Tau Broadside Squads?

[gman25639]

Broadsides can be in squads of 1, 2 or 3 models. So the question is, if one is running 2 or 3 suits in a list, is it better to run them as one squad or separate them out individually? I can see benefits of both, a pair of single Broadsides with Rail Rifles can each take up a different sightline and cover more of the board, but having them in a squad would be better for holding a backline objective (if your lone suit on the backline objective gets sniped or deep struck onto then there goes that point but 2 or 3 could conceivably hold longer), if I was running them in a squad I'd lean towards running all the missile pods. I'm not sure what do you guys think?

[hivefleetkerrigan]

I'm not sure about broadsides particularly as I don't play tau, but I think generally this question comes down to the needs of the list.

1. Is the purpose of the broadsides holding backfield objectives or are they going to be exposed trying to damage the enemy?
2. Do you have enough deep strike denial where the unit of 3 could help block deep strike but 3 units of 1 is not needed? (2 units of 1 spread out about 6" has MUCH bigger denial area)
3. Could the broadsides be needed to push up the board?
4. Do you have enough units to take and hold objectives?

Personally, I'd go with multiple units of 1 in this case. If your opponent gets lucky with shooting one unit, then you won't lose multiple suits. If a single broadside is left alive, it forces them to make the decision on how to kill it and potentially wastes some of their shooting.