Asking for Help / If you cannot win combat on your own

[OdeToSpot]

Hello -

First of all, I think the instructions that came with my Munchkin Deluxe set are written pretty well. I enjoy the fact that they aren't so "procedural," and offer some good humor throughout. I could easily enjoy the game with the included instructions, using my own interpretation where necessary. But, I think it is really cool when a designer cares enough about his game, that he is willing to offer official answers to questions any of his fans may have. Keep up the great work!

My question:

The asking for help rules say "If you cannot win a combat on your own..."

Let's say I'm a warrior with an effective combat level of 10 (ie, Level + my equipped weapons). But, I also have several other one-shot items that could potentially provide combat bonus in play (turned sideways).

I kick in the door and get a level 13 monster. Now, if I add in my one-shot items that are in play, I could easily beat the monster. Or, I could use my warrior ability to discard any three cards for +3 and defeat the monster.

So, being that my effective combat level is less than the monster's, I assume that means "I cannot beat the monster on my own," and so I can ask for help, even though my potential level, based on my visible cards in play and class ability, could be greater. Is this a correct interpretation of the "asking for help" rules?

And further, if my effective combat level IS greater than the monster's, can I legally throw in one of my own one-shot items to benefit the monster, allowing me to ask for help? (The best reason I can think of to do this would be to ensure victory for my Elfish wife so I don't have to sleep in the dog house...).

Keep up the great work on the forum!

[Andrew Hackard]

You are never required to play cards, so if you're currently losing, you may ask for help even if you have unplayed cards.

Yes, you are allowed to play cards to help the monsters even against your own munchkin's interest.

[OdeToSpot]

Awesome man! Thanks for the reply!

I think I get myself confused with the term "in play", which doesn't necessarily mean that an item's ability/bonus/etc is currently causing an affect.

[MunchkinMan]

You are correct. In play Items (also referred to as carried Items) can be used or unused. Unused Items do not currently provide an effect, usually a bonus that adds to your combat strength.