In board wargames, zones of control represent the tiles adjacent to tiles occupied by objects. For example, in hexagonal tiled maps, the six hexagons adjacent to the hexagon occupied by a unit would be considered to be in its "zone of control."
Zones of control commonly are used to represent the portion of the map over which a military ground formation has a direct influence. Game rules often include specific effects associated with a zone of control. Typical effects include one or more of the following:
- Destruction of retreating enemy units.
- Enemy units must be attacked.
- Increased movement cost.
- Interdiction of enemy supply lines.
- Partly negate enemy zone of control.
- Prevent further movement.
- Reveal hidden enemy units.
Strategy computer games, such as the Civilization series, commonly use zones of control as a method to balance combat and grant extra strength to units in pairs.