CR

WRITTEN BY ED TEIXEIRA
DIGITALLY EDITED BY CRAIG ANDREWS
CHAIN REACTION 2015

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0
PROLOGUE
2.0
INTRODUCTION
3.0
YOUR ROLE
4.0
NEEDED TO PLAY
The Dice
4.1.1
Passing Dice
4.1.2
Counting Successes
4.1.3
Possibilities
4.1.4
Reading and Adding the Dice
4.1.5
l /2d6
HowManyd6
4.1.6
Figures and Terrain
4.2.1
Basing Figures
4.2.2
Defining Facing
Tables
4.1
4.2
4.3
5.0
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
6.0
6.1
6.2
6.3
7.0
7.1
7.2
7.3
7.4
2015
DEFINING THE FIGURES

Stars and Grunts
Stars
5.1.1
Grunts
5.1.2
Why Use Stars?
5.1.3
Star Advantages
5.2.1
Star Power
Larger Than Life (LTL)
5.2.2
5.2.3
Cheating Death
5.2.4
Free Will
Reputation
Weapons
5.4.1
Yeah, But Where's the .. .
GETTING STARTED
Forming Your Band
6.1.1
Recruiting Your First Band
Groups
6.2.1
Forming and Splitting Groups
6.2.2
Group Cohesion
6.2.3
Large Groups
Leaders
6.3.1
Leader Functions
Using Leader Die
6.3.2
6.3.3
Multiple Leaders
RULES OF WAR
Tum Sequence
Many Tums into One
7.1.1
Actions
7.2.1
Other Actions
Firing
Movement
ED TEIXELRA - TWO HO UR WARGAMES
8/16/2015
4
4
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
7.5
7.6
7.7
7.8
7.9
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
7
7
7
7
7
7
7.10
8
8
8
8
8
8
9
9
9
9
10
10
10
11
11
11
11
11
7.11
7.12
7.13
7.14
8.0
8.1
8.2
8.3
8.4
8.5
7.4.1
Normal Movement
7.4.2
Fast Move
7.4.3
Going Prone
7.4.4
Involuntary Movement
The Reaction System
In Sight
7.6.l
In Sight or Out of Sight
7.6.2
Triggering an In Sight Test
7.6.3
Taking the In Sight Test
7.6.4
Resolving In Sight Actions
7.6.5
Adding to Ongoing In Sights
7.6.6
Completed In Sights
Reaction Tests
7.7.l
How to Take a Reaction Test
7.7.2
Multiple Results
7.7.3
Completing Reactions
Status and Actions
Ranged Weapons
Outgunned Rankings
7.9.1
7.9.2
Tight Ammo
Shooting
7.9.3
Line of Sight
7.9.4
Cover or Concealment
7.9.5
Resolving Fire
7.9.6
Arc of Fire
7.9.7
7.9.8
Target Selection
Applying the Target Dice
7.9.9
7.9.10 Shooting the Weapon
7.9.11 Determining Damage
7.9.12 Auto-Kill or Capture
7.9.13 Firing Two Weapons at Once
7.9.14 Pitiful Shot
Grenades
7.10.1 Ready the Grenade
7.10.2 Disabling the Grenade
7.10.3 Throwing the Grenade
7.10.4 "Who's Got the Grenade?"
7.10.5 Blast Circles
7.10.6 Escaping Damage
Me lee
7.11.1 Melee Weapons
7.11.2 Charge into Melee Test
7.11.3 How to Charge into Melee
7.11.4 Melee Combat
7.11.5 Melee Damage
7.11.6 Multiple Figure Melees
Retrieving Wounded
After the Battle
Challenge
11
11
11
12
12
12
12
12
13
13
13
13
14
14
14
14
15
15
16
16
16
16
17
17
17
17
17
17
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
19
19
19
20
20
20
20
20
21
21
21
21
21
22
BUILDINGS
Building Size and Area
Entering and Exiting
Cover or Concealment
Firing at Buildings
Firing from Buildings
22
22
22
23
23
22
CHAIN REACTION 2015

9.0
9.1
9.2
9.3
TERRAIN
9.5
Setting Up the Table

Generating Terrain
Types of Terrain
How Many Pieces of Terrain?
9.3.1
Terrain & Scenery
9.4.1
Clear
9.4.2
Hill
Impassable
9.4.3
Buildings
9.4.4
9.4.5
Woods
Types of Buildings
10.0
PLAYING THE GAME
9.4
10.1
11.0
11.1
11.2
11.3
11.4
12.0
12.1
12.2
12.3
13.0
13.l
13.2
13.3
14.0
14.l
14.2
14.3
2015
23
25
PEFs
25
ENCOUNTERS
26
PEFs and Buildings

PEF Movement
11.2.1 Special PEF Movement
Resolving PEFs
How the Enemy Moves
Objective
Forces
Terrain
Deployment
Special Instructions
Objective
Forces
Terrain
Deployment
Finding the Objective
Objective
Forces
Terrain
Deployment
What is their Objective?
16.0
DESIGNER NOTES
My Game, Your Game
29
29
16.1
What's the Difference?
CR
33
17.0
INDEX OF TABLES
33
OLD SCHOOL
33
25
25
26
26
26
26
26
26
26
26
26
27
27
27
27
27
27
27
27
27
27
27
28
28
28
AFTERWARDS
28
STEP-BY-STEP
29
New Grunts
Increasing Rep
Decreasing Rep
SPECIAL THANKS TO:

Ken Hafer, Bob Minadeo and Ron "Baddawg"
Strickland: For insisting that, "It's not just a gang
warfare game."
The THW Guys on the Group and Forum: For the
constant support.
And Lil
28
28
29
At the Start
During the Encounter
After the Encounter
ED TElXElRA - TWO HOUR W ARGAMES
15.1
25
Solo and Same Side
Patrol
12.1.1
12.1.2
12.1.3
12.1.4
12.1.5
Raid
12.2.1
12.2.2
12.2.3
12.2.4
12.2.5
12.2.6
Defend
12.3.1
12.3.2
12.3.3
12.3.4
12.3.5
12.3.6
15.0
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23
23
23
24
24
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24
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24
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8/ 16/2015
CHAIN REACTION 2015

from CR 2.0 to current THW products was so dramatic
that it became apparent to me that CR 2.0 needed a
facelift.
1.0 PROLOGUE
Many of you have probably heard of Chain Reaction, but
for those of you that havent, heres a little history.
So after five years I upgraded to CR 3.0. What Chain

Reaction had become is an introduction to the Reaction
System and all the other mechanics used in current THW
products. CR 3.0 was a THW lite version given to the
gamer at no cost.
2002
2012
Two Hour Wargames makes its first foray into providing

rules for man-to-man skirmish games. The rules are called
Guns and Girls and they debut with a News Item on The
Miniatures Page. The cover of the rules (two young ladies
in bikinis, high heels, and automatic weapons) is taken as
a sign of the Apocalypse, by some, causing a change of
title to Chain Reaction for the US market and a new cover
depicting a target riddled with bullet holes.
The past three years had seen the company explode to

over thirty titles and a Yahoo Group of over 5000
members. As THW gains more exposure one of the
biggest comments Ive heard is that its nice to have one
common set of mechanics to play a variety of periods.
This has led me to do the next update to Chain Reaction.
With a variety of periods there are still some basic
mechanics that give a really good game. The last three
years, with the help of input from the Yahoo group, THW
mechanics have become pretty standard between the
games. Like one player told me, If you can play one set
you can play about 90% of them as they share common
mechanics.
2004
As word spread via the Internet, battle reports began
coming in about the games that people were playing with
Chain Reaction. World War 2, Dark Future, and police
actions were common, but there were also American Civil
War games, Star Wars (you all understand I didnt write
Star Wars, right?), hard core Sci-Fi, Gangsters of the
20s, and much more. It quickly became apparent that you
could adapt Chain Reaction for almost any period where
modern firearms were used.
Chain Reaction 3.0 The Final Version are these

mechanics.
Anyway, thanks for the interest, give the game a read,
play the game a few times. If you have questions come
over to the THW Forum and ask. Youll usually get an
answer within 24 hours.
What also became equally apparent was that gamers

wanted bigger battles with more and more figures. That
was the main reason for Chain Reaction 2.0: Fully
Loaded. With bigger battles came the need for smoother
mechanics and less bookkeeping. Seeing how there was
minimal book keeping in Chain Reaction it was obvious
that the mechanics would be where the ease of play would
come from. Chain Reaction 2.0 delivered.
WHAT A LONG STRANGE TRIP ITS BEEN.

******************************************
ALERT! ALERT! ALERT! WERE AT IT AGAIN!
2008
2015
By now Two Hour Wargames was up to twenty plus titles

from a variety of authors covering a variety of periods
from Ancient Warfare to the conflict in Vietnam, as well
as Fantasy and Sci-Fi titles. While CR 2.0 was a generic
set of rules that covered many periods in a light way, the
other titles are detailed and focused specifically to bring
the flavor of that period to life.
NUTS! Final Version and Larger Than Life Directors

Cut as well as 2 Hour Dungeon Crawl has caused a
dilemma. There are a few things in them that really make
the THW mechanics work even better. Not big changes,
just a few minor ones. Weve folded some of the
mechanics into a simpler format, resulting in fewer tables.
Im not about to issue new editions of the current books,
the ones with the CR 3 mechanics, but I want to get the
changes to everyone and get it to them for free. Thats
what this book is doing.
So I decided to make CR 2.0 free to the masses.
2009
Heres the beauty of the THW system. You can use these
tweaks with any of the THW rule sets if you want to, just
bring them over; its your game.
With all the exposure and questions generated by CR 2.0

it became obvious that the rules were reaching a much
larger audience than before. But the jump in mechanics
2015 ED TEIXEIRA TWO HOUR WARGAMES 8/16/2015
CHAIN REACTION 2015
2.0 INTRODUCTION
4.0 NEEDED TO PLAY
Chain Reaction 2015 is a set of man-to-man combat rules

that can be played in a variety of periods and with any
figures you may already have.
You will need a few things to play Chain Reaction 2015.

They are:
Games are usually finished in two hours or less, hence the

company name. Chain Reaction, like all THW games, can
be played solo, cooperatively all players on the same
side or competitively head to head.
Before we go into detail about the game let's explain the

cornerstone of all THW games, the Reaction System.
Traditional games use a turn sequence known as IGO,

UGO. This means that I move my figures, fire, we do
some melee and maybe you do a morale test or two.
THW uses what is called the Reaction System. In this

system your side activates and you move part of your
force. That triggers a reaction from parts of my force. I
immediately react and this may cause you to react in kind.
4.1 THE DICE

During the game you will be required to roll dice in a
variety of ways. They are:
Youll see what I mean as you read along.
WORD OF ADVICE
Be sure to read the rules one section at a time and do the
review and easy exercises in the Stop boxes. Weve
broken the rules down into smaller pieces to make it
easier to learn. If you have a question about the rules just
keep reading as the answer will be coming along shortly.
This way to use the dice is to roll one or more d6 and

compare each die score individually to the Target
Number. The Target Number can be Reputation (5.3) or
something entirely different.
http://site.twohourwargames.com/forum/index.php
You can expect a response within 24 hours.
3.0 YOUR ROLE
Your role in Chain Reaction is up to you. Here are some

suggestions:
Passing Dice.
Counting Successes.
Possibilities.
Reading and Adding the Dice.
1/2D6.
4.1.1 PASSING DICE
But if you cant find the answer check out the THW
Forum link below for answers to questions and free
downloads.
Six-sided dice, referred to as d6. It is best to have

at least six of these and the more you have, the
quicker games will play.
One ruler or measuring device, ideally one per
player.
Any combination of metal, plastic or paper
figures in a consistent scale of your choice.
Something to represent buildings and other
terrain features.
A 3'x3' flat surface, but you can play with a
larger one if desired.
You can play as a loner, going on Encounters on

your own.
You can play as a Leader of a Band with as
many figures as you like; we recommend one per
each point of Rep (5.3), including your own.
You can play a variety of periods.
The bottom line is you can play it any way you
like because its your game.
If the d6 score is equal or less than the Target

Number, the d6 has passed.
If the score is greater than the Target Number,
the d6 has not passed.
You can only pass 2, 1, or 0d6 regardless of the
number you actually roll.
Isnt passing 0d6 like failing the dice? No,
because we count how many you pass.
Example Sgt Spellman (Rep 4) comes under fire and

must take a Received Fire Test (7.7). The Target Number
for the test is his Reputation (4). He rolls 2d6 and scores
a 1 and a 5. As the 1 is equal or lower than the Rep of 4,
1d6 has been passed. Looking on the Received Fire Test
(Table 7.7) under the Pass 1d6 row we see that Spellman
must return fire, but suffers the Rush Shot penalty.
CHAIN REACTION 2015

4.2 FIGURES AND TERRAIN
As mentioned earlier you can play Chain Reaction with
any kind of figures. You can even play with cardboard
counters.
4.1.2 COUNTING SUCCESSES

Another way to use the dice is by rolling them and
counting successes.
Terrain can be as simple as using books or as elaborate as

finely detailed models, its up to you.
A score of 1, 2, or 3 is a success.
A score of 4, 5, or 6 is a failure.
4.2.1 BASING FIGURES
Example: The Paratrooper enters melee and rolls 4d6.

He scores a 1, 3, 3, and 4. He has scored three successes
(1, 3, and 3).
Each figure represents one man. The easiest way to base

your figures for Chain Reaction 2015 is one figure on a
round or square base as either style will work.
4.1.3 POSSIBILITIES
4.2.2 DEFINING FACING
When you see numbers in parenthesis, such as (1 2),

this means there is a chance of that event happening,
based on a 1d6 roll.
Charging or shooting to the rear of an enemy depends

upon the physical location of the attacker. To qualify as a
rear attack the attacker must begin and end its movement
behind the front facing of the target.
Example The Ganger has a pistol (1 3) or a shotgun

(4 6). I roll 1d6 and score a 5, the Ganger has a
shotgun.
4.1.4 READING AND ADDING THE DICE

Sometimes you simply read the result as rolled. When
rolling 2d6 in this manner you add the scores together to
get a total.
The front facing is defined as 180 degrees to the

front of the figure.
The rear facing is defined as 180 degrees to the
back of the figure.
The following illustration defines the front and rear

facings.
4.1.5 1/2D6
When asked to roll a 1/2d6, heres how we do it:
Roll 1d6.
(1 2) = 1.
(3 4) = 2.
(5 6) = 3.
4.1.6 HOW MANY D6

How many d6 do you roll? This is found by looking in the
upper left-hand corner of each table. There will usually be
a number, 1 or 2, telling you how many d6 to roll.
4.3 TABLES
Wherever possible all the tables that you will usually use
during the game have been grouped together in the back
of the book. When reading a section it is recommended
that you review the table in question.
In some cases there may be a word like Rep or Target.

That means 1d6 for each point of that word.
Example A Cowboy (Rep 4) must roll an In Sight Test.
Looking on the In Sight Test (Table 7.6.3) we see the
word Rep in the upper left-hand corner so I toss 4d6.
Chain Reaction 2015 may seem to have a lot of tables, but

in reality you will be using two or three of them 95% of
the time and those that you do use are easily memorized.
Other THW titles will have more tables, mostly covering
designing your Encounters and for determining the
actions of your enemy when playing solo.
Later he must take a Reaction Test versus his Rep. There

is a 2 in the upper left-hand corner so I roll 2d6.
Chain Reaction 2015 is like a toolbox. You may not need

all the tools, but they are there if you do!
CHAIN REACTION 2015

5.1.3 WHY USE STARS?
One question that may be asked is why do we use Stars in
THW? It's to give the player personal control of his
character.
STOP!
Chain Reaction can be played in three ways:
Solo, against the game mechanics.

Cooperatively, with everyone on the same side
against the game mechanics.
Head to head, against your friends.
Remember that all Grunts are controlled by the Reaction

Tests.
Grunts will behave in a realistic manner that balances a
desire to stay alive with the desire to do their job.
Chain Reaction is played with six-sided dice called d6.
But Stars? That's you. You will see that you have much
more freedom, as in real life, to do what you want, as well
as some distinct advantages that separate you from the
Grunts.
You can play in any scale, with figures or counters. You

can play with as many or as few figures as desired.
Passing dice is when you roll a d6 and compare it to a
Target Number like Rep. Score equal or less and you have
passed; score greater than the Target Number and you
have not. You can pass 2d6, 1d6 or 0d6.
5.2 STAR ADVANTAGES

As a Star in Chain Reaction 2015 you have four important
advantages. These are:
A success is a score of 1, 2 or 3.
Possibilities are the numbers in parenthesis next to an
event. Scoring that number means the event has
happened.
5.0 DEFINING THE

FIGURES
5.2.1 STAR POWER

Usually reserved for Stars, but sometimes found in some
Grunts, Star Power is the ability of a character to ignore
normally disabling damage. Heres how we do it:
Note that the words figure and character are interchangeable.
Chain Reaction 2015 is played with individual figures

that are defined in the following ways.
Star Power.
Larger Than Life.
Cheating Death.
Free Will.
Is it a Star or a Grunt?
What is its Reputation?
What type of Weapon does it have?
5.1 STARS AND GRUNTS

There are two types of figures, called Stars and Grunts.
Stars start each Encounter (game) with 1d6 of

Star Power for each point of Rep. So a Rep 5
Star starts with 5d6 Star Power.
Whenever a Star takes damage it rolls its current
Star Power d6. Read each d6 as rolled.
Any result of 1, 2, or 3 reduces the damage
by one level.
Any result of 4 or 5 means the damage stays
and the d6 is retained for future use.
Any result of 6 means the damage stays but
the d6 is removed from the characters Star
Power for the rest of the Encounter.
Damage is reduced in the following ways:
5.1.1 STARS
This figure represents you, the player. We suggest your

Star begins with a Reputation of 5.
5.1.2 GRUNTS
An Obviously Dead result becomes an Out of the

Fight result.
An Out of the Fight result becomes a -1 to Rep if
in Melee or a Duck Back if fired on.
It is possible to reduce damage by multiple levels if you

roll several results of 1, 2, or 3.
These are the figures that do not represent a player. They

may be friends or foes and will come and go as the game
progresses. Grunts are controlled by the game mechanics.
CHAIN REACTION 2015

5.2.4 FREE WILL
Example: A Star with a Rep of 5 is hit by fire. He takes

one Out of the Fight and one Obviously Dead result. The
player rolls one d6 per point of the Stars Rep or 5d6 in
this case.
The last Star Advantage is Free Will. Heres how we do

it:
The results are 2, 2, 4, 5, and 6.

One 2 reduces the Obviously Dead result to an
Out of the Fight result.
The other 2 reduces one Out of the Fight result to
a Duck Back.
The 4 and 5 have no effect, but are retained.
The 6 has no effect, but is discarded for the
remainder of the Encounter.
Example - Sergeant Riker (Rep 5) is shot at by the enemy.

He is a Star so can choose his reaction on the Received
Fire Test. He chooses to pass 2d6 and returns fire.
However, this wont do the Star much good since he is

still Out of the Fight. Its time to try another Star
Advantage, Larger Than Life.
5.3 REPUTATION
5.2.2 LARGER THAN LIFE (LTL)
Reputation or Rep represents a combination of

experience, morale and motivation. Rep is an expression
of a figures overall fighting quality. Both Stars and
Grunts use Rep. There are three possible starting levels of
Reputation:
Chain Reaction 2015 can be used to capture the cinematic

flavor of modern action movies where the Star is a larger
than life character. Heres how we do it:
Stars will take Reaction Tests just like Grunts.

Instead of rolling any d6 the Star can choose to
pass 2, 1 or 0d6.
This applies when taking the Received Fire and
Man Down Tests (7.7). It does not apply to the
In Sight Test (7.6).
Stars are never Outgunned (7.9.1).
Stars cannot be killed by anyone with a Rep

lower than the Star.
The worst result a Star could receive would be
Out of the Fight.
Example- Corporal Hotchkiss (Rep 5) is shot by an enemy

soldier (Rep 4). The soldier scores an Obviously Dead
result. Hotchkiss uses his Star Power, but to no avail. He
declares he is using his Larger Than Life advantage and
is Out of the Fight instead.
Note that Larger Than Life is applied after Star Power.
REP 5 - These are veterans of numerous

successful Encounters. Combat experienced and
elite troops would have a Rep of 5.
REP 4 - These are reliable people of some
experience or trained and motivated troops.
These characters are the most common type
youll run into.
REP 3 -These are characters of unknown quality
that have seen little or no combat. The average
citizen would have a Rep of 3.
5.2.3 CHEATING DEATH
5.4 WEAPONS
Another Star Advantage is Cheating Death. Heres how

we do it:
Most figures are assumed to have a ranged weapon while

some may have a melee weapon. Players are encouraged
to count the figure to be armed with the weapons it has.
A Star can be killed by anyone with an equal or

higher Reputation.
When this occurs, the Star may declare that he is
cheating death. He is immediately removed from
the table and whisked to safety.
When a player chooses to cheat death his Rep is
immediately reduced by one level.
Weapons are covered in more detail in the appropriate

sections entitled Ranged Weapons (7.9) and Melee (7.11).
5.4.1 YEAH, BUT WHERE'S THE

In Chain Reaction 2015 we have grouped weapons into
broad categories. If you dont see a weapon listed in
Chain Reaction 2015, use the stats for a weapon in the
category that it best fits.
Example - Hotchkiss (Rep 5) is shot by a German soldier

(Rep 5). The soldier scores an Obviously Dead result.
Hotchkiss uses his Star Power, but to no avail. He then
declares he is Cheating Death and is whisked from the
table to safety. He is still alive, but is now reduced to Rep
4.
Note that Cheating Death is applied after Star Power.
CHAIN REACTION 2015

6.1.1 RECRUITING TABLE
STOP!
Your personal figure is a Star and should start at Rep 5.

All the other figures are Grunts. Stars have four Star
Advantages.
RECRUITING
(Read the result as rolled)
# GANGER GUERILLA MILITIA MILITARY POLICE
Star Power can reduce damage. If you roll your Star

Power d6 and score a 6, what happens?
1
2
3
4
5
6
What is the difference between Cheating Death and

Larger Than Life?
Free Will lets you choose to pass 2d6, 1d6 or 0d6 on two
Reaction Tests. Which ones are they?
3
3
4
4
4
5
3
3
4
4
4
5
3
3
4
4
4
5
3
4
4
4
5
5
3
4
4
4
4
5
6.0 GETTING STARTED
STOP!
This section will explain some of the games that Chain

Reaction can be used for. No matter the time period you
choose, the link to all of them is Chain Reaction is a game
about modern firepower, no muskets allowed!
You start the game as a Rep 5 Star.
Okay, if you really want to use one shot weapons like

muskets, just count them as suffering Tight Ammo (7.9.2)
after each time they fire.
You can never have Grunts with a higher Rep than your
own.
You can recruit up to one Grunt per point of Rep, less

one. As your Rep changes you can add or must subtract
Grunts.
6.2 GROUPS
6.1 FORMING YOUR BAND
A group is any number of individual figures that operate

together during a turn. The smallest group is one figure;
there is not a maximum.
In Chain Reaction the game revolves around you, the

other characters that make up your Band and those of
your opponents. Let's define the Band:
At the start of the Encounter (game) each side must

deploy their figures into groups. Each group will
automatically have a Leader and figures in a group do not
have to have the same Rep.
Every Band has one Leader.

The rest of the members are non-Leader Grunts.
6.1.1 RECRUITING YOUR FIRST BAND

6.2.1 FORMING AND SPLITTING GROUPS
You will start the game alone, but you can recruit Grunts
to join you. Here's how we do it:
Groups are not permanent. You can form up or break

apart your group into larger or smaller groups at any time
during the turn when you are active or when forced to do
so by a Reaction Test.
Your Band can be as large as your Rep,

including yourself. This means you can recruit
your Rep, less one, Grunts. As your Rep goes up
or down (13.2) so will the number of Grunts in
your Band.
Consult the Recruiting Table (Table 6.1.1).
Roll 1d6 and read the result as rolled.
Go down the left-hand column to the appropriate
row and across to the appropriate column for the
type of Grunt youre recruiting. This will give
you its Rep.
Grunts are always assumed to have the weapon
represented on the figure.
You cannot have Grunts with a higher Rep than
yours. If your Rep goes down, any Grunt with a
higher Rep than yours leaves your group!
6.2.2 GROUP COHESION

A group consists of one or more figures with one being
the group Leader. To qualify as a group the following two
requirements must be met.
Remain within 4" of one or more figures in the

group.
Have a Line of Sight (LOS) to one or more
figures in the group and/or be in LOS of one or
more figures in the group.
CHAIN REACTION 2015
In this picture we see a four figure group. All of the figures are
within 4" of another figure and LOS.
In this picture the groups from the previous example activate at
the same time and groups A and B move away. As none of the
groups are within 4" of each other the figures are now in three
groups and will activate separately.
6.3 LEADERS
Groups will always have a Leader. Heres how we do it:
In this picture one member of the group has been hit and is out
of the fight or obviously dead. The link between figures is now
broken. There are now two groups that will activate separately.
6.2.3 LARGE GROUPS

You can make large groups of multiple groups just as you
do with multiple figures. This could also occur when two
Non-Player groups decide to band together under one
Leader.
The Star is always the Leader when in a group.

A Temporary Leader is the figure in the group
with the highest Rep and only acts as a Leader
when the Star is not with the group.
6.3.1 LEADER FUNCTIONS

Star Leaders have two specific functions they will use to
affect their group. Heres how we do it:
All Leaders allow for all figures in their group to

activate when it does.
The Star Leader is allowed to use Leader Die to
inspire his group when taking Reaction Tests.
Temporary Leaders do not use Leader Die, but allow for

all figures in his group to activate when he does.
6.3.2 USING LEADER DIE

When the Star Leader is part of a group he is allowed to
roll a Leader Die to help inspire the group when taking
certain Reaction Tests. Heres how we do it:
Example - In the picture above we see three groups. Groups A

and B are grouped together as they are within 4 and LOS so
will activate at the same time. Group C is more than 4" from A
and B so will activate separately.
In this picture groups A and B start the turn apart in separate

groups. Group C activates and moves within 4" of the other
groups. The Leader is now in charge of all three groups and
they can activate at the same time. Groups B and C could now
activate and move, up to their allowable distance.
Leader Die is used when the group must take the

Received Fire Test (Table 7.7). A (LDR) will be
found next to this Reaction Test.
To use Leader Die throw 1d6, read the result as
rolled and compare the result to the Rep of the
Leader.
If the result is passed 1d6; add this to the
number of d6 passed by each figure in the
group.
If the result is passed 0d6; nothing is added.
Leader Die is used even if the Leader does not
need to take the test.
Leader Die is not used when the Leader is by
himself.
CHAIN REACTION 2015

Example - Sgt. Harris (Rep 4) is the leader of a group
composed of four Rep 3 Police Officers. Three members
of the group come under fire and they must take the
Received Fire Test.
7.0 RULES OF WAR

Now lets go over the rules in the order that you will use
them during the game.
I roll 2d6 for the three officers under fire and score a 5
and a 3. This means that they have passed 1d6.
7.1 TURN SEQUENCE
I now roll 1d6 for the Leader Die as Harris is with the
group. I score a 4 so have passed 1d6. This is added to
the group result so they have passed 2d6.
Chain Reaction 2015 is played in turns, with one phase of

activation per side. Although Encounters (games) can last
an unlimited number of turns, each turn follows a strict
sequence.
Reaction dice are rolled for the group, but applied

individually to only the figures taking the test.
6.3.3 MULTIPLE LEADERS

In situations where more than one Leader is present only
the Leader Die of the highest Rep is used.
Before the game begins each player chooses a

different colored d6 to represent their side.
Example - I choose a blue d6 and Jim Bob Joe chooses

yellow.
Example I am playing a Military game. A Platoon

Leader joins a group in his platoon. The group will use
his Leader Die as long as he is carrying on (7.8) with the
group. Once he leaves or is disabled, the group Leader
will use his Leader Die.
STOP!
At the start of each turn both dice are rolled. This

is called rolling for Activation.
If the die scores are the same (doubles) re-roll
them.
The higher score determines which side will
activate its groups first.
Example - The two dice are rolled and a Blue 5 and a

Yellow 4 are rolled. I scored higher so I can activate my
groups first.
Groups are formed and disbanded as needed and consist

of multiple figures. The smallest group is one figure.
There is no limit on the maximum as long as they qualify
as a group. What two requirements must be met to be part
of a multi-figure group?
Leader Die is used by rolling 1d6 versus the Rep of the

Star Leader.
Only groups with a Leader whose Rep is equal to

or higher than its Activation die score can be
activated.
Groups are activated from highest to lowest Reps
with ties activating in the order the player
desires.
Example: A Blue 5 and a Yellow 4 were rolled. My side

scored higher so I activate first. I can activate only
groups that are led by a Rep 5 or higher Leader.
10
After the first group has completed all its actions

and any reactions it may have caused have been
resolved, the active side is allowed to proceed to
its next group.
After all of the active sides groups have been
activated the other side can activate one group at
a time based on the result of its activation die
roll.
CHAIN REACTION 2015
Example: A Blue 5 and a Yellow 4 were rolled. I went

first and have finished activating all the groups I wanted
to. It is now Jim Bob Joes turn. He can activate only
groups that are led by a Rep 4 or higher Leader.
Each time called upon by any Reaction or

Charge into Melee Test.
As mentioned previously, by combining multiple

traditional turns your characters can fire more than once
per THW turn.
After both sides have activated all of their

eligible groups and all reactions have taken place
the turn is over and Activation dice are rolled
again signifying the start of a new turn.
7.4 MOVEMENT
There are two types of movement, voluntary, when the
figure is active, and involuntary when caused by a
Reaction Test.
This system will mean that many times lower Rep figures
will not be able to activate. This reflects their lack of
confidence and hesitancy to engage the enemy. It also
stresses the importance of higher Rep Leaders!
7.4.1 NORMAL MOVEMENT

Normal movement for all figures is 8.
7.1.1 MANY TURNS INTO ONE

With the Reaction System allowing players to react to
what the other player does when it isnt their turn we are
combining traditional game turns into longer THW turns.
This means:
7.4.2 FAST MOVE

If desired a figure can attempt to move faster than normal
speed. Here's how we do it:
No artificial stopping of action.

Longer turns, but shorter games.
Youre always involved in the turn, no waiting
for the other player to finish his turn.
Now that you know the turn sequence we will explain the
rules in the order that they will occur during the game
turn. This may be different than traditional rules but is
much more effective.
Lets start with actions.
Example A group of three figures want to Fast Move. I

roll 2d6 and score a 4 and 5. Here's how the group will
move.
7.2 ACTIONS
When a figure is active it can voluntarily do one of the
following actions.
Declare the intent of any figures in the group that

want to Fast Move.
Roll 2d6 for the group and compare each die
score individually to the Rep of each figure Fast
Moving.
For each d6 passed, the figure is allowed to add
4 to its move.
Figures declaring a Fast Move will count as
moving fast regardless of the actual distance
moved.
The Rep 5 passes 2d6 and can move 16.
Move up to the normal 8 or a successful Fast

Move, ending its move facing as desired.
Charge into Melee (Table 7.11.2).
The Rep 4 passes 1d6 and can move 12.

The Rep 3 passes 0d6 and can move 8. All count as Fast
Moving.
7.2.1 OTHER ACTIONS

7.4.3 GOING PRONE
When active, figures can do the following actions in

addition to those previously listed.
Figures can go prone at any time during their turn. Heres

how we do it:
Pick up dropped weapons or other items.

Reload a weapon.
7.3 FIRING
In addition to the previous actions, figures can fire during

the turn at the following times:
Once when active at any time.
11
Active figures can choose to go prone or can be

forced to go prone by a reaction result.
Going prone ends their movement until they are
next active.
To regain their feet takes half of their movement
distance.
CHAIN REACTION 2015

go of it. That's a reaction. Next you grab a towel and then
grab the pot. That's an action.
7.4.4 INVOLUNTARY MOVEMENT

Figures can be forced into involuntary actions and
movement due to the results of a Reaction Test (Table
7.7). The possible involuntary actions and moves are as
follows.
Figures take Reaction Tests during the game when called

upon. Let's look closer at each Reaction Test In Sight
(7.6), Received Fire (7.7), and Man Down (7.7).
DUCK BACK Figures that Duck Back are seeking Cover

and safety. Heres how we do it:
7.6 IN SIGHT
Move to the nearest Cover within 6, ending its

turn. This can be in any direction, even forward.
If no Cover is available within 6 the figure will
drop prone in place, ending its turn.
It may not fire until active or directed to by a
subsequent Reaction Test.
Figures in Duck Back, by definition, cannot see
or be seen by the cause of the test, but those that
go prone can.
Let's explain the difference between being In Sight and

Out of Sight.
7.6.1 IN SIGHT OR OUT OF SIGHT

Figures are always In Sight or Out of Sight
A figure is In Sight when:
LEAVE THE BATTLEFIELD Remove the figure from the

table.
OUTGUNNED Outgunned figures will behave as if
scoring a Duck Back result.
An enemy figure can trace a Line of Sight (7.9.4)

to that figure, from figure base to figure base.
This applies even if that figure is in Cover,
concealed or both.
A figure is Out of Sight when:
RETURN FIRE The figure immediately returns fire at the

cause of the test.
RUSH SHOT - The figure immediately returns fire at the
cause of the test, but takes the Rush Shot penalty.
STOP!
It cannot be seen because of intervening terrain.

It cannot be seen due to weather or light
restrictions such as being too far away to see the
enemy at night.
It cannot be seen due to any other figure in the
way.
7.6.2 TRIGGERING AN IN SIGHT TEST
Each turn starts with two different colored d6 being

rolled.
Here's how an In Sight Test is triggered:
What happens if doubles are rolled?

High score activates first. Only groups with a Leader
having a Rep equal or greater than the d6 result can
activate.
Whenever a group has an opposing group enter

into its Line of Sight or LOS, and the opposing
group was not seen previously during this
activation phase, the In Sight Test has been
triggered. Note that not all figures in the group
will qualify to take the In Sight Test.
After a group has activated and all reactions it caused are

resolved, the next group can activate.
Review the actions available to each figure when active.
Normal movement is 8 and Fast Move can be up to 16.
7.5 THE REACTION SYSTEM

This section covers the heart of the THW system. Its
called the Reaction System. Reaction Tests reflect how a
figure will perform when under physical, mental, or
emotional stress during the fight.
In this picture the white side cannot be seen by 1 or 2.
Reaction Tests represent immediate unthinking reactions

to certain events. Here's a real life example. You're in the
kitchen and grab a pot. Its hot and you immediately let
12
The In Sight Test is triggered as soon as any

figure in a moving group comes into sight.
CHAIN REACTION 2015
In the second picture white activates and figures A and B

move forward. A comes into sight of 1 triggering the In
Sight Test.
Only one side can win the In Sight Test. The

moving side wins the In Sight only if it scores
more successes.
If the number of successes is equal, the nonmoving side wins the In Sight.
With multiple In Sights at the same time, its not
if you win, but if you lose. So if you beat one
enemy group, but lose to another, you lost the In
Sight and can only react. After all In Sight
actions are done, you react.
Example Groups A and B come into sight of group 1.

Group A scores 4 successes, group 1 scores 3 successes,
and group B scores 1 success.
Once the test is triggered the triggering group is

allowed to move all of its figures (whether they
triggered the In Sight or not) up to two additional
inches (free). This movement could result in the
figure going Out of Sight.
Group A goes first as it scored more successes than group

1. Group 1 reacts. Group B cannot act as it scored fewer
successes than group 1. If it had scored more successes
than group 1 it could have acted along with group A.
After both groups had finished their actions, group 1
would have reacted.
7.6.4 RESOLVING IN SIGHT ACTIONS

Each figure in the winning group can now act. Heres
how we do it:
The In Sight is triggered and the figures in the triggering group

are allowed to move two additional inches, before the test is
resolved. Figure A moves closer to 1 while B moves to
the edge of the house so B can see 1; also putting B into
sight of 1.
7.6.5 ADDING TO ONGOING IN SIGHTS
7.6.3 TAKING THE IN SIGHT TEST
There may be a time where a character that was not

involved in an In Sight, becomes involved in it. The
newly involved character makes an In Sight Test. If it
beats the opponents original In Sight result, it takes its In
Sight Action
The In Sight Test is a Reaction Test taken differently than the

other two Received Fire and Man Down.
After the triggering group has moved up to two additional

inches, all figures In Sight of an enemy, or having the
enemy In Sight will take the test. Here's how we do it:
Fire.
If the figure cannot fire it will Charge into Melee
if within 6.
If the figure cannot fire or Charge into Melee it
will Duck Back if in enemy ranged weapons
range.
Otherwise Carry On.
Example Billy Pink shoots at Jim Bob Joe but

misses. Jim Bob Joe takes a Received Fire reaction
test and Ducks Back, but as he is moving his 6 he
comes into sight of Cher and a new In Sight test is
triggered. This is completed and then Jim Bob Joe
completes his Duck Back, if still able.
Consult the In Sight Table (Table 7.6.3).

The Leader of each group with LOS takes the In
Sight for the whole group. If the Star Leader
does not have LOS the highest Rep figure that
does, counts as the Temporary Leader.
Each Leader starts with1d6 per level of their
Rep.
Modify the number of d6 each Leader rolls, by
any applicable Circumstance.
The Leaders roll their modified d6 total looking
for successes, a score of 1, 2 or 3.
The Leader scoring the most successes has won
the In Sight.
7.6.6 COMPLETED IN SIGHTS

Once all figures in the winning groups have completed
their actions and appropriate Reaction Tests are taken, the
active side continues its part of the turn. This could be
additional movement and/or active fire.
13
CHAIN REACTION 2015
STOP!
Take two figures and place them on the table, Out of
Sight of each other. Both are Rep 4.
Roll 2d6 for Activation. Move the active figure into sight.
Once the In Sight is triggered the figure can move 2
more before the In Sight is taken.
Take the In Sight Test for both sides. Did you modify the
number of d6 rolled by the applicable Circumstance? By
the one side being active and moving?
In the picture above we see the white group come into sight of
three enemy figures. After the white group has moved 2
additional inches, only 7 and 8 are involved in the In Sight Test.
After taking an In Sight Test, figures A", "B" and "C" fire at
"7" and "8". Note that the white Leader was not involved in the
test and the higher Rep between 7 and 8 was used instead.
Just to recap. The In Sight is taken by the Leader in the

group with a qualifying LOS. This means that a
Temporary Leader could take the test. What is a
Temporary Leader?
Both 7 and 8 are missed and they take a Received Fire Test for
being fired on. 2d6 are rolled and a 5 and a 3 are scored. As the
Leader is within 4" and part of the group that was fired on he is
allowed to roll one Leader Die. He rolls a 4 and passes 1d6.
Adding the pass 1d6 result means soldier 7 passes 2d6, so
returns fire while soldier 8, due to a lower Rep, returns fire, but
counts the Rush Shot penalty.
7.7 REACTION TESTS

Here are two additional Reaction Tests. They are:
RECEIVED FIRE TEST The figure was shot at

and did not get hit.
MAN DOWN TEST The figure is within 4 and
7.7.2 MULTIPLE RESULTS
LOS of a friendly figure that went Out of the

Fight or Obviously Dead from ranged combat,
melee combat , or a failed Challenge Test (7.14).
There may be times when a figure qualifies for more than

one Reaction Test and scores more than one result,
sometimes conflicting. Heres how we do it:
7.7.1 HOW TO TAKE A REACTION TEST

Here's how these Reaction Tests are taken.
Consult the Reaction Tests Table (Table 7.7.1)

Determine what is causing the test; Fired On,
Man Down or a combination of both. If more
than one cause, you still roll 2d6, but apply the
worse result.
Determine which figures in the group must take
the test. Note that there will be times when some
figures will take the test and others will not.
Start with 2d6 for the group taking the test.
Modify the number of d6 by any applicable
Circumstance.
Roll the modified total of d6.
Determine how many d6 were passed based on
the individual Rep of each figure taking the test.
This may result in figures in the same group
behaving in different ways.
row and across to the appropriate column.
Immediately carry out the result.
One set of d6 are rolled.

Apply the results to each cause of the test.
Take the worse result.
See the Status and Actions section (7.8) for more details.
7.7.3 COMPLETING REACTIONS

There may be times when a figure is carrying out a
Reaction Test and may be forced to take another test prior
to completion of the first. When called for, the figure
immediately takes the new Reaction Test, cannot score
better than the first result, but can score worse.
Example - A figure takes a Received Fire Test and scores
a result of Duck Back. The figure moves towards Cover
and into the sight of another enemy figure triggering an
In Sight Test. The enemy fires and misses the ducking
back figure before it has completed its move. The ducking
back figure takes a new Received Fire Test and passes
2d6 which would allow him to return fire. However, he
cannot score better than the Duck Back result, so
continues on towards Cover.
14
CHAIN REACTION 2015

7.8 STATUS AND ACTIONS
STOP!
The Reaction Tests and Melee can change the status of a

figure or force it to act in a certain way. Here we will
explain the terms found on the Reaction Tests.
One set of d6 are rolled for each group taking the

Reaction Test, but the results are applied to the Reps of
each figure separately. This means that figures in the
group may behave differently.
CARRY ON The figure is in good order and can act and

react as desired. This is the best status the figure can have.
A figure is considered to be carrying on if it is not doing
any of the following. We have ranked them from best to
worst.
Take three figures and place them on the table. They are a
Rep 5 Leader, a Rep 4 Ganger and a Rep 3 Ganger. All
three are fired on. The dice are rolled and a 4 is scored for
the Leader Die. The other d6 result in a 4 and 6. Look on
the Received Fire Test and see how the three Gangers
react.
Return Fire.
Rush Shot.
Outgunned.
Duck Back.
Leave the Battlefield.
-1 to Rep.
Out of the Fight.
Obviously Dead.
How many d6 did each pass?
7.9 RANGED WEAPONS

There are two ways to inflict damage in Chain Reaction.
The first is by ranged weapons fire and the other is by
melee (hand-to-hand combat). Trust me on this; melee
should be considered a last resort.
-1 TO REP The character has its Reputation reduced by 1

point by losing a Melee. After all melees for the turn are
over, the characters Rep returns to what it was prior to
the melee, even if it went Out of the Fight. Rep lost
between melees, on the same turn, is kept until the final
melee is over.
Each weapon is defined by type and in some cases

weapons have been lumped into broader categories.
Weapons are defined by three characteristics.
DUCK BACK Figure is trying to find Cover. Heres how

we do it:
TYPE What it is.

RANGE The range listed for every weapon is its effective
range, which is the range that the shooter feels he has a
reasonable chance of hitting the target. This range is
considerably shorter than most weapons maximum
ranges.
Move to the nearest Cover within 6, ending its

turn. This can be in any direction, even forward.
If no Cover is available within 6 the figure will
drop prone in place, ending its turn.
It may not fire until active or caused by a
subsequent Reaction Test.
Figures in Duck Back cannot see or be seen by
the cause of the test, but those that go prone can.
TARGET The maximum number of d6 rolled when the

weapon is fired by the character. Each d6 has the potential
to do damage to a target and any or all dice may be
applied to one or more figures. Also defines the arc of fire
(spread) of the weapon.
LEAVE THE BATTLEFIELD - Remove the figure from the

table.
OBVIOUSLY DEAD The figure has taken damage that is
so severe it is obvious that the figure is dead.
Example A submachine gun with a Target of 3 may fire

at up to three targets in a three-inch arc of fire.
OUT OF THE FIGHT The figure has taken serious

damage and cannot continue the battle. He cannot move
on his own and must be retrieved by others. If contacted
by an enemy he is considered to be captured or dispatched
as desired.
If the character fires a round that explodes (hand grenade

or Rocket Launcher), the weapon will use a blast circle
(7.10.5).
OUTGUNNED Outgunned figures will behave as if

scoring a Duck Back result.
RETURN FIRE The figure immediately returns fire at the
cause of the test.
RUSH SHOT - The figure immediately returns fire at the
cause of the test, but takes the Rush Shot penalty.
15
CHAIN REACTION 2015

7.9 WEAPONS TABLE
7.9.2 TIGHT AMMO
TYPE
RANGE
TARGET
48
48
6
12
12
48
48
12
48
24
3
1
5 (1)
3
1
5 (1) (2)
2
3 (6) (3)
4
3
Assault Rifle (AR)

Bolt Action Rifle (BAR)
Grenade (G)
Machine Pistol (MP)
Pistol (P)
Rocket Launcher (RL)
Semi-Auto Rifle (SAR)
Shotgun (SG)
Squad Auto Weapon (SAW)
Submachine Gun (SMG)
Ammo in Chain Reaction is pretty much unlimited.

However, there still is a chance that the weapon may
temporarily run out of ammo and must be reloaded.
Heres how we do it:
(1) 5 blast circle when using 28mm, reduced to 3 for 15mm.

(2) After the Rocket Launcher has fired it counts as suffering
Tight Ammo. (3) The shotgun rolls 6d6, takes the best three
results and applies them for hits. All 6d6 are counted for Tight
Ammo.
Anytime two or more ones are rolled when firing

the weapon it is out of ammo and cannot be fired
again until reloaded.
It takes one turn of activation to reload the
weapon the next turn of activation at the
earliest. During this turn the weapon cannot be
fired.
Figures reloading weapons may move, but
cannot exceed their normal movement.
The weapon is considered out of ammo after all
d6 results have been applied to the target.
Rocket Launchers are considered to be out of
ammo after they have fired and must be
reloaded.
7.9.1 OUTGUNNED RANKINGS

When firing, some weapons are perceived to have greater
firepower than others. This is called their Outgunned
Ranking (OR).
Example Ivan fires with a SMG and rolls a 1, 1, and 5.

He scores one hit with the 5, but the two ones means he
is out of ammo.
If a figure shoots with a weapon with a higher OR than

that of the target or if the target cannot shoot back, for
whatever reason, the target is outgunned. The target will
take the Received Fire Test, but cannot score a result
better than Duck Back.
7.9.3 SHOOTING
Shooting a weapon and hand-to-hand combat are
distinctly different ways of inflicting damage. This is
reflected by the different game mechanics used in Chain
Reaction 2015.
Remember that Stars cannot be outgunned.

Example Jim Bob Joe has a submachine gun (OR 3), but
is out of ammo. He is fired on by Slag who is using a
semi-automatic rifle (OR 2). Jim Bob Joe takes the
Received Fire Test and passes 2d6. Although Jim has a
weapon with a better OR than the shooter as he cannot
fire because he is out of ammo, he must Duck Back
instead.
7.9.4 LINE OF SIGHT

To shoot something you must first be able to see it. A
straight line from the shooter to the target is called a Line
of Sight or LOS. Heres how we do it:
7.9.1 OUTGUNNED RANKINGS TABLE
X
OR
5
4
3
2
1
0
OUTGUNNED RANKINGS
WEAPON TYPE
Blast circle weapons.

Target 4 weapons.
Target 3 weapons.
Target 2 weapons.
Target 1 weapon.
Those that cannot return fire.
16
Line of Sight extends across the whole table and

is blocked by friendly figures, terrain, buildings
and sometimes weather.
LOS is to the front of the figure up to a 180
degree arc.
In nighttime LOS is reduced to 12. However,
targets in a well-lit area will count LOS as
normal for those firing at them.
LOS between figures inside woods is reduced to
12 in the daytime and 6 at night. If inside and
within 1 of the edge of the woods the figure can
see and be seen from outside the woods as
normal.
LOS in inclement weather such as fog, rain or
snow, is reduced to 12 in the daytime and 6 at
night.
CHAIN REACTION 2015

7.9.5 COVER OR CONCEALMENT
7.9.8 TARGET SELECTION
There will be times when a character will be in Cover,

Concealment or both. Cover and Concealment are
different.
Figures match up one on one when targeting each other

whether firing or charging into melee. The firing side
when shooting or the charging side if going into melee
determines target allocation.
Concealment makes you harder to see, but does

not stop a bullet. Concealment comes into play
when taking the In Sight Test.
Cover stops a bullet from hitting parts of your
body, so it makes you harder to be hit. Cover
comes into play on the Ranged Combat Table.
All figures must be targeted at least once before being

targeted a second or third time by other figures.
Figures in reaction will always target the figures that shot
at them. When taking an active fire the player may choose
his targets.
So how do you tell which is which? Consult the Cover or

Concealment Table (Table 7.9.5). Players should match
the terrain on the table with the type that best resembles it
on the Cover or Concealment List before the game begins.
7.9.9 APPLYING THE TARGET DICE

A figure can apply its Target Dice as desired. Heres how
we do it:
7.9.6 RESOLVING FIRE

Fire continues between figures until one is unable to
return fire. This can happen for the following reasons.
Run out of ammo by rolling two or more ones.

The weapon, such as a Rocket Launcher, can
only fire once per turn.
One figure is outgunned.
One figure has ducked back.
One figure has left the battlefield
One figure has been hit by fire.
Before firing the shooter must declare how many

shots will go onto each target. It is possible for
one target to have multiple shots applied on it.
Roll the dice and arrange them from the highest
to the lowest.
Apply the dice to the targets as stated prior to
shooting with the highest d6 on the first target.
Best bet? Always apply one shot to the first
target and the rest to other targets.
Example Hans fires his SMG at Charles and Billy Pink.

He declares to fire 1d6 at the first target, Charles, and the
rest at Billy. Hans rolls a 3, 5 and 2. The d6 are laid out
from high to low (5, 3, and 2). The 5 will be applied to
Charles and the rest applied to Billy.
It is common for figures to fire multiple times in one turn,

both when active and in reaction.
Example Ahmed fires his rifle at Qwan and misses.
Qwan takes the Received Fire Test and fires back with his
SMG and misses as well. Ahmed takes the Received Fire
Test and passes 2d6. Normally he should return fire but
instead Ahmed will Duck Back as he is outgunned. This
ends the fire between the two figures.
Remember that the arc is measured from the first target

then to the left or right. This arc may take an eligible
figure that is closer to the shooter, out consideration, even
if that figure could be targeted.
7.9.10 SHOOTING A WEAPON

7.9.7 ARC OF FIRE
Here's how to shoot a weapon.
Each weapon has an arc of fire equal to 1 for each point

of Target. The first figure fired at defines where the arc of
fire begins. Figures within the arc from that figure are at
risk.
In this picture the shooter of the SMG has a 3 arc of fire,

defined by the Target of 3. He is allowed to shoot up to 3
targets, one per inch of arc if desired.
17
First establish a LOS between the shooter and

the target figure.
Consult the Ranged Combat Table (Table
7.9.10).
Roll 1d6 per point of weapon Target.
Place each d6 next to each target figure with the
highest score on the first target and working to
the lowest score.
Next add each d6 individually to the shooters
Reputation to arrive at a total. There is no need
to modify the total as it is built into the table.
row then across to see the result.
CHAIN REACTION 2015

Example - Billy Pink (Rep 5) fires his semi-automatic rifle
at Hans who is in Cover. Billy rolls a 3 and 6. Each die is
added to the Rep of Billy (5), which results in an 8 (5+3 =
8) a miss and an 11 (6+5 = 11) a hit.
Example Benny (Rep 2) fires at Char who is in Cover.

He scores a 6 but still cannot score a hit. Benny can use
the Pitiful Shot rule and rolls another 1d6 and scores a 2
which is under his Rep of 3. Char has been hit.
7.9.11 DETERMINING DAMAGE
7.10 GRENADES
Each time a figure is hit the shooter rolls on the Ranged

Combat Damage Table (Table 7.9.11). Heres how we do
it:
Military, Guerilla and Militia groups can have grenades.

In this section we explain how they are used.
Consult the Ranged Combat Damage Table

(7.9.11).
Roll 1d6, read the result as rolled and go down
the left-hand column to the appropriate row and
across to see the result.
7.10.1 READY THE GRENADE

In Chain Reaction you can choose to use hand grenades.
A figure can only throw one grenade per turn. A grenade
must be readied by an active figure before it can be
thrown. It can be thrown when active or in reaction.
Here's how we do it:
Example Billy Pink has hit Hans (Rep 4) with his semiauto rifle. Billy rolls 1d6 and scores a 4. This is equal or
higher than Hanss Rep, but not a 6, so Hans goes Out of
the Fight.
If you have earlier versions of Chain Reaction you can

use the old damage table. If you score a result higher than
the listed Impact just count it as Duck Back.
7.9.12 AUTO-KILL OR CAPTURE
If an active figure comes into contact with an Out of the

Fight figure he can choose to automatically dispatch the
figure or capture it. If captured the figure must be guarded
by at least one armed figure. Each armed figure can guard
up to six enemy figures.
The figure must be active.

It takes half of their movement to ready the
grenade.
Consult the Ready the Grenade Table (Table
7.10.1).
Roll 1d6 versus the Rep and determine if he
passes 1d6 or 0d6.
row and across to see the results.
Immediately carry out the results.
7.10.1 READY THE GRENADE TABLE
READY THE GRENADE

(Taken vs. Rep)
7.9.13 FIRING TWO WEAPONS AT ONCE
# D6
PASSED
1
It is possible to fire two weapons at a time. Heres how

we do it:
The player can use any weapons he desires.

Figures firing two weapons will always count the
Rush Shot penalty when firing each.
Count the Outgunned Rating at +1 point over the
highest rated weapon.
Rep 3 and 2 figures are allowed to use the pitiful shot

rule. Heres how we do it:
Grenade is readied and can immediately be

tossed.
Grenade is readied, but cannot be tossed until
next active or in reaction.
7.10.2 DISABLING THE GRENADE

If needed, a figure can declare he is disabling the grenade,
taking it out of its readied state. This can only be done
when active.
7.9.14 PITIFUL SHOT
RESULT
Note that a figure hit by fire or in melee and becoming

Out of the Fight or Obviously Dead will drop any grenade
that they are holding. If it has been readied it will
immediately go off on the spot centered on the figure.
Whenever a figure fires and rolls a "6", but still

cannot hit the target, such as when a target is in
Cover, he is allowed to roll 1d6 again.
If the score is equal to or lower than his Rep a hit
is scored.
Otherwise, treat the result as a miss requiring the
target to take a Received Fire Test.
18
CHAIN REACTION 2015

7.10.3 THROWING A GRENADE
Grenades can be thrown up to 6. Here's how we do it:
Nominate the spot where the grenade is to land.

This could be in LOS or out of LOS as when
tossing a grenade into a window or over a wall.
Consult the Throwing a Grenade Table (Table
7.10.3). This table is used instead of the Ranged
Combat Table.
Roll 2d6 versus the throwers Rep.
Determine how many d6 are passed.
row and across to see the result.
"A" nominates a spot on the other side of the wall 6" away from
him. He rolls 2d6 on the Throwing the Grenade Table and
passes 1d6. As he cannot see the nominated spot he has missed,
but all the enemy figures within the blast circle, dotted line, must
now take the Received Fire Test. This includes those partially
inside the blast circle, as is the Leader.
7.10.3 THROWING A GRENADE TABLE
THROWING A GRENADE
(Taken vs. Rep)
# D6
PASSED
RESULT
Grenade lands on the nominated spot.

Center the blast circle on the nominated spot
and check for damage.
Spot is in LOS:
The grenade lands on the nominated
spot. Center the blast circle on the spot
and check for damage.
Spot is not in LOS:
The grenade misses, but causes the
targets to take a Received Fire Test.
Oops! Grenade is dropped at the feet of the
thrower. Center the blast circle on the
thrower and check for damage.
"A" decides to drop the grenade over the wall. He rolls 2d6 on
the Throwing the Grenade Table and passes 2d6. The grenade
lands on the nominated spot and all within the blast circle can
be hit. I now roll 1d6 for each target on the Ranged Damage
Table. This does not include "A" as he is in Cover, but he must
take a Received Fire Test.
7.10.4 WHOS GOT THE GRENADE?

This rule eliminates the need for bookkeeping where
grenades are concerned. So long as grenades are available
to that force (Military, Guerilla or Militia), whenever a
figure needs to use a grenade, it is assumed to have one.
Yes, its fudging, but it makes the game move more
quickly! Doesn't that allow for the whole group to ready
grenades? It sure does, give it a try and let me know how
it works out for you!
7.10.5 BLAST CIRCLES

If a figure throws a grenade or fires a Rocket Launcher he
will use a blast circle instead of an arc. Here's how we do
it:
In the above illustration "A" is active and wants to toss a

grenade. He first must ready it so rolls 1d6 versus his Rep of 4.
He scores a 1, passing 1d6 and consults the Ready the Grenade
Table. He now has a grenade ready to throw. He cannot see
over the wall, but must still nominate a spot.
19
Pick the spot that you want the blast circle to hit.
If throwing a grenade you do not need to have a
LOS, but you must have LOS when using a
Rocket Launcher.
Center the blast circle on the nominated spot.
All targets inside this circle could be affected by
the blast.
CHAIN REACTION 2015
Roll on the Ranged Combat Damage Table

(Table 7.9.11) for each target inside the blast
circle as you would normally do.
7.10.6 ESCAPING DAMAGE

Any figure, friend or foe, within a blast circle may be
damaged with the following exceptions:
7.11.2 CHARGE INTO MELEE TEST

The only way to enter melee, is via the Charge into Melee
Test. Heres how we do it:
Anyone with Cover between themselves and the

nominated spot will escape damage. The figure
is unharmed, but must take a Received Fire Test.
A figure between the spot and the target counts
as Cover.
Anyone that is prone will escape damage, but
must take a Received Fire Test.
STOP!
Weapons are defined by the distance they can fire out to

(Range) and the number of d6 they roll when firing
(Target).
To shoot you need a clear LOS to the target. Roll 1d6 for
each point of Target and add each to the Rep of the
shooter. Arrange the dice from highest to lowest when
firing. Which weapon does not need a LOS to use?
The test is taken by the figure and not the group.

The figure must be active to initiate the charge.
The test can be taken at any time during the turn.
Chargers can declare a charge at any time during
their turn, even if the target of the charge was out
of LOS at the start of the charger's turn.
The charging figure must have a clear LOS to the
target figure at the time it charges.
The figure must be able to reach a spot 6" from
the actual target. Whether or not it has enough
distance to reach the target is irrelevant, it need
only be able to reach a spot 6" from the target.
Move the charger to 1 from the target. Its now
time to take the actual test.
Example A Russian soldier comes into sight of two

Germans. The Germans win the In Sight and decide to
Charge the Russian. All three roll on the Charge into
Melee Test and the Russian results are applied separately
to each German.
Take out two figures. One is a Rep 3 with a submachine

gun the other a Rep 4 with a bolt-action rifle. Place them
Out of Sight of each other.
Roll activation and move the active figure into sight. Take
the In Sight Test. Resolve any fire. Take any Received
Fire or Man Down Tests as needed. Did you remember
that the bolt-action rifle is outgunned by the submachine
gun?
7.11.3 HOW TO CHARGE INTO MELEE

Here's how the Charge into Melee Test is taken:
When next active have one figure ready a grenade. Carry

out a grenade attack. What are the two ways to escape
damage from a grenade?
7.11MELEE
When figures come into contact they can enter into melee
(hand-to-hand combat).
7.11.1 MELEE WEAPONS

There are two types of hand to hand weapons.
Two Hand Weapon Those used with two

hands. Only a rifle with a bayonet counts as a
two hand weapon; other ranged weapons do not.
Using a two hand weapon gives the user +2d6 in
melee.
One Hand Weapon Those used with one hand.

Swords or knives would be examples of a one
hand weapon. Only a rifle or shotgun without a
bayonet counts as a one hand weapon; other
ranged weapons do not. Using a one hand
weapon gives the user +1d6 in melee.
20
Consult the Charge into Melee Table (Table

7.11.2).
Each charger and target starts with 2d6.
Circumstance.
Roll the modified number of d6 versus the Rep
of the figure.
Determine how many d6 each figure has passed.
column then across to the appropriate column.
Immediately carry out the results.
If charged by more than one figure, the target
will apply its result against all of the figures
separately. This may mean the target could fire
at one or more chargers, but only if armed with a
weapon with adequate Target.
CHAIN REACTION 2015

Example The two Germans charge the Russian. The
Russian passes 2d6; one German passes 2d6, and the
other 1d6. The Russian can shoot, but as he has a bolt
action rifle he only can fire one shot. He fires at the
German that passed 1d6. If he fired at the other he would
count the Rush Shot penalty.
If he had scored less than Jim Bob Joes Rep of 4, another

round of melee would immediately be fought with Jim Bob
Joe counting a -1 to his current Rep. Note that after the
melee, any lost Rep during melee is recovered.
7.11.6 MULTIPLE FIGURE MELEES

A figure may be meleed by more than one figure. Heres
how we do it:
7.11.4 MELEE COMBAT

After the Charge into Melee Test is resolved the charger
is moved into contact with the target. Now it's time to
melee.
Consult the Melee Combat Table (Table 7.11.4).

Each figure starts with 1d6 for each point of Rep.
Circumstance.
Each figure rolls its modified number of d6,
counting all successes, scores of 1, 2 or 3.
Compare the number of successes scored by each
figure.
If both sides score the same number of successes,
immediately re-fight the melee.
If one figure scores more successes he has won
the melee.
7.12 RETRIEVING WOUNDED

Characters can attempt to recover their wounded during
the Encounter. Here's how we do it:
7.11.5 MELEE DAMAGE
The figure that scores more successes than his opponent

has won the melee and can inflict damage. Heres how we
do it:
Consult the Melee Damage Table (Table 7.11.5)

Roll 1d6 and add the number of successes the
winner rolled more than the loser.
Example Billy Pink (Rep 5) is in melee with Jim Bob Joe

(Rep 4).
Up to three figures can melee one figure.

The side with more figures decides in what order
its figures will attack.
Attacks are carried out one on one.
Pink starts with 5d6 for Rep and adds the following
modifiers: +1d6 for using a One Hand Weapon. He rolls
6d6 and scores a 1, 2, 2, 3, 4 and 5 for four successes.
When active or when Ducking Back in reaction,

a Grunt will roll 1d6 versus its Rep.
If pass 1d6 it will attempt to retrieve
wounded friends.
If pass 0d6 they will not.
Stars can always choose to retrieve wounded.
Now move the figure into contact with the
wounded figure.
Pick up the wounded figure, reduce the
remaining movement by 2", and move the
remaining distance with Duck Backs not
exceeding 6 total movement.
Figures carrying wounded can take the Fast
Move Test, but can only pass 1d6.
Figures can fire weapons when retrieving
wounded figures, but will count the Rush Shot
penalty.
Figures charged while retrieving wounded will
drop the wounded.
Figures fired on while retrieving wounded will
count as if in Cover, with any result of miss due
to Cover counting as a hit on the wounded
figure.
7.13 AFTER THE BATTLE
Jim Bob Joe starts with 4d6 for Rep and adds the
following modifiers: +2d6 for a Two Hand Melee
Weapon. He rolls 6d6 and scores a 1, 2, 4, 4, 4 and 6 for
2 successes.
If you are keeping the same characters to use in multiple

Encounters you must see if the wounded and those that
left the battlefield return. Heres how we do it:
Pink scores two more successes than Jim Bob Joe. He

rolls 1d6, scoring a 3. Adding the 2 more successes he
scored over Jim Bob Joe gives Billy a result of 5.
Looking on the Melee Damage Table we see he has taken
Jim Bob Joe Out of the Fight.
21
Consult the After the Battle Recovery Table

(Table 7.13).
Roll 2d6, read each result as rolled and compare
it to the Rep of the figure.
CHAIN REACTION 2015
Example If I fail I will damage a leg and reduce my

movement by half.

row, then across and immediately carry out the
result.
7.13 AFTER THE BATTLE RECOVERY TABLE
AFTER THE BATTLE RECOVERY

(Taken vs. Rep)
# DICE
PASSED
RESULT
2
1
Figure returns to the Band.

Out of the Fight returns to the Band.
Those that left the battlefield do not return.
Figure does not return.
8.0 BUILDINGS
We handle buildings in an abstract and simple way so as
not to slow down game play.
STOP!
8.1 BUILDING SIZE AND AREA
Before going any further take two figures (Rep 4) and do

the following.
Buildings come in different sizes with the larger ones

being composed of more than one area. Heres how we do
it:
Place them 6" from each other.

Give them different melee weapons.
Roll 2d6 for Activation.
Take a Charge into Melee Test.

Resolve a melee.
Do this a second time, with two figures charging one
figure. Did you roll one set of d6 for the target when
taking the Charge into Melee Test and apply them
individually to both chargers?
Figures may enter or exit a building when active or

inactive. Heres how we do it:
7.14 CHALLENGE
There may be times during the game when you want to do

something out of the ordinary and not covered by an
existing rule. You can do it by taking a Challenge. Heres
how we do it:
8.3 COVER OR CONCEALMENT

Buildings can provide Cover and Concealment to those
inside. Unless specified as being at a window or door,
figures inside buildings cannot be seen. Refer to the
Cover or Concealment Table (Table 7.9.5) for more info.
Decide what a success looks like.
Example If I am successful I will make it onto the truck

uninjured.
Entering or exiting through a door reduces

movement by 2.
Entering or exiting through a window reduces
movement by 4.
Moving between floors takes one turn of
activation or reaction.
Decide on what the challenge is.
Example I want to jump from the roof of a building to

the roof of a truck.
Buildings that are roughly 6 x 6, when playing

with 28mm figures, are small and have one area.
Buildings that are considerably bigger will have
multiple areas. You can tell this by looking at the
building and deciding the number of areas before
the Encounter.
Additional floors above the ground floor will
also count as additional areas.
8.2 ENTERING AND EXITING
Resolve a multi-figure melee. How many figures can

melee one figure at the same time? Remember that melees
are carried out on a one on one basis.
Consult the Challenge Test Table (Table 7.14).

Modify the Rep of the Challenger by any
applicable Circumstance.
Roll 2d6 versus the modified Rep of the
challenger and determine how many d6 are
passed.
Decide what the consequences of failure will be.
22
CHAIN REACTION 2015

8.4 FIRING AT BUILDINGS
A hit from a Rocket Launcher will have a catastrophic
effect on a building area. If you scored a hit a greater
than 7, the building area will collapse and occupants are
at risk. Heres how we do it:
Those inside the area roll on the Ranged Combat

Damage Table (Table 7.9.11).
If an area that collapses has another area above it
there is a chance (1 3) that it will collapse with
the occupants underneath being Obviously Dead
and those inside the upper collapsed area will
roll on the Ranged Combat Damage Table (Table
7.9.11). Otherwise the area will remain in place
(4 6) with the occupants taking a Received Fire
Test.
In the event that all of the areas on one level of a
building have collapsed, the collapsing of the last
one of these will collapse those areas above.
2 Determine the overall terrain type of the battlefield.

You can base this on the actual terrain that the forces
fought over or simply roll 1d6 and read the result as
rolled.
8.5 FIRING FROM BUILDINGS
Example I have divided the table into nine sections, but

do not know what type of terrain it will have. I roll 1d6
and score a 4. I will use the urban area column to
determine the actual terrain in each section.
Figures inside a building can fire at targets outside. Heres

how we do it:
1 3 = Clear.
4 = Urban.
5 = Wooded.
6 = Mountainous.
Up to two figures can fire from a door or

window.
9.3 TYPES OF TERRAIN
9.0 TERRAIN
There are four types of terrain. They areClear: This terrain is flat and does not conceal or provide
Cover.
Encounters may specify what the terrain will look like,

but in general just populate the board with appropriate
scenery.
Urban: This represents areas with lots of buildings.
We recommend using whatever you already have.
Wooded: This represents dense wooded or jungle areas

that slow travel and obscure vision.
9.1 SETTING UP THE TABLE
Mountain: These are legitimate mountains that hinder or

prevent movement through them.
Now that you know all the rules its time to set up and
play your first game. First start with a flat space at least
3x3.
9.3.1 HOW MANY PIECES OF TERRAIN?

After you have determined the overall type of terrain on
the battlefield its time to see what the table will look like.
Heres how we do it:
9.2 GENERATING TERRAIN
Unless previously determined by the scenario, players

should use the following system to generate terrain for the
battlefield.
1 - Divide the table into nine roughly equal sections. See

the following illustration that shows the corresponding
number for each section. In this case the board is square,
but you may be using a rectangle. It doesnt matter, just
be sure and divide the table into nine equal sections.
23
Start from section number one and work your

way to section number nine.
Roll 1d6, read the result as rolled and consult the
Terrain Generator Table (Table 9.3.1).
row and across to the appropriate column for the
overall type of terrain.
This tells you the type of terrain that occupies at
least 75% of that section.
CHAIN REACTION 2015

9.3.1 TERRAIN GENERATOR TABLE
9.4.4 BUILDINGS
When a result of (B) is rolled on the Terrain Generator
Table there will be buildings in the section. Heres how
we do it:
TERRAIN GENERATOR
#
1
2
3
4
5
6
CLEAR
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear (B)
Hill
Woods
URBAN
Clear
Clear
Clear (B)
Clear (B)
Hill (B)
Woods
WOODED
Clear
Clear
Woods
Woods
Woods (B)
Wooded Hill
MOUNTAIN
Impassable
Clear
Impassable
Woods
Woods
Impassable
After you have determined the number of buildings check

the Building Types Table (Table 9.5) to see what they
are.
9.4.5 WOODS
These include woods, marshes and areas of rough terrain
providing Cover and Concealment.
(B) See the Building section (9.4.3)
Example I have determined that the overall terrain type

of the board will be clear. I roll 1d6 on the Terrain
Generator Table for section one and score a 3, clear
terrain. I roll a 4 for section two, clear with a chance of
buildings. I continue to roll until all nine sections are
full.
9.4 TERRAIN & SCENERY
This section describes terrain and what effects it may

have on your figures. Each area of terrain must cover at
least 75% of the section that it is in. The boundary of the
terrain area should be easy to distinguish.
Once you know how many buildings are in a section we

must determine what types they are. We recommend
using buildings you already have; just be sure to divide
them into 6 x 6 areas. Otherwise, heres how we do it:
These are open areas that do not provide Cover or

Concealment.
9.4.2 HILL
These are elevations that slope down in two directions
and blocks Line of Sight between figures on opposite
sides of its crest or ridgeline.
Figures within 1" of the crest or ridgeline of the

hill are considered to be in Cover to those on the
opposite side. They can see and be seen from the
other side.
9.4.3 IMPASSABLE
These are the bases of inaccessible mountains or sheer
cliff sides.
Movement is reduced to half speed.

Visibility between figures inside these terrain
features is limited to 12 in the daytime and 6 at
night.
Those within one inch of the edge of these
terrain features count as concealed and in Cover.
They can see out and be seen from outside the
area.
Those farther inside from the edge cannot be
seen from anyone outside of the terrain.
9.5 TYPES OF BUILDINGS
9.4.1 CLEAR
There will be 3 + 1/2d6 buildings if an Urban

section, 1/2d6 if not.
Movement through Impassable terrain is not

allowed.
24
Roll 1d6 for each building.

Read the result as rolled and consult the Building
Type Table (Table 9.5).
row then across to the appropriate column for the
overall terrain type.
Place that type of building in the center of the
section, if it is the first one placed. Otherwise
place it 1/2d6 from another in any direction.
Taller buildings are placed towards the center of
the section.
CHAIN REACTION 2015

9.5 BUILDING TYPE TABLE
11.0 PEFS
BUILDING TYPE
PEF stands for Possible Enemy Force. We use PEFs to

limit the intelligence the player has before and during the
Encounter. By using PEFs we create an uncertainty as to
the size of the enemy force, its composition and location.
PEFs are used in every Encounter. Here's how we do it:
CLEAR OR WOODED
1
2
3
4
5
6
One area one floor.

One area one floor.
One area one floor.
Two areas one floor.
Two areas two floors.
URBAN
One area one floor.
One area one floor.
STOP!
Buildings can be divided into more than one area. We use

roughly 6 x 6 per area, but just be sure to let everyone
know how many areas each building has.
Take a Rocket Launcher and blast a building. All you

need to do it score any result greater than a 7 on the
Ranged Combat Table. Review what tests need be taken
by the occupants.
Roll 1d6. The score indicates which numbered

section of the table will contain a Possible
Enemy Force or (PEF).
Place an enemy figure or marker of any type in
this section of the board to represent the PEF.
If a terrain feature could block the LOS from
your force to the PEF be sure to place the PEF in
a manner that does so.
If no feature is present, place the PEF in the
center of that section.
Repeat this process until you have three PEFs
placed on the board.
It is possible to have more than one PEF in the
same section.
PEFs have a Rep of 4.
Once the PEF has been resolved it is removed
from the table.
If you blow out the bottom area of a building the top may
not necessarily collapse. But if you blow out all of the
bottom areas, the top ones will.
11.1 PEFS AND BUILDINGS
The table is always divided into nine equal sections. They

do not have to be square just as long as they are equal in
size.
The first time coming within 12 and LOS to a building a

PEF is generated inside the building. Resolve it normally.
If the PEF did not resolve as an enemy:
You can choose your terrain or randomly generate it.
What terrain reduces movement through it by half?
The first time the building is entered resolve a

PEF using 3d6, counting the lowest two results.
Resolve a PEF for each area of the building.
11.2 PEF MOVEMENT
10.0 PLAYING THE

GAME
PEFs move just like they were groups of enemy figures.

Here's how we do it:
As you may or may not know, all THW games can be

played solo, same side (cooperatively) and head to head
(competitively). Feel free to play anyway you like.
10.1 SOLO AND SAME SIDE
The solo and same side rules are brilliant. You do not
draw a card to see if a group moves; nor do you have to
make the best decision for the non-player enemy. The
game mechanics in Chain Reaction does all that for you.
Playing with everyone on the same side is also great for

teaching the game to newcomers and non-gamers.
25
When the enemy is active, start with the PEF

farthest from any player group.
Consult the PEF Movement Table (Table 11.2).
Roll 2d6 and compare the scores versus its Rep
of 4.
Determine how many d6 were passed.
If the PEF moves into LOS then it must be
resolved before moving the next PEF, the next
one farthest from any player group.
CHAIN REACTION 2015

11.2.1 SPECIAL PEF MOVEMENT
PEFs do not suffer any terrain movement penalties.
12.0 ENCOUNTERS
11.3 RESOLVING PEFS
We call your Chain Reaction games Encounters. We have

provided you with three Encounters. They are:
When a player group (figures in a qualifying group) has

LOS to a PEF it's time to resolve the PEF. Here's how
PEFs are resolved:
Consult the PEF Resolution Table (Table 11.3).

Be sure that there is a valid LOS to the PEF.
PEFs within Cover can be seen while those with
Cover between the tester and the PEF cannot.
Roll 2d6 versus the PEF Rep of 4.
Remove the PEF marker.
Patrol.
Raid.
Defend.
Patrol will be your first Encounter.
If you win your next Encounter is a Raid.

If you lose your next Encounter is Defend.
12.1 PATROL
You are the eyes and ears of the main force. Inflicting
casualties is not your primary goal!
12.1.1 OBJECTIVE
11.4 HOW THE ENEMY MOVES
When PEFs are deployed they will move according to the

PEF Movement Table (Table 11.2).
When PEFs are resolved and figures placed on the table
these non-player figures use the NP Movement Table.
Heres how we do it:
Start with the Non-Player group with the Leader

with the highest Rep.
Consult the NP Movement Table (Table 11.4).
Start with 1d6.
Modify the number of d6 to be rolled by any
applicable Circumstance.
Roll the modified number of d6versus the Rep of
the groups Leader.
Determine how many d6 were passed.
row, then across to the appropriate column.
Your objective is to recon the table.

To be successful you must spend one turn of
activation within 6" of the edge of the table in
sections 1, 2, and 3. Once you have
accomplished this you must report back by
exiting the table from the edge that you entered.
12.1.2 FORCES
You can use up to your whole Band.

Decide who the enemy are, based upon the type
of game you are playing. This could be a rival
Gang, the Police, enemy Soldiers or whatever
you chose. Do not worry about gathering their
force as all enemy forces, if any, are determined
in the Special Instructions section.
12.1.3 TERRAIN
Example Activation dice are rolled and the enemy

activates first with a score of 4. This means that only
enemy groups with a Rep 4 or higher Leader can activate.
I start from high to low and the Rep 5 group goes first. I
roll a 3 and a 5, passing 2d6. As the group outnumbers
me it breaks into two smaller groups. One group remains
in place and fires while the other group works its way
along my flank.
The board is divided into nine sections and

terrain generated normally (9.2).
12.1.4 DEPLOYMENT
Your patrol will enter the board from the edge

bordering sections 7, 8, and 9.
PEFs are generated and deployed as outlined in
the PEF section (11.0).
12.1.5 SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS
26
Move your patrol onto section 7, 8, or 9, or any

combination of those sections if you choose to
split your Band.
CHAIN REACTION 2015
After you have entered the table, place the PEFs.

Roll activation.
When the enemy activates go to the PEF
Movement Table (Table 11.2).
Resolve PEFs as needed (Table 11.3).
Use the NP Movement Table when needed
(Table 11.4).
Play continues until the player has accomplished
his objective, been destroyed, or leaves the table.

Use the NP Movement Table when needed
(Table 11.4).
Play continues normally until the player has
accomplished his objective, been destroyed, or
leaves the table.
12.2.6 FINDING THE OBJECTIVE
12.2 RAID
In this Encounter there will be a specific objective. This

could be a downed pilot, a hostage or maybe a treasure.
Heres how we do it:
In the Raid Encounter you are attacking the enemy for a

specific reason.
If you win your next Encounter is a Raid.

If you lose your next Encounter is a Patrol.
12.2.1 OBJECTIVE:
You can raid for a variety of reasons; rescue,

capture an enemy, search a bombed out village
for wine, the reasons are endless. Feel free to
provide the reasons why!
You must accomplish what you set out to do if
you are raiding.
12.3 DEFEND
12.2.2 FORCES
In this Encounter the enemy is out to destroy or drive you

off the table. You must stop them from accomplishing
their objective.


terrain generated normally (9.2). There will be
1/2d6 buildings in section 2.
You enter the table through sections 7, 8 or 9.

Your objective is to prevent the enemy from

achieving their objective.
12.3.2 FORCES
12.2.4 DEPLOYMENT
If you win your next Encounter is a Patrol.

If you lose your next Encounter is Defend.
12.3.1 OBJECTIVE
12.2.3 TERRAIN
When a PEF is resolved as enemy figures, roll

1d6 and read the result as rolled.
If the score is equal or less than the number of
PEFs resolved, the objective is with these
enemies.
If the score is greater than the number of PEFs
resolved, treat it normally.
If you resolve all PEFs and have not found your
objective, it will be with the last one. Remember
that buildings generate PEFs (11.1).

12.3.3 TERRAIN
Set up your force in sections 7, 8, or 9, or any

split your force.
After you have set up your force, place the PEFs.
Roll activation.
27

terrain generated normally (9.2). There will be
1/2d6 buildings in section 8.
CHAIN REACTION 2015

12.3.4 DEPLOYMENT
13.0 AFTERWARDS
You can set up anywhere you want in sections 7,

8 or 9.
Use this section only if you choose to use the same

characters for multiple Encounters.
After the Encounter is over its time to see what happens
to you and your Band members after the After the Battle
Recovery Test have been taken.
Set up your force in sections 7, 8, or 9, or any

split your force.
After you have set up your force, place the PEFs.
Roll activation.
Use the Non-Player Movement Tables when
needed (Table 11.4).
Play continues normally until the player has
accomplished his objective, been destroyed, or
leaves the table.
13.1 NEW GRUNTS

When your Band takes losses you may be allowed to
recruit more Grunts. Heres how we do it:
Consult the New Recruits Table (Table 13.1).

Roll 2d6 versus the Rep of your Star.
A result of 6 is always a failure.
row and across to see the results.
13.1NEW RECRUITS TABLE

12.3.6 WHAT IS THEIR OBJECTIVE?
In this Encounter there will be a Non-Player objective.

This could be to kill or capture your Grunts or recover
something or rescue someone. Heres how we do it:
NEW RECRUITS
(Taken vs. Rep)
A d6 result of "6" is always a failure regardless of Rep.
When the first PEF is resolved as enemy figures,

roll 1d6 and read the result as rolled.
If a success (score of 1, 2 or 3) is rolled the
Non-Player objective is to kill or capture
your Grunts.
If a failure (score of 4, 5 or 6) is rolled the
Non-Player objective is to rescue or recover
someone or something from the buildings;
your choice.
You can choose where to place their
objective as long as it always remains with
at least one of your figures.
# D6
PASSED
2
1
0
RESULT
You can recruit new Grunts to bring your
Band up to full strength.
You can recruit one new Grunt.
No new recruits available.
13.2 INCREASING REP

The Reps of you and your Band members could improve
after an Encounter. After each successful Encounter it is
possible that the Rep of a character could increase. All of
the following requirements must be met for the Encounter
to be considered a success for that character. It is possible
that an Encounter may be a success for one character and
not another! Heres how you were successful you must
have all of the following:
Fired at the enemy and scored a hit or engaged in

melee.
Did not receive a result of Out of the Fight.
Did not receive a result of Leave the Battlefield.
Did not leave any Out of the Fight Band
members behind.
If the Encounter was a success the character rolls 1d6.
28
CHAIN REACTION 2015
3.
If the score is higher than the current Rep the

Rep will go up one level.
If the score is a 6 the Rep will go up one level
regardless of the current level.
Any other result and ther Rep remains the same.
Your character can grow to as high a Rep as
desired as there isn't a maximum. There is,
however, Obviously Dead.
4.
14.2 DURING THE ENCOUNTER

1.
2.
13.3 DECREASING REP

Just as Rep can go up when you have a successful
Encounter it can go down if the Encounter was a failure.
It is possible that an Encounter may be a failure for one
character and not another. Heres how you were a failure
you only need to have one of the following:
1.
2.
3.
Received a result of Out of the Fight.

Receives a result of Leave the Battlefield.
Left an Out of the Fight Band member behind.
All characters that went Out of the Fight or left

the battlefield will take the After the Battle
Recovery Test (Table 7.13).
Check to recruit new Grunts (13.1).
Adjust Reps as needed (13.2).
15.0 DESIGNER NOTES
If the score is a 1 the Rep will go down one

level regardless of the current level. This can be
attributed to stress, illness, or anything else you
decide it to be.
You can never have a Rep lower than 2.
Any other result and you are fine.
Chain Reaction 2015 is an introduction to the Reaction

System used by Two Hour Wargames. That is why it is so
basic in nature. The other THW games provide much
more detail and period specific flavor.
The Reaction System is not for everyone. You'll find that
you do not have total control of your forces; this isn't
chess. You will often not know what you're facing and
this can lead to unwinnable situations. You will be
presented with challenges on every Encounter and no two
will ever play the same. Like I said, not everyone is going
to like it.
STOP!
After the Encounter you could recruit new Grunts.
If you do well you and your group members could
increase in Rep.
15.1 MY GAME, YOUR GAME
If you do poorly you and your group members could

decrease in Rep.
Games are a reflection of what the writer believes combat

is all about. So feel free to tweak rules as you like as the
game mechanics are pretty tight and wont suffer from it.
Just remember that changing one rule may cause
something else to change in an unexpected way. If you
get to a point where all your tweaks are confusing you, go
back to the original rules and start over. Remember the
goal is to have fun. Well, at least thats what I think it is.
14.0 STEP-BY-STEP
Here's a step-by-step outline that will help you to get
started. After a few games it will become second nature
and you wont need it anymore. In fact, you may choose
not to use some parts, but if you do, theyre there!
The game is actually pretty simple once you've played it a

few times. Start small, use the Stop boxes and you'll be
fine. Check out the THW Forum. Its a great place to get
questions answered and very much alive. The group is full
of knowledgeable and helpful gamers and you can usually
get answers within 24 hours.
14.1 AT THE START

1.
2.
Choose the Encounter you want to play (12.0).

Follow the Encounter instructions and play the
game.
14.3 AFTER THE ENCOUNTER
If the Encounter was a failure the character rolls 1d6.
Decide what type of group you will have. Police,

Gang, Military, Guerillas or Militia. This will
define your enemies as well.
Recruit your Band (Table 6.1.1).
Your Star starts with a Rep of 5 (5.1.1).

Choose your weapon (Table 7.9).
Take care and just play the game!

Ed 7/30/2015
29
CHAIN REACTION 2015
7.14 CHALLENGE
11.3 PEF RESOLUTION
CHALLENGE TEST
PEF RESOLUTION
(Taken vs. Rep)
(Taken versus PEF Rep of 4)
A score of 6 is always a failure
CIRCUMSTANCE
MODIFIER TO REP
Challenge is very easy.

Challenge is very difficult.
Challenger has a tool that will
make the Challenge easier.
RESULT
Character completes the challenge

successfully.
Character may choose to immediately reroll the challenge counting a result of pass
1d6 as if pass 0d6.
OR
Decide not to continue the challenge and
may not try again.
Character fails and suffers consequences.
+1
-1
+1
# D6
PASSED
# D6
PASSED
1
0
RESULT
Contact! You have run into enemy. Roll 1d6:
1 = Three less than your group.
2 = Two less than your group.
3 = One less than your group.
4 = One more than your group.
5 = Two more than your group.
6 = Three more than your group.
Can never run into less than one enemy.
Somethings out there! Resolve the next PEF
with 3d6 counting the lowest two scores.
False alarm! Just a case of nerves. If this is
the last PEF and no enemy has been
contacted, count as if passed 2d6.
11.4 NP MOVEMENT
2
NP FORCE MOVEMENT
(Taken versus Rep)
# D6
PASSED
IF NP OUTNUMBERS
PLAYER 2+ TO 1
Split into two groups

of equal size. One
group will move to a
position in Cover, to
fire at the closest
player group.
The second group will
encircle to the left (13) or right (4-6) flank
staying in Cover if
possible.
Move to Cover that
allows NP to fire at
closest player group.
11.2 PEF MOVEMENT

2
PEF MOVEMENT
(Taken versus the Rep of 4)
#D6
PASSED
2
1
0
RESULT
0
The PEF moves 8 directly towards the

player ending in Cover if possible.
The PEF moves 4 directly towards the
player ending in Cover if possible.
PEF does not move.
30
Remain in Cover or
move to nearest
Cover. May fire at
enemy if in range
after reaching Cover.
OTHERWISE
Move to Cover that
allows NP to fire at
closest player group.
Remain in Cover or
move to nearest
Cover. May fire at
enemy if in range
Remain in Cover or
move to nearest
Cover. May fire at
enemy if in range
CHAIN REACTION 2015
7.9.10 RANGED COMBAT
7.6.3 IN SIGHT
REP
TARGET
IN SIGHT
(Looking for successes)
A result of two or more ones means out of ammo.
Moving side wins only if scores more successes.

CIRCUMSTANCE
Concealed - Enemy is concealed.
MOD
-1d6
3 to 7
8
RESULT
SHOOTER MISSED
SHOOTER MISSED IF
Fast Moving.
Rush Shot.
TARGET WAS MISSED IF
In Cover.
Prone.
Fast Moving.
Second or higher target.
OTHERWISE HIT.
SHOOTER MISSED IF
Fast Moving.
Rush Shot.
TARGET WAS MISSED IF
In Cover.
Third or higher target.
OTHERWISE HIT.
SHOOTER HITS TARGET
7.6.4 RESOLVING IN SIGHT ACTIONS
Fire.
If the figure cannot fire it will Charge into Melee
if within 6.
If the figure cannot fire or Charge into Melee it
will Duck Back if in ranged weapons range.
Otherwise Carry On.
9
7.9 WEAPONS
TYPE
Assault Rifle (AR)
Grenade (G)
Machine Pistol (MP)
Pistol (P)
Shotgun (SG)
Squad Auto Weapon (SAW)
RANGE
TARGET
48
48
6
12
12
48
48
12
48
24
3
1
5 (1)
3
1
5 (1) (2)
2
3 (6) (3)
4
3
10+
7.9.11 RANGED DAMAGE

1
7.9.5 COVER
COVER OR CONCEALMENT
TYPE
Buildings or
Woods
Vehicles
RANGED COMBAT DAMAGE

(1) 5 blast circle when using 28mm, reduced to 3 for 15mm.

(2) After the Rocket Launcher has fired it counts as suffering
Tight Ammo. (3) The shotgun rolls 6d6, takes the best three
results and applies them for hits. All 6d6 are counted for Tight
Ammo.
RANGED COMBAT
RESULT
Stationary figures are in Cover and
Concealment. Moving figures concealed.
Figures inside are in Concealment.
Figures behind are in Cover.
31
SCORE
RESULT
"6"
Rep of Target or
higher, but not a 6.
Lower than Rep of
Target
Obviously Dead.
Out of the Fight.
Duck Back no Reaction Test
taken.
CHAIN REACTION 2015
7.11.2 CHARGE
7.11.5 MELEE DAMAGE
CHARGE INTO MELEE
MELEE DAMAGE
(Taken versus Rep)
(Read result as rolled)
CIRCUMSTANCE
MODIFIER
Target in Cover
Target charged to flank
Target charged to rear
#D6
CIRCUMSTANCE
+1d6
-1d6
-2d6
CHARGER
Each success scored more than the

opponent.
SCORE
TARGET
Pass same
number d6
as opponent
Target may not fire.
Target fires.
Charger moves into

melee. No Reaction
Tests taken.
Target Rush Shots.
Charger moves into

melee. No Reaction
Tests taken.
.
Target Rush Shots.
Charger moves into

melee. No Reaction
Tests taken.
Charger moves into

melee. No Reaction
Tests taken.
(Taken versus Rep)

Stars may exercise Free Will
CIRCUMSTANCE
(Looking for successes)
#D6
+1d6
+2d6
+1d6
PASSED
2
7.13 AFTER THE

BATTLE RECOVERY
2
AFTER THE BATTLE RECOVERY
RECEIVED FIRE
(LDR)
Outgunned:
Duck Back.
Otherwise:
Return Fire.
Outgunned:
Duck Back.
Otherwise:
Rush Shot
(Taken vs. Rep)
# DICE
PASSED
RESULT
2
1
Figure returns to the Band.

Out of the Fight returns to the Band.
Those that left the battlefield do not return.
Figure does not return.
MOD
If in Cover.
Received Fire Test
MOD
One Hand Melee Weapon.

Two Hand Melee Weapon.
Attacking a prone opponent.
Loser -1 to Rep. Immediately

fight another round of melee.
REACTION TESTS
MELEE COMBAT
CIRCUMSTANCE
Obviously Dead.
Out of the Fight.
7.7 REACTION TESTS
7.11.4 MELEE COMBAT

REP
+1
RESULT
6 or higher
Rep of Target or
higher, but not 6 or
higher.
Lower than Rep of
Target
PASSED
Pass more
d6 than
opponent
MODIFIER
32
Outgunned:
Leave the
Battlefield.
Otherwise:
Duck Back.
+1d6
+Ldr Die
MAN DOWN
Carry On.
If twice more friends

Out of the Fight or
Obviously Dead:
Leave the
Battlefield.
Otherwise:
Duck Back.
Leave the Battlefield
CHAIN REACTION 2015
16.0 OLD SCHOOL CR
16.1 OLD SCHOOL RANGED DAMAGE COMBAT

TABLE
In this section we have one more option for your games.

We call it Old School CR. Heres how we do it:
(Taken versus Impact)
Use this section to tweak the shooting rules

found in Chain Reaction 2015.
The Old School Weapons Table (Table 16.0)
replaces the other Weapons Table (Table 7.9).
This adds some additional weapons as well as
Impact.
The Ranged Combat Damage Table replaces the
other one (Table 7.9.11).
SCORE
"1"
Impact or less but
not a "1"
Higher than Impact
TYPE
RANGE
Assault Rifle (AR)

BA Pistol (BAP)
Grenade (G)
Machine Pistol (MP)
Pistol (P)
Shotgun (SG)
Squad Auto Weapon
(SAW)
48
12
48
6
12
12
48
48
12
48
3
2
1
5 (1)
3
2
5 (2)
2
3 (6) (3)
4
3
2
3
2
1
1
5
3
2
3
24
TARGET IMPACT
17.0 INDEX OF TABLES

After the Battle Recovery, 7.13
22/32
Building Type, 9.5
25
Challenge Test, 7.14
30
32
Charge into Melee, 7.11.2
Cover or Concealment, 7.9.5
31
In Sight, 7.6.3
31
Melee Combat, 7.11.4
32
Melee Damage, 7.11.5
32
New Recruits, 13.1
28
NP Force Movement, 11.4
30
Old School Ranged Combat Damage Table, 16.1
33
Old School Weapons Table, 16.0
33
Outgunned Rankings, 7.9.1
16
30
PEF Movement, 11.2
PEF Resolution, 11.3
30
Ranged Combat, 7.9.10
31
Ranged Combat Damage, 7.9.11
31
Reaction Tests, 7.7
32
18
Ready the Grenade, 7.10.1
Recruiting, 6.1.1
8
Terrain Generator, 9.3.1
24
Throwing the Grenade, 7.10.3
18
Weapons, 7.9
16/31
The Old School Weapons Table uses Impact, the relative

power of the weapon. This comes into play on the old
school Ranged Combat Damage. Heres how we do it:
Target is Obviously Dead.

Target is knocked to the ground
and Out of the Fight.
Target Ducks Back.
Looking on the Old School Weapons Table we see that the

BAP has an Impact of 2. He rolls 1d6 for the 1 st shot and
scores a 1 the Ganger is Obviously Dead. He rolls 1d6
for the 2nd shot and scores a 4 as the result is higher
than the Impact of the weapon, the Ganger Ducks Back.
16.1 WHATS THE DIFFERENCE?
RESULT
Example Billy Pink steps into sight of two Gangers and

scores more successes on the In Sight Test so can fire
first. He fires with a BAP (Big A$$ Pistol) and scores a
hit on each.
16.0 OLD SCHOOL WEAPONS TABLE
RANGED COMBAT DAMAGE
Consult the Old School Ranged Combat Damage

Table.
Roll 1d6 and read the result as rolled.
row then across to see the result.
33

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WRITTEN BY ED TEIXEIRA

DIGITALLY EDITED BY CRAIG ANDREWS

CHAIN REACTION 2015

DEFINING THE FIGURES

CHAIN REACTION 2015

Setting Up the Table

PLAYING THE GAME

PEFs and Buildings

My Game, Your Game

What's the Difference?

SPECIAL THANKS TO:

ED TElXElRA - TWO HOUR W ARGAMES

Solo and Same Side

CHAIN REACTION 2015

So after five years I upgraded to CR 3.0. What Chain

Two Hour Wargames makes its first foray into providing

The past three years had seen the company explode to

Chain Reaction 3.0 The Final Version are these

What also became equally apparent was that gamers

WHAT A LONG STRANGE TRIP ITS BEEN.

ALERT! ALERT! ALERT! WERE AT IT AGAIN!

By now Two Hour Wargames was up to twenty plus titles

NUTS! Final Version and Larger Than Life Directors

So I decided to make CR 2.0 free to the masses.

With all the exposure and questions generated by CR 2.0

CHAIN REACTION 2015

4.0 NEEDED TO PLAY

Chain Reaction 2015 is a set of man-to-man combat rules

You will need a few things to play Chain Reaction 2015.

Games are usually finished in two hours or less, hence the

Before we go into detail about the game let's explain the

Traditional games use a turn sequence known as IGO,

THW uses what is called the Reaction System. In this

4.1 THE DICE

Youll see what I mean as you read along.

This way to use the dice is to roll one or more d6 and

You can expect a response within 24 hours.

3.0 YOUR ROLE

Your role in Chain Reaction is up to you. Here are some

4.1.1 PASSING DICE

Six-sided dice, referred to as d6. It is best to have

You can play as a loner, going on Encounters on

If the d6 score is equal or less than the Target

Example Sgt Spellman (Rep 4) comes under fire and

2015 ED TEIXEIRA TWO HOUR WARGAMES 8/16/2015

CHAIN REACTION 2015

4.1.2 COUNTING SUCCESSES

Terrain can be as simple as using books or as elaborate as

4.2.1 BASING FIGURES

Example: The Paratrooper enters melee and rolls 4d6.

Each figure represents one man. The easiest way to base

4.2.2 DEFINING FACING

When you see numbers in parenthesis, such as (1 2),

Charging or shooting to the rear of an enemy depends

Example The Ganger has a pistol (1 3) or a shotgun

4.1.4 READING AND ADDING THE DICE

The front facing is defined as 180 degrees to the

The following illustration defines the front and rear

4.1.6 HOW MANY D6

In some cases there may be a word like Rep or Target.