Combat and Encounters (DMG)

Encounters are the heart of the AD&D game. And since encounters with monsters and NPCs often lead to combat, an understanding of what happens during battles is vital. There are several factors the DM will consider in any combat, most of which arise from the circumstances of the encounter. Is anyone surprised? How far apart are the opponents? How many of them are there? Answers to these questions are found in Chapter 11: Encounters. These are questions common to all encounters, whether combat occurs.