s counter-interceptions. Counter-counter-counter interceptions are prohibited, both because they almost never arise and because the word is too hard to say.

Interception Table - 22.23
Dice	Activity Being Intercepted
1	Raiders moving to and returning from an SW box; intercepting naval forces (counter-interceptions from port and by defensive patrols).
2	Base changes, patrols, fast carrier missions, NRs of naval units, displaced naval units, naval units returning to base.
4	Sea supply, sea transports, seaborne invasions, shore bombardment, sea escort.
8	Patrols which attempt to remain in their patrol hex for the combat phase.
Modifiers
Extrinsic factors:
+#	Each air squadron which spots the naval activity (22.231A). Maximum +3.
+1	Codebreaking (22.231B). Maximum +1
If the intercepting force:
-1	Contains slow ships and does not contain an operational fast carrier (22.232A).
-2	Consists of submarines (22.232B).
-2	Is based in a non-operational port (22.232C) (EXCEPTION: Submarines).
If the intercepted force:
-1	Consists of fewer than 10 naval factors (22.232D).
+1	Is conducting a seaborne invasion or shore bombardment in its invasion hex (22.231C).
+2	Is counter-intercepted in an interception hex (22.231D).
Explanation: The number of dice rolled for naval interception is determined by the applicable situation. In the Pacific theater, the result is halved (round up).
Patrols: Naval units on offensive patrol, including patrolling submarines, do not roll dice to counter-intercept. Instead they may move up to three hexes towards an interception hex to support a friendly naval force which has been intercepted by enemy naval forces (22.162, 22.232B).

This rule is required to eliminate a trick on the part of the opponent: if a player attempts to invert a large intercepting naval force which fails to reach its target in its initial attempt by counter-intercepting it with a token force, the intercepting player may choose to use only one or two named ships to eliminate the harassing force, so his remaining forces are eligible to intercept other enemy activities later in that player turn.

22.27 Naval units which fail to intercept or which abandon their interception attempt prior to reaching their interception hex return to their original base, are subject to attack or counter-interception by enemy air or naval units en route, and are not inverted once they reach their base unless they participate in naval combat while returning to base. They may not attempt additional interceptions until a subsequent phase.
22.28 INTERCEPTIONS NOT MUTUALLY SUPPORTING: Intercepting naval forces may not assist another intercepting naval force which is counter-intercepted.
22.29 ABORTING NAVAL ACTIVITIES: A naval force may abort its naval activity only if:
A. It is attacked by enemy air units or submarines or is engaged in naval combat by intercepting enemy naval units.
B. A friendly naval force with which it was to combine to carry out its naval activity aborted or was eliminated after being attacked by enemy air units or submarines or after engaging in naval combat with intercepting enemy naval units. A naval force is not compelled to abort its activity if a friendly force with which it was to combine aborted or was eliminated.
22.291 Naval forces which abort and return to base may be attacked by enemy air units or submarines or intercepted by uncommitted enemy naval forces which did not previously attempt interceptions during that phase. Naval forces which abort are inverted once they reach their base.
22.292 If a naval force containing transports aborts its naval activity, contemporaneous naval operations involving transports to the destination supply zone are unaffected, but no transports may be used for naval operations relating to the destination supply zone for the remainder of the player turn (21.315).

22.3 NAVAL COMBAT:
22.31 OVERVIEW: There are two forms of naval combat.
A. CARRIER COMBAT: Naval combat which involves fast carriers on one or both sides is referred to as carrier combat.
B. FLEET COMBAT: Naval combat between non-carrier naval units is referred to as fleet combat.
22.32 All naval forces engaged in a naval battle are placed in the interception hex, where all rounds of naval combat then take place (EXCEPTION: Submarine attacks - 22.915).
22.33 Naval combat is resolved in a series of combat rounds, each of which may consist of one or more of the following:
A. Carrier-based air strikes against land bases.
B. Carrier-based air strikes against enemy naval forces.
C. Land-based air strikes against naval forces.
D. Fleet combat.
22.34 The sequence of air strikes and fleet combat is repeated until one side or the other entirely withdraws or is completely eliminated. Withdrawal from a naval battle is not permitted until some form of combat occurs (22.62).
22.35 COUNTER-INTERCEPTIONS: If the moving player counter-intercepts an intercepting naval force, the intercepting and the counter-intercepting naval force are placed in the counter-interception hex and the procedure outlined above is followed. The naval force originally intercepted does not participate in this naval battle unless the counter-interception occurs in the interception hex (22.161).
22.36 LAND-BASED AIR:
22.361 Eligible land-based air units (22.433) within range of a naval battle may participate by:
A. Being attacked by carrier-based naval air units (all air units).
B. Providing air cover for a friendly naval force (cover AAS and NAS).
C. Searching (search AAS and NAS).
D. Attacking an enemy naval force (attack AAS and NAS).
22.362 Land‑based air units may not attack enemy air or naval bases in the course of naval combat.
22.363 Army air units participate in naval combat as squadrons (23.13).
22.37 SIMPLIFIED NAVAL COMBAT: Certain naval battles may be resolved without the need for combat groups, search and possible surprise:
22.371 ONE COMBAT GROUP: Fleet combat is immediate, without the need for search rolls, if each side has only one combat group, with no possibility of reinforcement (22.25), and neither side has any land-based air, fast carriers, or submarines involved in the battle.
22.372 RAIDERS: Naval combat involving raiders in an SW box is resolved as follows:
A. Each force forms a single combat group, regardless of size.
B. Each combat group is deemed to have found the other. Neither combat group is surprised.
C. Any carrier air strikes are resolved.
D. A single round of fleet combat is resolved.
E. Attacks against transports by raiders which did not engage in naval combat are resolved. This is not considered to be part of the first round of naval combat.
F. Slow ships which engaged the raiders in the first round of combat return to port. Hits to named ships which did not damage or sink them are automatically repaired at sea.
G. Any reinforcing naval units are added to the Western Allied combat group and a second round of air strikes and fleet combat is resolved.

22.4 NAVAL COMBAT SEGMENTS:
22.41 NAVAL COMBAT SEGMENTS: Naval combat consists of one or more combat rounds, each of which is divided into a number of segments:
A. FORMATION OF COMBAT GROUPS:
·       Each player secretly assigns his participating TFs combat group numbers. Naval forces which were not part of a TF form a single combat group (22.421).
B. ATTACKS AGAINST ENEMY AIR BASES:
·       Each player allocates some, all or none of his carrier-based naval air units to counterair enemy land-based air units (23.61C).
·       Each player then announces and carries out a single round of counterair attacks.
·       Land-based air units which are not eliminated or aborted by the counterair combat result may participate in the ensuing round of naval combat.
C. ALLOCATION OF CARRIER-BASED AIR UNITS:
·       Each player secretly assigns his unused carrier-based naval air units to offensive (air strikes) and defensive (combat air patrol) operations for that combat round (22.44).
·       The assignment of naval air units to air strikes and combat air patrol is concealed.
D. ALLOCATION OF LAND-BASED AIR UNITS TO AIR COVER:
·       Each side announces air cover by land-based air units within range of the naval combat by secretly assigning them to a specific combat group.
·       Air units assigned to provide air cover may be used to defend that combat group against attacks by enemy carrier-based naval air units and, if unaffected by air combat, from subsequent attacks by land-based air units.
·       Land-based NAS committed to air cover may not be used to search or to attack enemy naval units in that combat round.
·       Search and attack AAS may not be used to fly air cover.
E. SEARCH: Each player rolls dice to determine his success in searching for his opponent’s combat groups (22.45).
F. REVEALING COMBAT GROUPS: Each player announces the composition of his naval combat groups as required by the opponent’s search results (22.452).
G. CARRIER-BASED AIR STRIKES:
·       Determining surprise levels: A surprise roll may be made by each attacking combat group which was not found by the opposing side and the Naval Surprise Table is consulted to see if that attacking combat group achieves a tactical advantage (22.46).
·       Air cover: Air combat is resolved between the attacking air units and defending air cover by land-based air units.
·       Combat air patrol: Air combat is resolved between the attacking air units and defending combat air patrol by carrier-based naval air units.
·       Air defense: The defender makes an air defense dice roll for each attacked combat group.
·       Air strikes: The attacker selects his targets and resolves his air attacks against the defender’s naval units.
H. LAND-BASED AIR ATTACKS: Air attacks by land-based air units are announced and resolved, following the same sequence of air cover, combat air patrol, air defense and air attack resolution as for carrier-based air strikes. No surprise rolls are made and land-based air attacks may not be deferred until fleet combat.
I. FLEET COMBAT: Fleet combat is resolved (22.54).
J. SUBMARINE ATTACKS: Submarine attacks are resolved (22.9).
22.411 BETWEEN ROUNDS OF NAVAL COMBAT:
A. WITHDRAWAL: If some form of naval combat occurred, naval forces which wish to withdraw may do so (22.6) .
B. REINFORCEMENT AND ADDITIONAL ROUNDS OF NAVAL COMBAT: If both sides still have naval forces engaged in combat, naval forces which failed to reach the interception hex roll one die to move towards the interception hex (22.241). Combat groups which engaged in fleet combat may be recombined (22.423B), then another round of naval combat is resolved.

The combined effect of these rules is that the effect of counterair attacks by carrier-based naval air units is determined each round. All surviving land-based air is eligible for use in each subsequent round of naval combat, even if previously subject to an “abort” result, and must therefore be counteraired each round to be neutralized. Land-based air units subject to an “abort” result may participate in subsequent rounds of naval combat, even though they will be inverted at the end of the naval battle because of the earlier “abort” result.

22.44 ALLOCATION OF AVAILABLE AIR UNITS:
22.441 CARRIER-BASED NAVAL AIR UNITS: After counterair attacks are resolved, each player secretly allocates his remaining available carrier-based naval air units to either:
A. Air strikes against enemy naval units; or
B. Combat air patrol over their combat group.
22.442 ELIGIBLE LAND‑BASED AIR: Land‑based air units are eligible to participate in a naval battle if they:
A. Are uninverted in an operational base within range of the hex in which naval combat is taking place.
B. Have not already been committed to ground support, defensive air support, the interception of defensive air support or the interception or counter-interception of air transport missions.
C. Have not been forced to abort by a counterair attack by enemy carrier-based naval air units in the current round of naval combat (22.433).
22.4421 AIR COVER:
A. Land-based air units which fly air cover are secretly assigned to a specific friendly combat group.
B. The commitment of land-based air units to air cover is announced when made, although the combat group to which they are assigned is not revealed until an air strike against that combat group is made.
C. Land-based air units which provide air cover are may participate in subsequent rounds of naval combat in the same naval battle unless eliminated in air combat with enemy air units.
22.4422 AIR SEARCH:
A. Eligible search AAS and land‑based NAS which were not committed to air cover against enemy carrier attacks may help search for enemy naval forces (23.11B).
B. NAS used to search may not attack enemy naval forces later in the same combat round.
C. For each air squadron allocated to search, one additional die is rolled for search, to a maximum of three additional dice (22.451B).
22.45 SEARCH:
22.451 SEARCH ROLLS: After carrier-based air units have been assigned to offensive or defensive tasks, and land-based air units have been assigned to air cover against enemy carriers, each player determines how many search die rolls, if any, he may make to search for his opponent’s combat groups. The number of search rolls made is determined as follows:
A. COMBAT GROUPS: One die for each friendly combat group consisting of at least ten undamaged naval factors (22.425). (Maximum: +6).
B. AIR: One die for each air squadron assigned to search (22.4422). (Maximum: +3).
C. ADDITIONAL COMBAT ROUNDS: One additional die is rolled for each round of naval combat which has been resolved in that naval battle. (one die in the second round; two dice in the third round; and so on. There is no maximum).
D. CODEBREAKING: If either player obtained a search advantage from playing tactical codebreaking cards (48.32B) or from the tactical advantage associated with a Magic interception (48.62), that player rolls one additional search die and his opponent rolls one fewer search die.

Search Table - 22.45
Number of search die rolls
+1	For each friendly combat group consisting of at least ten undamaged naval factors (22.451A). (Maximum: +6).
+1	For each air squadron (22.4422). (Maximum: +3).
+1	For each previous round of naval combat. (No maximum).
+/-1	Codebreaking advantage (48.51A, 48.62).
Search results
No search result		The enemy combat group remains hidden and may not be attacked.
One search result		The enemy combat group is found and is eligible to be attacked. Whether the combat group consists of less than ten naval factors must be revealed.
Two search results		The number of carriers, including CVEs, but not the type of carriers, in the enemy combat group is revealed.
Three or more search results		The exact composition of the enemy combat group is revealed.

22.452 SEARCH RESULTS: For each search die roll which matches the number of an enemy combat group, a search result is achieved against that combat group. Both players then reveal information relating to their combat groups as follows:
A. NO SEARCH RESULT: The enemy combat group remains hidden and may not be attacked.
B. ONE SEARCH RESULT: The enemy combat group is found and is eligible to be attacked. Whether the combat group consists of less than ten naval factors must be revealed.
C. TWO SEARCH RESULTS:
·       The owning player must reveal:
·       The number of carriers, including CVEs, but not the type of carriers, in that combat group; and
·       Whether that combat group is carrying cargo (22.424).
·       The surprise die roll for air strikes by hidden combat groups against that combat group is modified by +1 (22.462A).
D. THREE OR MORE SEARCH RESULTS:
·       The owning player must reveal the exact composition of that combat group by placing it on the mapboard.
·       The surprise die roll for air strikes by hidden combat groups against that combat group is modified by +2 (22.462A).
22.453 ATTACKS ON ENEMY COMBAT GROUPS LIMITED BY SEARCH RESULTS:
A. For each search result relating to an enemy combat group, one friendly combat group may attack that enemy combat group by either launching an air strike (22.47) and/or engaging in fleet combat (22.5). One search result allows one combat group to engage the found enemy combat group; two search results allow two combat groups to engage the found enemy combat group; and so on.
B. Compulsory fleet combat between corresponding combat groups (22.511) counts towards this limit.
C. The number of search results has no effect on attacks by land-based air units (22.48), which may attack any found enemy combat groups.
EXAMPLE: An American naval force consisting of two combat groups engages a Japanese naval force in naval combat. Three American air squadrons assist in searching for the Japanese combat groups. In addition, the American player uses one tactical Magic card. The total number of search rolls made by the American player is 2 (combat groups) + 3 (air) + 1 (Magic) = 6.
The search rolls are “1”, “3”, “3”, “5”, “5” and “6”. The Japanese player reveals whether he has any combat groups corresponding to these search results. The result is illustrated in the following table:

American search rolls		Japanese combat groups
One search result	1	1	Combat group
No effect	-	2	Combat group
Two search results	3,3	3	Combat group
No effect	-	4	-
No effect	5,5	5	-
No effect	6	6	-

22.46 AIR STRIKES:
22.461 AIR STRIKES SEQUENCE: Once all search die rolls are made, air strikes (22.47) are resolved in the following sequence:
22.4611 AIR STRIKES FROM HIDDEN COMBAT GROUPS:
A. FIRST PLAYER’S AIR STRIKES FROM HIDDEN GROUPS: The player with the greater number of search results (the intercepting player, if tied) may launch air strikes from hidden combat groups against any enemy combat groups found by his search.
·       The number of air strikes is limited by the number of search results relating to the target enemy combat group. Compulsory fleet combat with an enemy combat group counts against this limit (22.453).
·       The hidden combat group which is the source of each air strike is announced, as it cannot be attacked in that combat round.
·       Enemy combat groups which were not found may not be attacked.
B. AIR STRIKES RESOLVED SEQUENTIALLY:
·       Each hidden combat group carries out its air strike separately, in the sequence determined by the attacking player.
·       Each attack is resolved before the attacking player decides on the target of his next air strike.
C. SURPRISE:
·       When a hidden combat group consisting only of fast ships launches an air strike against an enemy combat group, the owning player may, at his option, make a die roll to determine the surprise level achieved by that air strike.
·       One die is rolled and the modifiers set out in 22.462 are applied. Once the surprise level is determined, the air strike is resolved, applying the effects set out in the Surprise Table.
·       If no surprise roll is made, the surprise level is zero and there are no surprise effects.
D. SECOND PLAYER’S AIR STRIKES FROM HIDDEN GROUPS: Once all air strikes by the first player’s hidden combat groups have been resolved, the second player resolves his air strikes from hidden combat groups in the same manner.
22.4612 AIR STRIKES FROM FOUND COMBAT GROUPS: Once all air strikes by both players’ hidden combat groups are resolved:
A. FIRST PLAYER’S AIR STRIKES FROM FOUND GROUPS: The player with the greater number of search results (the intercepting player, if tied) may launch air strikes from found combat groups against any enemy combat groups found by his search.
·        The number of air strikes is limited by the number of search results relating to the target enemy combat group. Air strikes from hidden combat groups (22.4611) and compulsory fleet combat with an enemy combat group count against this limit (22.453).
·       The found combat group which is the source of each air strike is not announced, as otherwise the opposing player would know to attack it.
·       Enemy combat groups which were not found may not be attacked.
B. AIR STRIKES RESOLVED SEQUENTIALLY: Air strikes are resolved sequentially, in the same manner as for air strikes from hidden combat groups.
C. NO SURPRISE: No surprise die roll is made for air strikes from found combat groups.
D. SECOND PLAYER’S AIR STRIKES FROM FOUND GROUPS: Once all air strikes by the first player’s found combat groups have been resolved, the second player resolves his air strikes from found combat groups in the same manner.
22.462 SURPRISE MODIFIERS: The following modifiers are applied to the surprise roll made for air strikes launched by hidden combat groups (22.4611C):
A. SEARCH RESULTS:
·        One result: No modifier.
·        Two results: +1.
·        Three or more results: +2.
B. RADAR: -1 for each radar research result achieved by the defender. Radar never increases the surprise level.
C. MULTIPLE ATTACKS: -1 for each previous air strike made against the defending combat group in that naval combat round.
22.463 SURPRISE EFFECTS: Surprise effects are set out in the Surprise Table. Surprise effects are cumulative, with each result including all lesser effects. Surprise effects apply only to air strikes, not fleet combat.

Surprise Table - 22.463
Surprise Level		Result
1		Surprise achieved. The defender does not receive a +1 DRM in air combat between attacking air units and air units flying combat air patrol.
2		Anti-aircraft defenses less effective. The defender’s air defense level is reduced by one.
3		Damage control problems. The attacker receives a +1 DRM on his air attack dice rolls against enemy naval units.
4		Only two-thirds (round up) of the defending air engages the attacking naval air before they attack their targets.
5		Only one-third (round up) of the defending air engages the attacking naval air before they attack their targets.
6		None of the defending air engages the attacking naval air before they attack their targets.
7+		Enemy defenses in disarray. No air defense dice rolls are made. All air attacks which damage a named ship trigger a critical hit die roll against the target (20.524).
Determining surprise: Roll one die and modify as follows:
+1	Two search results against the defending combat group.
+2	Three search results against the defending combat group.
-1	Each defender radar result.
-1	Each previous air strike against the defending combat group in that naval combat round.
Naval combat: Surprise effects are cumulative - each result includes all lesser effects.

22.464 AIR SURPRISE RESULTS OF “4” OR MORE:
A. Round up (in favor of the defender) when determining the number of defending air units which may initially engage the attacking naval air units.
B. Defending air units flying combat air patrol and air cover over naval forces at sea which are caught out of position and which are not eliminated or forced to abort by surplus air combat effects (23.4121E) engage in air combat with the attacking air factors after the attacker’s air strike is resolved.
22.47 MECHANICS OF AIR STRIKES:
22.471 AIR UNITS MUST COMPLETE AIR STRIKES:
A. AIR STRIKES RESOLVED SEQUENTIALLY: Air strikes against enemy naval units are resolved sequentially as set out in 23.71, with the player with the greater number of search results (the intercepting player, if tied) going first.
B. AIR STRIKES MUST BE COMPLETED: Naval air units allocated to air strikes against enemy naval units are not compelled to attack, but once the attacking player commits his attacking naval air units to a specific target combat group and the composition and air defenses of that combat group are revealed, the attacking naval air units must complete their air strike as best they can.
22.472 AIR STRIKES SIMULTANEOUS: All NAS which conduct air strikes is considered to be in the air simultaneously, so the results of air strikes against enemy carriers do not affect the ability of the attacked carriers to conduct their own air strikes.
22.473 RETURNING NAS AND MISSING CARRIERS:
A. TIMING: All naval air units return to their carriers after fleet combat is resolved, but before submarine attacks are made (22.66).
B. NAVAL AIR UNITS FLYING COMBAT AIR PATROL: Naval air units flying combat air patrol may land on:
·       any undamaged carrier in any combat group in their naval force.
·       at any air base, subject to stacking limits, within three hexes of the hex in which the naval battle is being fought, but are inverted for the remainder of their player turn if they do so.
C. NAVAL AIR UNITS RETURNING FROM AIR STRIKES: Naval air units returning from an air strike may land on any undamaged carrier in any combat group in their naval force. If there are not enough undamaged carriers to accommodate the return naval air units, any surplus is eliminated.
22.48 LAND-BASED AIR ATTACKS:
22.481 Once both sides have resolved air strikes from carriers, air attacks from land-based air units are resolved, as set out in 23.8. The player with the greater number of search results attacks first (the interceptor if tied).
A. DEFENDING AIR UNITS: Defending air units flying air cover and combat air patrol which were not eliminated or forced to abort in air combat with attacking carrier-based NAS earlier in that round engage the attacking land-based air units in air combat.
B. SEQUENCE OF AIR COMBAT: The attacking land-based air units first engage in air combat with defending air units flying air cover, then any attacking air units which were not eliminated or forced to abort engage in air combat with any defending units flying combat air patrol.
C. RESOLVING LAND-BASED AIR ATTACKS: Once all air combat is resolved, air defense dice rolls are made and the land-based air attacks are resolved. Land‑based air units may not attack other air bases or ports during a naval battle.
D. LAND-BASED AIR UNITS: Land-based air units may not change base, either to another air base or to a carrier, during a naval battle.

22.5 FLEET COMBAT:
22.51 FLEET COMBAT: Fleet combat is resolved after all carrier-based air strikes and land-based air attacks against naval units are resolved. Fleet combat occurs as follows:
22.511 CORRESPONDING COMBAT GROUPS:
A. If both sides have found combat groups with the same number, fleet combat between the corresponding combat groups is compulsory and neither side has the option of declining fleet combat.
B. Each corresponding pair of found combat groups engages in fleet combat separately, although hidden combat groups may join in their fleet combat (22.512).
C. If the enemy combat group corresponding to a found combat group is not found or does not exist, that found combat group does not engage in fleet combat unless engaged by a hidden enemy combat group.
22.512 HIDDEN COMBAT GROUPS: Fleet combat is not mandatory for hidden combat groups. A hidden combat group may, at the owning player’s option, engage a found enemy combat group in fleet combat if:
A. The hidden combat group is not carrying cargo.
B. The hidden combat group did not make a surprise roll if it launched an air strike (22.4611C).
22.513 RULES OF ENGAGEMENT FOR HIDDEN COMBAT GROUPS:
A. Combat groups which meet the criteria set out in 22.512 may engage in fleet combat against any found enemy combat group subject to the limit in 22.453 that the number of search results relating to the enemy combat group in question may not be exceeded by the number of friendly combat groups which:
·       have launched air strikes against the enemy combat group (22.47).
·       are committed to fleet combat with the enemy combat group (22.511).
·       are voluntarily entering into fleet combat with the enemy combat group (22.512).
B. Subject to this restriction:
·       a fast hidden combat group may engage any found enemy combat group in fleet combat.
·       a slow hidden combat group may engage a found enemy combat group with the corresponding number.
C. When two combat groups both engage the same enemy combat group in fleet combat in the same combat round, their forces are combined.
EXAMPLE: Japan has five combat groups and the U.S. has four combat groups. All combat groups except Japanese combat group 3 are fast. Japanese combat group 4 and U.S. combat group 2 contain fast carriers. The search die rolls are Japan: 1, 3, 3, 5, 5 and 6; U.S.: 1, 1, 2, 2 and 6.

Jap. CGs	U.S. Search	CG	Jap. Search	U.S. CGs
Fast	1,1	1	1	Fast
Fast	2,2	2		Fast, carriers
Slow		3	3,3	Fast
Fast, carriers		4		Fast
Fast		5	5,5
	6	6	6
Found combat groups are in bold. Hidden combat groups are in italics.

The number of search results against an enemy combat group limits the number of friendly combat groups that may engage that enemy combat group (22.453). Thus, the U.S. may use two combat groups to engage each of Japanese combat groups 1 and 2, and Japan may use one combat group to engage U.S. combat group 1 and two combat groups to engage U.S. combat group 3.
Japanese combat group 4 launches a surprise air strike on U.S. combat group 3 (22.4611). This Japanese surprise air strike could not be directed at U.S. combat group 1 because Japan only rolled one “1” for search, and that single search result only allows Japanese combat group 1 to participate in mandatory fleet combat with U.S. combat group 1 (22.511). U.S. combat group 2 chooses to launch a surprise air strike on Japanese combat group 1 (because of the impending mandatory fleet combat between Japanese and U.S. combat groups 1). After these surprise air strikes, fleet combat occurs as follows:
Japanese and U.S. combat groups 1 pair off (22.511). No additional Japanese combat groups may join this fleet combat because Japan only rolled one “1” for search. And because U.S. combat group 2 already engaged Japanese combat group 1 (by launching a surprise air strike against it), no additional U.S. combat groups may engage Japanese combat group 1.
Japanese combat group 2 (which was found) does not engage in fleet combat unless engaged by U.S. combat group 4 (22.511).
Japanese combat group 3 (which is slow) may engage in fleet combat with U.S. combat group 3 (22.513B) or do nothing.
Japanese combat group 4 may not engage in fleet combat (because it launched a surprise air strike). If it had launched an air strike without making a surprise roll, it would have the option of engaging in a separate fleet combat with U.S. combat group 3 (22.513A).
Japanese combat group 5 may engage in a separate fleet combat with U.S. combat group 3 (22.513A) or do nothing. If Japanese combat groups 3 and 4 engaged U.S. combat group 3 in fleet combat, using both of the Japanese “3” search results, then Japanese combat group 5 could do nothing.
U.S. combat group 2 may not engage in fleet combat (because it launched a surprise air strike). If it had launched an air strike without making a surprise roll, it would have the option of joining in the fleet combat between combat groups 1 or engaging in a separate fleet combat with Japanese combat group 2 (22.513A).
U.S. combat group 3 (which was found) does not engage in fleet combat unless engaged by Japanese combat groups 3 or 5 (22.511).
U.S. combat group 4 may engage in a separate fleet combat with Japanese combat group 2 or do nothing.
22.514 SEQUENCE: The player with the greater number of search results (the intercepting player, if tied) announces which enemy combat groups, if any, his hidden combat groups will engage in fleet combat. The process is then repeated by the second player. A single round of fleet combat is then resolved.
22.52 RESOLVING FLEET COMBAT: When fleet combat occurs, each player commits all the naval units in the combat groups involved to the fleet combat. A player may not commit only part of a combat group to fleet combat, although naval units may be screened from combat (22.53).
22.53 SHIP CATEGORIES IN FLEET COMBAT: When fleet combat occurs, the fleet units of each side are divided into three categories:
A. HEAVY: Named capital ships;
B. LIGHT: Cruisers, destroyers which are not carrying cargo, and CVEs;
C. SCREENED:
·        Automatic screening: Damaged ships, fast carriers, destroyers carrying cargo and transports are automatically screened.
·        Voluntary screening: A player may elect to screen any other ships in a naval force. The decision to screen is made before naval units are revealed.
Effect: Naval units which are screened from enemy attack may not fire at enemy naval units and may only be fired upon by enemy heavy or light ships which have targeted them if all other friendly, unscreened naval units involved in the fleet combat have first been sunk in that or a previous naval combat round (EXCEPTION: Undamaged cruisers that are damaged by heavy fire are screened and need not be sunk in order to attack screened naval units - 22.54D).
22.54 FLEET COMBAT SEQUENCE: Each round of fleet combat follows the sequence set out below. The “attacker” is considered to be the side with more unscreened capital ships (screened capital ships and fast carriers are not counted). If both sides have the same number of such ships, the attacker is the side with more such ship factors. If both sides have the same number of such ship factors, the attacker is the side with more unscreened light ship factors (the intercepting player, if tied). The “defender” is the other side:
A. THE DEFENDER RANKS HIS SHIPS: The defender ranks his naval force in the following order:
·        heavy ships in order of size, from largest to smallest (five-factor battleships, four-factor battleships, three-factors battleships and battlecruisers, two-factor battlecruisers and pocket battleships). Heavy ships with hits which are not screened are ranked within their size group as the defender wishes;
·        light ships;
·        screened ships.
B. ATTACKER’S HEAVY SHIP TARGETS: The attacker selects targets for his heavy ships.
·        The attacker must target the first ranked (largest) unscreened enemy heavy ship with at least as many factors of his own heavy ships, if possible, before targeting the second (next largest) unscreened enemy ship, and so on.
·        Subject to this restriction, the attacker may concentrate his fire against enemy targets of his choice by assigning additional heavy ships to any enemy heavy ship already selected as a target.
         ·        The attacker may thus concentrate all his heavy fire on the largest enemy ship, or target the largest enemy ship with a number of heavy ship factors equal to the size of that ship, then concentrate all his remaining heavy fire on the second largest enemy ship, and so on.
         ·        Enemy light ships and screened enemy ships may only be targeted if all unscreened enemy heavy ships are targeted by an equal number of attacker heavy ship factors.
C. DEFENDER’S HEAVY SHIP TARGETS The defender selects targets for his heavy ships.
·        A defending heavy ship which is targeted by one or more of the attacker’s heavy ships must target one of the heavy ships which is firing at it.
·        Defending heavy ships which are not being fired upon may select their targets freely, without restriction, targeting any attacking heavy ship, the attacker’s light ships or screened enemy ships.
D. HEAVY SHIP FIRE AGAINST LIGHT SHIPS RESOLVED: Once all heavy ships have been assigned targets, heavy ship fire against light ships is resolved.
·        All enemy light ships are treated as a single target.
·        Light ships which are sunk by heavy fire are removed from the board.
·        Cruisers which are damaged from heavy fire are automatically screened and need not be sunk to permit fire on other screened ships (22.54H).
E. LIGHT SHIP TARGETS: Once heavy ship fire against light ships is resolved:
·        All remaining light ships for both sides automatically target each other, unless one side has more than three times as many light ship factors as the other.
·        Such “surplus” light ships may target enemy light ships, or instead may select enemy heavy ships as targets or may withhold their fire in the hope of attacking screened enemy ships (22.54H).
·        “Surplus” light ships may select enemy heavy ships as targets by:
         ·        Combining their fire with any friendly heavy ships which may have already targeted that enemy heavy ship; or by
         ·        Firing independently on one or more enemy heavy ships not targeted by friendly heavy ships. A second untargeted enemy heavy ship may be attacked by the remaining “surplus” light ship factors, provided the first enemy heavy ship is engaged by an equal number of "surplus" light ship factors (so seven “surplus” light ship factors could attack an enemy BB4 and a second enemy BB4, or could all attack the first enemy BB4).
F. LIGHT SHIP FIRE AGAINST LIGHT SHIPS RESOLVED: Once all light ships have been assigned targets, light ship fire against light ships is resolved.
·        All enemy light ships are treated as a single target.
·        One fleet combat dice roll is made for each target and the results implemented.
·        Light ships which are sunk by light fire are removed from the board.
G. FIRE AGAINST HEAVY SHIPS RESOLVED: Once light ship fire against other light ships is resolved, all fire against opposing heavy ships by friendly heavy and “surplus” light ships is resolved simultaneously.
·        One fleet combat dice roll is made for each target and the results implemented. Excess hits inflicted after sinking the initial targets are disregarded.
H. RESOLVING FIRE AGAINST SCREENED SHIPS: Fire is then resolved against any screened ships selected as targets by heavy and light ships.
·        Fire against screened ships is permitted only if all other enemy heavy and light units, other than cruisers damaged by heavy fire earlier in the round (22.54D), have been sunk by heavy and light fire.
·        Screened heavy ships are targeted individually; screened light ships are targeted as a group.
·        Heavy and light ships firing at the same screened ship or group of screened light ships combine their fire.
·        Screened ships do not fire back (22.53C).
I. AFTER FLEET COMBAT: After fleet combat is resolved for the round:
·        Submarines may attack.
·        Each side may withdraw some, all or none of its naval units from combat (22.6).
·        Naval units in combat groups which engaged the same enemy combat group in fleet combat may be recombined into new combat groups (22.423B).
·        Players may renumber their combat groups between combat rounds (22.423A).
22.55 NAVAL ATTACK TABLE: Fleet combat effects are determined by rolling two dice and consulting the Naval Attack Table. A dice roll of less than two is treated as a two.

Naval Attack Table - 20.51, 22.55, 23.44
AS	FF	Dice Roll
AS	FF	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12+
1	1-2	0	0	0	0	1	1	1	1	2	2	2
-	3-4	0	0	0	1	1	1	1	2	2	2	3
2	5-6	0	0	1	1	1	1	2	2	2	3	3
3	7-9	1	1	1	1	2	2	2	3	3	3	4
4	10-12	1	1	2	2	2	3	3	3	4	4	5
5	13-15	2	2	2	3	3	3	4	4	5	5	6
6	16-18	2	2	3	3	3	4	4	5	5	6	6
7	19-21	2	3	3	3	4	4	5	5	6	6	7
8	22-24	3	3	3	4	4	5	5	6	6	7	7
9	25-27	3	3	4	4	5	5	6	6	7	7	8
10	28-30	3	4	4	5	5	6	6	7	7	8	8
11	31-33	4	4	5	5	6	6	7	7	8	8	9
12	34-36	4	5	5	6	6	7	7	8	8	9	9
13	37-39	5	5	6	6	7	7	8	8	9	9	10
14	40-42	5	6	6	7	7	8	8	9	9	10	10
15	43-45	6	6	7	7	8	8	9	9	10	10	11
16	46-48	6	7	7	8	8	9	9	10	10	11	11
17	49-51	7	7	8	8	9	9	10	10	11	11	12
18	52-54	7	8	8	9	9	10	10	11	11	12	12
19	55-57	8	8	9	9	10	10	11	11	12	12	13
20	58-60	8	9	9	10	10	11	11	12	12	13	13
Modifiers - Air Attacks on Naval Units +# attacker’s Air Nationality DRM -# defender's Naval Nationality DRM +1 if the attacker achieves a surprise level of 3 or greater
Modifiers - Fleet Attacks on Naval Units +/-# Naval Nationality DRMs (22.552A) +/-1 If one of the combat groups involved is carrying out a naval activity which reduces its effectiveness (22.552B)
If more than 20 air squadrons engage in combat, the result is deter-mined by consulting the "20" row and whatever other row is required to equal the total number of air squadrons engaged. If more than 60 fleet factors engage in combat, the result is determined by consulting the "58-60" row and whatever other row is required to equal the total number of fleet factors engaged.
Results Named ships and cruisers: A named ship or cruiser is damaged if it incurs a naval attack effect one less than its size in factors and is sunk if it incurs a naval attack effect equal to or greater than its size in factors. Cruiser groups: If a group of light ships consisting only of cruisers incurs an odd number of hits, the odd hit damages one cruiser. One-factor naval units: If a group of ships consists only of destroyers, CVEs, transports or a combination of the three, each hit sinks a destroyer, CVE, or transport factor. Mixed light forces: Naval attack effects incurred by a light force consisting of both cruisers and one-factor naval units are distributed evenly between the cruisers and one-factor naval units, subject to the proviso that the number of one-factor ship factors sunk may not exceed the number of cruiser factors sunk until all the cruisers in the force are sunk (20.551).

22.551 Each side’s fleet combat dice roll may be modified by the nationality and activity of the naval forces engaged. A favorable modifier for one side results in an equally unfavorable modifier for the other.
22.552 MODIFIERS: Fleet combat dice rolls are subject to the following modifiers:
A. NAVAL NATIONALITY DRMs: DRMs are applied to fleet combat according to the nationality of the respective combatants, as modified by any tactical codebreaking advantage (48.51B).
·       If several ships fire together at the same target, the Naval Nationality DRM used is that of the participating nationality with the lowest Naval Nationality DRM.
·       If a heavy ship is the target of enemy fire, its Naval Nationality DRM is used, regardless of what other ships are in its naval force.
·       If a group of light ships is the target of enemy fire, the group’s Naval Nationality DRM is that of the participating nationality with the lowest Naval Nationality DRM.
·       CVEs are counted as destroyer factors, with a lower Naval Nationality DRM (22.552A), when determining the strength of forces engaged in fleet combat.
·       Five-factor battleships receive a +1 Naval Nationality DRM; the Naval Nationality DRM of carriers is reduced.

Naval Nationality Chart - 22.552A, 23.441B
DRM	Nationality
3	Germany, Japan
2	Britain, United States, Sweden, Australia
1	Italy, France
0	Russia, Greece, Rumania, Spain, Turkey, Dutch East Indies
Modifiers
+1	Five-factor battleships
-2	Japanese and American CVBs, CVs, CVLs; all CVEs
-1	German, Italian and British CVLs
-1	Naval units in partial supply or subject to naval oil effects.
Explanation: When fleets with different DRMs engage in fleet combat, the two DRMs are compared. The higher ranking side adds the difference to its fleet combat dice roll, and the lower ranked side subtracts the difference from its fleet combat dice roll. Air attack dice rolls against naval units are reduced by the DRM of the attacked naval units.

B. NAVAL ACTIVITIES: DRMs are applied to fleet combat according to the activity being carried out by the respective combatants.
·       If a combat group involved in fleet combat is protecting sea supply or contains destroyers or transports which are conducting sea transport, seaborne invasion or sea escort, ships in that combat group receive a 1 DRM on their fleet combat dice rolls and the opposing force receives a +1 DRM on fleet combat dice rolls directed against ships in that combat group.
·       Ships in combat groups which meet more than one of the above criteria still only receive a maximum +/-1 DRM.
·       This modifier applies even if the mission is intercepted before it has reached the base of embarkation or if it is intercepted while returning to port after it completes its mission.
·       This modifier does not apply when raiding naval units attack transports (21.5362C).
·       The presence of fast carriers or damaged ships does not modify fleet combat dice rolls.
22.56 FLEET COMBAT EFFECTS: For the effects of fleet combat, see 20.5. Fleet combat effects are combined with the effects of air attacks earlier in the same naval combat round (22.41G, H) and with the effects of submarine attacks later in the same naval combat round (22.41J).

22.6 WITHDRAWAL FROM NAVAL COMBAT:
22.61 WITHDRAWAL PROHIBITED IF NO COMBAT: Neither side may withdraw from naval combat following a round of naval combat in which neither side launched an air strike or land-based air attack against opposing naval forces engaged in that battle and no fleet combat took place. In this situation, the opposing naval forces failed to make contact and another round of naval combat must occur. Because each side makes one additional search die roll each round, naval battles not involving carrier- or land-based air strikes will inevitably involve at least one round of fleet combat (see 22.37 for special situations involving naval combat without the need for search).
22.62 WITHDRAWAL PERMITTED AFTER COMBAT: Either side may withdraw some or all of its naval forces from a naval battle at the end of any round of naval combat in which an air strike or land-based air attack was launched against opposing naval forces engaged in that battle or fleet combat took place.
A. Submarine attacks are not sufficient.
B. The loser of the previous round of naval combat announces his intention first (the loser is the player who lost more naval factors in the previous round of naval combat; if tied, the player who had more naval factors damaged; if still tied, the intercepting player).
C. Damaged naval units may withdraw without additional protection, or together with undamaged naval units to increase their defense against enemy attack.
D. Naval units which voluntarily withdraw from naval combat are considered to have been “defeated” and abort their mission, regardless of the ultimate outcome of the naval combat in which they participated.
22.63 COMPULSORY WITHDRAWAL: Both sides must withdraw from naval combat if three consecutive rounds of naval combat take place in which neither side has a naval unit damaged or sunk, even though air strikes or land-based air attacks were conducted against opposing naval forces engaged in that battle or fleet combat occurred.
A. Rounds in which no air strikes or land-based air attacks were conducted against a combat group and no fleet combat occurred are not counted when making this determination.
B. Both sides are then considered to have lost the naval battle.
C. Damaged naval units are not compelled to withdraw from naval combat and return to port.
D. Sea supply lines, whether protected or not, are only withdrawn if disrupted (30.38).
22.64 INTERCEPTION OF WITHDRAWING NAVAL UNITS: Withdrawing naval units may be attacked by enemy air units or intercepted by enemy naval units in any hex along their route back to base (22.18).
22.65 RETURN TO BASE: At the conclusion of naval combat, naval units may, subject to stacking limits, return to their base of origin or any base within 20 (Europe) or 10 (Pacific) hexes from the hex in which naval combat occurred, subject to the following exceptions:
A. Naval units defeated in naval combat while attempting a base change or NR return to their original base (21.33).
B. Destroyers carrying units being sea transported, conducting a seaborne invasion or being sea escorted must return to their base of origin; the units they were carrying must return to their base of origin.
C. During the combat phase, naval units may not return to a base which is the target of a seaborne invasion unless it is the only base available.
D. If overstacking of any type of unit results from a return to base, that overstacking must be remedied by the end of the player’s movement or redeployment phase, whichever occurs first. If the player is unable to remedy the overstacking, excess units of his choice are eliminated (12.15, 18.15) .
E. Overstacking of naval units resulting from a failed NR results in the elimination of the excess naval units, as they may not attempt a second NR during that redeployment phase (21.112, 21.222, 28.523) .
22.66 SUBMARINE ATTACKS: Submarine attacks are carried out after fleet combat is resolved, before naval units withdraw from combat (22.41J, 22.9).

22.7 ADDITIONAL ROUNDS OF NAVAL COMBAT:
22.71 MULTIPLE ROUNDS OF NAVAL COMBAT: If a naval battle continues past the first combat round, a second round of combat takes place. A naval battle ends when at least one force is completely eliminated or withdraws.
22.72 COMBAT GROUPS: The numbering of combat groups on the Naval Status Board may be changed before each combat round (22.423A), combat groups which combined to engage in fleet combat may be reconstituted before they are returned to their Naval Status Board (22.423B), and naval forces may be reinforced (22.25, 22.423C) . Otherwise the composition of combat groups may not be altered between naval combat rounds except by the withdrawal of naval units.
22.73 CARRIER-BASED NAVAL AIR UNITS: Carrier-based naval air units may be used repeatedly during each round of carrier combat, as well as for subsequent offensive missions, and may always be used against intercepting enemy air and naval units.
EXAMPLE: Three Japanese fleet carriers, with their complement of nine NAS, set sail to bomb an American naval base. They are intercepted and win the ensuing naval combat. The surviving naval air units complete their mission. The carriers, now inverted, are then NRed and subsequently intercepted by other American forces. The Japanese naval air units may participate in the ensuing naval combat (assuming there are any left).

22.8 EFFECTS OF NAVAL COMBAT:
22.81 After naval combat is resolved:
A. NAVAL FORCES CONDUCTING AN ACTIVITY:
·       A victorious force may continue its naval activity or choose to abort that activity and return to its base(s).
·       A defeated naval force must abort its activity, return to port as per 22.65 and is inverted for the remainder of the player turn (EXCEPTION: Naval units in an SW box - 25.36).
B. INTERCEPTING NAVAL FORCES: After the resolution of naval combat, surviving intercepting naval forces return to base and are inverted for the remainder of the player turn (EXCEPTION: Patrols).
C. COUNTER-INTERCEPTING NAVAL FORCES: Counter-intercepting naval forces which supported the victorious intercepted force adopt the mission of that force, if otherwise permitted to do so.
D. Counter-counter-intercepting forces which supported a victorious intercepting force adopt the interception mission.
22.82 EFFECTS ON CARGO:
A. If combat losses reduce the number of destroyer factors or transports involved in sea transport, seaborne invasion or the sea escort of units or BRP grants below the number required, the excess units or BRPs are immediately eliminated, as necessary, to reflect the naval force’s reduced carrying capacity.
·       Cargo may not be saved by aborting the activity after the naval losses have been incurred;
·       Cargo is lost even if the naval losses occurred in a port of embarkation or a destination hex.
·       Air units may be broken down to accept losses.
B. If such losses occur in naval combat, or from submarine or kamikaze attack, cargo assigned to a combat group may be lost if the carrying capacity of that combat group reduced during naval combat, even if the carrying capacity of a naval force as a whole is sufficient.
C. If such losses occur as a result of non-kamikaze air attacks against a multi-TF naval force, the losses may be taken from any TF but cargo assigned to a TF may be lost if the carrying capacity of that TF is reduced.
D. Surviving destroyers freed from cargo duty by the sinking of their cargo are eligible to provide shore bombardment in conjunction with the same mission.

22.9 SUBMARINE ATTACKS:
22.91 INTERCEPTION BY SUBMARINES:
22.911 Submarines based on the board intercept enemy naval activities and enemy naval units returning to base in the same manner as other naval units (22.2). Submarines in an SW box may not intercept. For restrictions on the ability to intercept enemy transports, see 25.71 and 25.94.
22.912 On-board submarine attacks are resolved using the Submarine Attack Table (22.94). Submarines operating against enemy transports in an SW box resolve their attacks using the SW Combat Table (24.62).
22.913 SUBMARINE PATROLS: Submarines may patrol in the same manner as other naval units (21.41), subject to the same restrictions as other patrols. Submarines patrol independent of other naval forces. Submarine patrols may remain at sea throughout the opposing turn, but are subject to air attack by enemy land-based air units if they do so (21.4184C).
22.914 SUBMARINES ATTACKS DURING NAVAL COMBAT: Submarines accompanying a naval force which was intercepted by enemy naval units, or which intercept enemy naval units in a hex in which naval combat occurs, may attack the enemy naval units, provided the enemy naval units were found during naval combat or revealed their location by engaging in fleet combat with a friendly naval force.
22.915 SUBMARINE INTERCEPTION INDEPENDENT OF OTHER NAVAL UNITS: Each submarine factor rolls for interception separately, independent of interception by other naval units, including other submarines. Submarines may intercept eligible enemy naval forces in a different hex from other intercepting naval units, including other intercepting submarines.
22.916 RESOLVING SUBMARINE INTERCEPTIONS:
A. SUBMARINES IN PORT AND ON DEFENSIVE PATROLS: Submarines based in port and on defensive patrols intercept in the same manner as other naval units, although they roll two fewer dice than fast ships (22.232B).
B. OFFENSIVE PATROLS: Submarines on offensive patrols may support friendly naval forces which are intercepted by moving up to three hexes towards the interception hex. Patrolling submarines which are further than three hexes away from an interception hex may not continue their movement towards the interception hex (22.162C).
22.917 ATTACKS AGAINST INTERCEPTING SUBMARINES PROHIBITED: Intercepting submarines are not subject to counter-interception by enemy naval units or attack by enemy air units as they leave port or move to their interception hex.
22.918 MURMANSK CONVOYS: For submarine attacks against Murmansk convoys, see 40.444 and 40.46.
22.92 EFFECT OF INTERCEPTION ATTEMPTS:
A. SUCCESS: Submarines which succeed in their interception attempts must attack the enemy naval force they intercepted. After such attacks are resolved, surviving submarine factors return to base and are inverted for the remainder of the current player turn, in the same manner as other intercepting naval units. German submarine interception of Murmansk convoys is automatic (40.444).
B. FAILURE: Submarines which fail in an interception attempt may not attack the enemy naval force they failed to intercept and return to the hex from which they attempted the interception. Submarines may not attempt to join naval combat by continuing a failed interception attempt (22.241). Submarines which fail in an interception attempt may attempt interceptions in subsequent phases of the current player turn.
C TIMING OF SUBMARINE ATTACKS: Submarine attacks are resolved after fleet combat during any round of naval combat, at the option of the attacker. If no naval combat occurs in relation to a naval activity, submarine attacks are resolved immediately upon interception, after the resolution of any air attacks on the intercepted naval force.
22.93 SUBMARINE TARGETS:
A. AGAINST SINGLE ENEMY COMBAT GROUPS: Whenever submarines attack a naval force, that force deploys into combat groups, following the procedure set out in 22.42 (EXCEPTION: A naval force attacked by submarines outside of naval combat may contain more than six combat groups). Submarine attacks are made against single enemy combat groups, whether the enemy naval units are engaged in naval combat or not. Submarines never attack a multi-TF naval force as a whole.
B. ONLY REVEALED COMBAT GROUPS MAY BE ATTACKED: Submarines attacking during naval combat may only attack found enemy combat groups and hidden enemy combat groups which revealed their location by engaging in fleet combat .
C. SUBMARINES ATTACK ALONE: Submarines may not attack in conjunction with other naval units.
D. ATTACKS RESOLVED SEPARATELY: If more than one submarine attacks an enemy combat group, each attack is resolved separately .
E. SELECTING TARGETS: The precise target of each submarine is determined as follows:
·       The defender reveals the contents of his attacked combat group and arranges his naval units in the following order: his fast carriers, largest to smallest; his capital ships, largest to smallest (slower ships first for ships of the same size); and lastly his light ships (as a group). Damaged ships are ranked before undamaged ships of the same type and speed.
·       The attacker then rolls one die to determine what his submarine attacks: on a “1” the submarine attacks the first defending ship (the largest fast carrier, if the defending naval force contains any fast carriers); on a “2” the submarine attacks the second defending ship, and so on.
·       A “6” targeting roll always attacks the light ships in the combat group. If a targeting die roll is greater than the number of heavy ships in the attacked combat group, that submarine attacks the light ships in the combat group.
·       If there are no light ships in the combat group being attacked, the lowest ranked heavy ship is treated as light ships for targeting purposes.
·       Submarines may not select specific targets, even light ships. Their specific targets are always determined by their targeting die roll.
EXAMPLE: Two American submarines attack a Japanese TF containing two CVs, one CVL, one 5-factor battleship, one 4-factor battleship and several cruisers and destroyers. The Japanese naval units are ranked as follows: 1 (CV); 2 (CV); 3 (CVL); 4 (5-factor battleship); 5 (four-factor battleship); 6 (all light ships). The American player then rolls one die for his first submarine to determine its target. He rolls a “2” and attacks the second CV; once the result of that attack is determined, he repeats the procedure for his second submarine.

Think ahead! Organizing your TFs in order (fast carriers, largest to smallest, capital ships largest to smallest, light ships) prepares them for submarine attack.

22.94 RESOLVING SUBMARINE ATTACKS:
Once the target of an attacking submarine is determined, the attack is resolved by rolling two dice on the Submarine Attack Table. Each submarine factor attacks separately and may attack only once per player turn.

Submarine Attack Table - 22.94
DR	2		3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12+
Sub	*		0	0	1	1	2	2	3	3	4	5
Modifiers
+/-#		Naval Nationality DRM (22.552A, 22.9411)
+/-#		Relative torpedo and ASW research levels (22.9412)
+/-#		Every three land-based air squadrons used for search in the submarine attack hex, operational fast carriers and CVEs in the attacked naval force (round down) (22.9413)
+/-#		Every three destroyer factors in the attacked naval force, including destroyers which are carrying units or BRPs (round down) (22.9414)
-#		Every three ASW factors in the relevant SW box in excess of the corresponding number of enemy submarines (round down) (22.9415)
-1		For each previous submarine attack made against the defending naval force in that naval combat round (22.9416)
+1		If the attacked naval unit is damaged or involved in carrying out a naval activity which reduces its effectiveness (22.9417)
+/-#		Submarine or ASW codebreaking advantage (22.9418)
One dice roll is made for each attack. On a “” result, the attacking submarine factor is eliminated. The maximum effect from each modifier in italics is +/-2.* The maximum overall modifier for a submarine attack cannot exceed +/-4. Advanced submarines always attack at net +1.
One die is rolled to determine the target of each submarine attack (22.93E).