diff --git a/src/main/cpp/net/eagle0/shardok/ai/AIWaterCrossingCalculator.cpp b/src/main/cpp/net/eagle0/shardok/ai/AIWaterCrossingCalculator.cpp
index d202030c74..f9fc41af33 100644
--- a/src/main/cpp/net/eagle0/shardok/ai/AIWaterCrossingCalculator.cpp
+++ b/src/main/cpp/net/eagle0/shardok/ai/AIWaterCrossingCalculator.cpp
@@ -30,19 +30,6 @@ auto HasNonWaterFire(const HexMap *hexMap) -> bool {
     });
 }
 
-auto HasTraversableRegionBoundaryModifier(const HexMap *hexMap) -> bool {
-    return std::ranges::any_of(*hexMap->terrain(), [](const auto *terrain) {
-        if (!IsWater(terrain->type()) &&
-            terrain->type() != net::eagle0::shardok::storage::fb::Terrain_::Type_MOUNTAIN) {
-            return false;
-        }
-
-        const auto &modifier = terrain->modifier();
-        return (modifier.bridge().present() && modifier.bridge().integrity() > 0.0) ||
-               modifier.ice().present();
-    });
-}
-
 auto StaticRegionsAreConclusiveFor(const BattalionType &battalionType) -> bool {
     return battalionType.costToEnterWater.type == ActionCost::impossible &&
            battalionType.costToEnterMountain.type == ActionCost::impossible;
@@ -64,35 +51,39 @@ auto CanReachAllWithDistances(
     });
 }
 
-auto DefinitelyReachesAllWithoutWater(
-        const LandRegions &landRegions,
+auto DefinitelyReachesAllWithoutCreatingCrossing(
+        const EffectiveLandRegions &effectiveLandRegions,
         const Coords &origin,
         const CoordsSet &destinations) -> bool {
     return std::ranges::all_of(destinations, [&](const Coords &destination) {
-        return landRegions.DefinitelyConnectedWithoutWater(origin, destination);
+        return effectiveLandRegions.DefinitelyConnectedWithoutCreatingCrossing(origin, destination);
     });
 }
 
-auto DefinitelyReachesAllWithoutWater(
-        const GameStateW &gameState,
+auto DefinitelyReachesAllWithoutCreatingCrossing(
+        const HexMap *map,
         const net::eagle0::shardok::storage::fb::Unit *unit,
         const CoordsSet &destinations,
-        const LandRegions &landRegions) -> bool {
+        const EffectiveLandRegions &effectiveLandRegions) -> bool {
     if (unit->status() == net::eagle0::shardok::storage::fb::UnitStatus_NORMAL_UNIT) {
-        return DefinitelyReachesAllWithoutWater(landRegions, unit->location(), destinations);
+        return DefinitelyReachesAllWithoutCreatingCrossing(
+                effectiveLandRegions,
+                unit->location(),
+                destinations);
     }
 
-    const auto *startingPositions = gameState->hex_map()
-                                            ->attacker_starting_positions()
-                                            ->Get(unit->starting_position_index())
-                                            ->positions();
+    const auto *startingPositions =
+            map->attacker_starting_positions()->Get(unit->starting_position_index())->positions();
     return std::ranges::all_of(*startingPositions, [&](const Coords *position) {
-        return DefinitelyReachesAllWithoutWater(landRegions, *position, destinations);
+        return DefinitelyReachesAllWithoutCreatingCrossing(
+                effectiveLandRegions,
+                *position,
+                destinations);
     });
 }
 
 auto CanReachAllWithoutWater(
-        const GameStateW &gameState,
+        const HexMap *map,
         const net::eagle0::shardok::storage::fb::Unit *unit,
         const CoordsSet &destinations,
         const ActionPointDistances *distances) -> bool {
@@ -100,17 +91,15 @@ auto CanReachAllWithoutWater(
         return CanReachAllWithDistances(unit->location(), destinations, distances);
     }
 
-    const auto *startingPositions = gameState->hex_map()
-                                            ->attacker_starting_positions()
-                                            ->Get(unit->starting_position_index())
-                                            ->positions();
+    const auto *startingPositions =
+            map->attacker_starting_positions()->Get(unit->starting_position_index())->positions();
     return std::ranges::all_of(*startingPositions, [&](const Coords *position) {
         return CanReachAllWithDistances(*position, destinations, distances);
     });
 }
 
 auto IsActiveNonUndeadAttacker(
-        const GameStateW &gameState,
+        const GameState *gameState,
         const net::eagle0::shardok::storage::fb::Unit *unit) -> bool {
     if (unit->status() != net::eagle0::shardok::storage::fb::UnitStatus_NORMAL_UNIT &&
         unit->status() != net::eagle0::shardok::storage::fb::UnitStatus_RESERVE_UNIT) {
@@ -150,6 +139,7 @@ auto UnitIdsRequiringWaterCrossing(
     const GameState *state = gameState.Get();
     const auto *units = state->units();
     const HexMap *map = state->hex_map();
+    const EffectiveLandRegions effectiveLandRegions(landRegions, map);
 
     std::vector<const net::eagle0::shardok::storage::fb::Unit *> unitsToCheck{};
     unitsToCheck.reserve(units->size());
@@ -159,7 +149,10 @@ auto UnitIdsRequiringWaterCrossing(
         if (unit->player_id() != pid) continue;
 
         if (unit->status() == net::eagle0::shardok::storage::fb::UnitStatus_NORMAL_UNIT) {
-            if (!DefinitelyReachesAllWithoutWater(landRegions, unit->location(), destinations)) {
+            if (!DefinitelyReachesAllWithoutCreatingCrossing(
+                        effectiveLandRegions,
+                        unit->location(),
+                        destinations)) {
                 unitsToCheck.push_back(unit);
             }
         } else if (unit->status() == net::eagle0::shardok::storage::fb::UnitStatus_RESERVE_UNIT) {
@@ -169,7 +162,10 @@ auto UnitIdsRequiringWaterCrossing(
                                                         ->Get(unit->starting_position_index())
                                                         ->positions();
                 for (const Coords *position : *startingPositions) {
-                    if (!DefinitelyReachesAllWithoutWater(landRegions, *position, destinations)) {
+                    if (!DefinitelyReachesAllWithoutCreatingCrossing(
+                                effectiveLandRegions,
+                                *position,
+                                destinations)) {
                         startingPositionIndices[unit->starting_position_index()] = 1;
                         break;
                     }
@@ -184,7 +180,6 @@ auto UnitIdsRequiringWaterCrossing(
     if (unitsToCheck.empty()) return {};
 
     MapId mapId = ActionPointDistancesCache::GetMapId(map);
-    const bool staticRegionsCanProveDisconnection = !HasTraversableRegionBoundaryModifier(map);
 
     fb::HexMapW fireClearedMap;
     bool mapPreparedForDistances = false;
@@ -223,16 +218,14 @@ auto UnitIdsRequiringWaterCrossing(
     vector<UnitId> unitIdsToReturn{};
     unitIdsToReturn.reserve(unitsToCheck.size());
 
-    // The static region pass above removed every unit that is definitely able to reach every
-    // destination without water. Resolve full APDs only for the inconclusive units.
+    // The effective-region pass above removed every unit that can reach every destination through
+    // static land and current bridges. Resolve full APDs only for battalions that can traverse raw
+    // water or mountains.
     startingPositionIndices.fill(-1);
     for (const auto *unit : unitsToCheck) {
         const auto &battType = battalionTypeGetter(unit->battalion().type());
 
-        // If this battalion cannot traverse either kind of static region boundary, and no bridge
-        // or ice currently makes one traversable, the failed region check above conclusively means
-        // that at least one destination is unreachable without creating a water crossing.
-        if (staticRegionsCanProveDisconnection && StaticRegionsAreConclusiveFor(*battType)) {
+        if (StaticRegionsAreConclusiveFor(*battType)) {
             unitIdsToReturn.push_back(unit->unit_id());
             continue;
         }
@@ -282,13 +275,22 @@ auto HasEnoughNonUndeadAttackersWithoutWaterCrossing(
         const std::size_t requiredUnitCount) -> bool {
     if (requiredUnitCount == 0) return true;
 
+    const GameState *state = gameState.Get();
+    const auto *units = state->units();
+    const HexMap *baseMap = state->hex_map();
+    const EffectiveLandRegions effectiveLandRegions(landRegions, baseMap);
+
     std::size_t eligibleUnitCount = 0;
     std::size_t reachableUnitCount = 0;
-    for (const auto *unit : *gameState->units()) {
-        if (!IsActiveNonUndeadAttacker(gameState, unit)) continue;
+    for (const auto *unit : *units) {
+        if (!IsActiveNonUndeadAttacker(state, unit)) continue;
 
         ++eligibleUnitCount;
-        if (DefinitelyReachesAllWithoutWater(gameState, unit, destinations, landRegions) &&
+        if (DefinitelyReachesAllWithoutCreatingCrossing(
+                    baseMap,
+                    unit,
+                    destinations,
+                    effectiveLandRegions) &&
             ++reachableUnitCount >= requiredUnitCount) {
             return true;
         }
@@ -296,29 +298,33 @@ auto HasEnoughNonUndeadAttackersWithoutWaterCrossing(
 
     if (eligibleUnitCount < requiredUnitCount) return false;
 
-    const HexMap *map = gameState->hex_map();
-    MapId mapId = ActionPointDistancesCache::GetMapId(map);
-
+    const HexMap *map = baseMap;
+    MapId mapId = ActionPointDistancesCache::GetMapId(baseMap);
     fb::HexMapW fireClearedMap;
-    if (HasNonWaterFire(map)) {
-        fireClearedMap = fb::CopyHexMap(map);
-        for (uint32_t index = 0; index < fireClearedMap->terrain()->size(); ++index) {
-            if (IsWater(fireClearedMap->terrain()->Get(index)->type())) continue;
-            // const_cast is safe because we own the mutable buffer (fireClearedMap)
-            const_cast<net::eagle0::shardok::storage::fb::Terrain *>(
-                    fireClearedMap->mutable_terrain()->GetMutableObject(index))
-                    ->mutable_modifier()
-                    .mutable_fire()
-                    .mutate_present(false);
-        }
-
-        map = fireClearedMap.Get();
-        mapId = RecomputeModifierHash(fireClearedMap.Get());
-    }
-
+    bool mapPreparedForDistances = false;
     std::array<const ActionPointDistances *, BattalionTypeId::BattalionTypeId_MAX + 1>
             distancesByBattalionType{};
     const auto distancesFor = [&](const BattalionTypeSPtr &battalionType) {
+        if (!mapPreparedForDistances) {
+            mapPreparedForDistances = true;
+
+            if (HasNonWaterFire(map)) {
+                fireClearedMap = fb::CopyHexMap(map);
+                for (uint32_t index = 0; index < fireClearedMap->terrain()->size(); ++index) {
+                    if (IsWater(fireClearedMap->terrain()->Get(index)->type())) continue;
+                    // const_cast is safe because we own the mutable buffer (fireClearedMap)
+                    const_cast<net::eagle0::shardok::storage::fb::Terrain *>(
+                            fireClearedMap->mutable_terrain()->GetMutableObject(index))
+                            ->mutable_modifier()
+                            .mutable_fire()
+                            .mutate_present(false);
+                }
+
+                map = fireClearedMap.Get();
+                mapId = RecomputeModifierHash(fireClearedMap.Get());
+            }
+        }
+
         auto &distances = distancesByBattalionType[battalionType->typeId];
         if (distances == nullptr) {
             distances = apdCache->GetRaw(map, mapId, battalionType, false);
@@ -326,12 +332,20 @@ auto HasEnoughNonUndeadAttackersWithoutWaterCrossing(
         return distances;
     };
 
-    for (const auto *unit : *gameState->units()) {
-        if (!IsActiveNonUndeadAttacker(gameState, unit)) continue;
-        if (DefinitelyReachesAllWithoutWater(gameState, unit, destinations, landRegions)) continue;
+    for (const auto *unit : *units) {
+        if (!IsActiveNonUndeadAttacker(state, unit)) continue;
+        if (DefinitelyReachesAllWithoutCreatingCrossing(
+                    baseMap,
+                    unit,
+                    destinations,
+                    effectiveLandRegions)) {
+            continue;
+        }
 
         const auto &battalionType = battalionTypeGetter(unit->battalion().type());
-        if (CanReachAllWithoutWater(gameState, unit, destinations, distancesFor(battalionType)) &&
+        if (StaticRegionsAreConclusiveFor(*battalionType)) continue;
+
+        if (CanReachAllWithoutWater(map, unit, destinations, distancesFor(battalionType)) &&
             ++reachableUnitCount >= requiredUnitCount) {
             return true;
         }
diff --git a/src/main/cpp/net/eagle0/shardok/library/map/LandRegions.cpp b/src/main/cpp/net/eagle0/shardok/library/map/LandRegions.cpp
index d4354943f5..0f58915f13 100644
--- a/src/main/cpp/net/eagle0/shardok/library/map/LandRegions.cpp
+++ b/src/main/cpp/net/eagle0/shardok/library/map/LandRegions.cpp
@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@
 
 #include "LandRegions.hpp"
 
+#include <algorithm>
 #include <array>
 #include <limits>
 #include <stdexcept>
@@ -38,6 +39,19 @@ auto ToIndex(const int row, const int column, const int columnCount) -> int {
     return row * columnCount + column;
 }
 
+auto CountRegions(const std::span<const LandRegionId> regions) -> int {
+    int count = 0;
+    for (const LandRegionId region : regions) {
+        if (region != kNoLandRegion) { count = std::max(count, static_cast<int>(region) + 1); }
+    }
+    return count;
+}
+
+auto HasUsableBridge(const net::eagle0::shardok::storage::fb::Terrain& terrain) -> bool {
+    const auto& bridge = terrain.modifier().bridge();
+    return bridge.present() && bridge.integrity() > 0.0;
+}
+
 }  // namespace
 
 auto ComputeLandRegions(
@@ -99,11 +113,13 @@ auto ComputeLandRegions(
 
 LandRegions::LandRegions(const net::eagle0::shardok::storage::fb::HexMap* map)
     : rowCount(map->row_count()),
-      columnCount(map->column_count()) {
+      columnCount(map->column_count()),
+      regionCount(0) {
     std::vector<net::eagle0::shardok::storage::fb::Terrain> terrain;
     terrain.reserve(map->terrain()->size());
     for (const auto* tile : *map->terrain()) { terrain.push_back(*tile); }
     regions = ComputeLandRegions(rowCount, columnCount, terrain);
+    regionCount = CountRegions(regions);
 }
 
 LandRegions::LandRegions(
@@ -112,7 +128,10 @@ LandRegions::LandRegions(
         const std::span<const net::eagle0::shardok::storage::fb::Terrain> terrain)
     : rowCount(rowCount),
       columnCount(columnCount),
-      regions(ComputeLandRegions(rowCount, columnCount, terrain)) {}
+      regionCount(0),
+      regions(ComputeLandRegions(rowCount, columnCount, terrain)) {
+    regionCount = CountRegions(regions);
+}
 
 auto LandRegions::RegionAt(const Coords& coords) const -> LandRegionId {
     if (coords.row() < 0 || coords.column() < 0 || coords.row() >= rowCount ||
@@ -129,4 +148,137 @@ auto LandRegions::DefinitelyConnectedWithoutWater(const Coords& origin, const Co
     return originRegion != kNoLandRegion && originRegion == destinationRegion;
 }
 
+template<typename TerrainAt>
+void EffectiveLandRegions::Initialize(
+        const int rowCount,
+        const int columnCount,
+        TerrainAt&& terrainAt) {
+    const int tileCount = rowCount * columnCount;
+    if (rowCount != landRegions.rowCount || columnCount != landRegions.columnCount ||
+        tileCount < 0 || tileCount > static_cast<int>(kMaximumLandRegionTileCount)) {
+        throw std::invalid_argument("Effective land region map dimensions do not match");
+    }
+
+    nodeCount = landRegions.regionCount + tileCount;
+    for (int node = 0; node < nodeCount; ++node) {
+        parents[static_cast<size_t>(node)] = static_cast<int16_t>(node);
+    }
+
+    for (int index = 0; index < tileCount; ++index) {
+        bridgeTiles[static_cast<size_t>(index)] =
+                landRegions.regions[static_cast<size_t>(index)] == kNoLandRegion &&
+                HasUsableBridge(terrainAt(index));
+    }
+
+    for (int index = 0; index < tileCount; ++index) {
+        if (!bridgeTiles[static_cast<size_t>(index)]) continue;
+
+        const int row = index / columnCount;
+        const int column = index % columnCount;
+        const auto& offsets = row % 2 == 0 ? kEvenRowNeighborOffsets : kOddRowNeighborOffsets;
+        const int bridgeNode = landRegions.regionCount + index;
+        for (const auto& [rowOffset, columnOffset] : offsets) {
+            const int neighborRow = row + rowOffset;
+            const int neighborColumn = column + columnOffset;
+            if (neighborRow < 0 || neighborRow >= rowCount || neighborColumn < 0 ||
+                neighborColumn >= columnCount) {
+                continue;
+            }
+
+            const int neighborIndex = ToIndex(neighborRow, neighborColumn, columnCount);
+            const LandRegionId neighborRegion =
+                    landRegions.regions[static_cast<size_t>(neighborIndex)];
+            if (neighborRegion != kNoLandRegion) {
+                Union(bridgeNode, neighborRegion);
+            } else if (bridgeTiles[static_cast<size_t>(neighborIndex)]) {
+                Union(bridgeNode, landRegions.regionCount + neighborIndex);
+            }
+        }
+    }
+
+    for (int node = 0; node < nodeCount; ++node) {
+        parents[static_cast<size_t>(node)] = static_cast<int16_t>(Root(node));
+    }
+}
+
+EffectiveLandRegions::EffectiveLandRegions(
+        const LandRegions& landRegions,
+        const net::eagle0::shardok::storage::fb::HexMap* map)
+    : landRegions(landRegions),
+      nodeCount(0) {
+    if (map == nullptr) { throw std::invalid_argument("Effective land region map is null"); }
+    Initialize(
+            map->row_count(),
+            map->column_count(),
+            [&](const int index) -> const auto& { return *map->terrain()->Get(index); });
+}
+
+EffectiveLandRegions::EffectiveLandRegions(
+        const LandRegions& landRegions,
+        const int rowCount,
+        const int columnCount,
+        const std::span<const net::eagle0::shardok::storage::fb::Terrain> terrain)
+    : landRegions(landRegions),
+      nodeCount(0) {
+    if (terrain.size() != static_cast<size_t>(rowCount * columnCount)) {
+        throw std::invalid_argument("Effective land region terrain size does not match");
+    }
+    Initialize(
+            rowCount,
+            columnCount,
+            [&](const int index) -> const auto& { return terrain[static_cast<size_t>(index)]; });
+}
+
+auto EffectiveLandRegions::Root(const int node) const -> int {
+    int current = node;
+    while (parents[static_cast<size_t>(current)] != current) {
+        current = parents[static_cast<size_t>(current)];
+    }
+    return current;
+}
+
+auto EffectiveLandRegions::Root(const int node) -> int {
+    int root = node;
+    while (parents[static_cast<size_t>(root)] != root) {
+        root = parents[static_cast<size_t>(root)];
+    }
+
+    int current = node;
+    while (parents[static_cast<size_t>(current)] != current) {
+        const int next = parents[static_cast<size_t>(current)];
+        parents[static_cast<size_t>(current)] = static_cast<int16_t>(root);
+        current = next;
+    }
+    return root;
+}
+
+void EffectiveLandRegions::Union(const int first, const int second) {
+    const int firstRoot = Root(first);
+    const int secondRoot = Root(second);
+    if (firstRoot != secondRoot) {
+        parents[static_cast<size_t>(secondRoot)] = static_cast<int16_t>(firstRoot);
+    }
+}
+
+auto EffectiveLandRegions::NodeAt(const Coords& coords) const -> int {
+    if (coords.row() < 0 || coords.column() < 0 || coords.row() >= landRegions.rowCount ||
+        coords.column() >= landRegions.columnCount) {
+        return -1;
+    }
+
+    const int index = ToIndex(coords.row(), coords.column(), landRegions.columnCount);
+    const LandRegionId region = landRegions.regions[static_cast<size_t>(index)];
+    if (region != kNoLandRegion) return region;
+    if (bridgeTiles[static_cast<size_t>(index)]) return landRegions.regionCount + index;
+    return -1;
+}
+
+auto EffectiveLandRegions::DefinitelyConnectedWithoutCreatingCrossing(
+        const Coords& origin,
+        const Coords& destination) const -> bool {
+    const int originNode = NodeAt(origin);
+    const int destinationNode = NodeAt(destination);
+    return originNode >= 0 && destinationNode >= 0 && Root(originNode) == Root(destinationNode);
+}
+
 }  // namespace shardok
diff --git a/src/main/cpp/net/eagle0/shardok/library/map/LandRegions.hpp b/src/main/cpp/net/eagle0/shardok/library/map/LandRegions.hpp
index 34ec25deb5..27514a909e 100644
--- a/src/main/cpp/net/eagle0/shardok/library/map/LandRegions.hpp
+++ b/src/main/cpp/net/eagle0/shardok/library/map/LandRegions.hpp
@@ -5,6 +5,8 @@
 #ifndef EAGLE0_SHARDOK_LIBRARY_MAP_LAND_REGIONS_HPP
 #define EAGLE0_SHARDOK_LIBRARY_MAP_LAND_REGIONS_HPP
 
+#include <array>
+#include <cstddef>
 #include <cstdint>
 #include <span>
 #include <vector>
@@ -18,6 +20,7 @@ namespace shardok {
 using LandRegionId = int8_t;
 
 constexpr LandRegionId kNoLandRegion = -1;
+constexpr size_t kMaximumLandRegionTileCount = size_t{12} * 14;
 
 [[nodiscard]] auto ComputeLandRegions(
         int rowCount,
@@ -29,8 +32,11 @@ class LandRegions {
 private:
     int rowCount;
     int columnCount;
+    int regionCount;
     std::vector<LandRegionId> regions;
 
+    friend class EffectiveLandRegions;
+
 public:
     explicit LandRegions(const net::eagle0::shardok::storage::fb::HexMap* map);
 
@@ -50,6 +56,42 @@ public:
     [[nodiscard]] auto size() const -> size_t { return regions.size(); }
 };
 
+// Dynamic connectivity derived from immutable land regions plus the usable bridges in one
+// speculative map state. Ice is intentionally excluded because the AI treats frozen crossings as
+// crossing-strategy targets rather than ordinary land paths.
+class EffectiveLandRegions {
+private:
+    static constexpr size_t kMaximumNodeCount = kMaximumLandRegionTileCount * 2;
+
+    const LandRegions& landRegions;
+    int nodeCount;
+    std::array<int16_t, kMaximumNodeCount> parents{};
+    std::array<bool, kMaximumLandRegionTileCount> bridgeTiles{};
+
+    template<typename TerrainAt>
+    void Initialize(int rowCount, int columnCount, TerrainAt&& terrainAt);
+
+    [[nodiscard]] auto Root(int node) const -> int;
+    auto Root(int node) -> int;
+    void Union(int first, int second);
+    [[nodiscard]] auto NodeAt(const Coords& coords) const -> int;
+
+public:
+    EffectiveLandRegions(
+            const LandRegions& landRegions,
+            const net::eagle0::shardok::storage::fb::HexMap* map);
+
+    EffectiveLandRegions(
+            const LandRegions& landRegions,
+            int rowCount,
+            int columnCount,
+            std::span<const net::eagle0::shardok::storage::fb::Terrain> terrain);
+
+    [[nodiscard]] auto DefinitelyConnectedWithoutCreatingCrossing(
+            const Coords& origin,
+            const Coords& destination) const -> bool;
+};
+
 }  // namespace shardok
 
 #endif  // EAGLE0_SHARDOK_LIBRARY_MAP_LAND_REGIONS_HPP
diff --git a/src/test/cpp/net/eagle0/shardok/ai/AIDefenderStrategySelector_test.cpp b/src/test/cpp/net/eagle0/shardok/ai/AIDefenderStrategySelector_test.cpp
index 0fa19b7da0..4b5424d41d 100644
--- a/src/test/cpp/net/eagle0/shardok/ai/AIDefenderStrategySelector_test.cpp
+++ b/src/test/cpp/net/eagle0/shardok/ai/AIDefenderStrategySelector_test.cpp
@@ -13,18 +13,6 @@
 #include "src/test/cpp/net/eagle0/shardok/library/GameStart_test_data.hpp"
 #include "src/test/cpp/net/eagle0/shardok/library/HexMap_test_data.hpp"
 
-namespace {
-
-auto AllWaterLandRegions(const HexMap* map) -> shardok::LandRegions {
-    std::vector<Terrain> terrain(map->terrain()->size());
-    for (auto& tile : terrain) {
-        tile.mutate_type(net::eagle0::shardok::storage::fb::Terrain_::Type_STILL_WATER);
-    }
-    return shardok::LandRegions(map->row_count(), map->column_count(), terrain);
-}
-
-}  // namespace
-
 class AIStrategySelectorTest : public ::testing::Test {
     void SetUp() override {
         InitializeGameSettings();
@@ -194,7 +182,7 @@ TEST_F(AIStrategySelectorTest,
 }
 
 TEST_F(AIStrategySelectorTest,
-       DefenderUnder15PercentOfAttacker_enoughAttackerUnits_checksWaterCrossingAndReturnsFlee) {
+       DefenderUnder15PercentOfAttacker_enoughConnectedAttackerUnitsReturnsFleeWithoutPathLookup) {
     CoordsSet criticalTileCoords(6, 6);
     criticalTileCoords.AddMapIndexUnchecked(0);
     criticalTileCoords.AddMapIndexUnchecked(1);
@@ -208,7 +196,6 @@ TEST_F(AIStrategySelectorTest,
 
     defender->mutable_battalion().mutate_size(134);
 
-    const auto disconnectedLandRegions = AllWaterLandRegions(hexMap);
     int battalionTypeLookups = 0;
 
     EXPECT_EQ(
@@ -218,13 +205,13 @@ TEST_F(AIStrategySelectorTest,
                     criticalTileCoords,
                     GetGameSettings()->GetGetter().Backing().max_rounds(),
                     apdCache,
-                    disconnectedLandRegions,
+                    alCache->GetLandRegions(),
                     [&battalionTypeLookups](BattalionTypeId typeId) {
                         ++battalionTypeLookups;
                         return GetGameSettings()->GetGetter().GetBattalionType(typeId);
                     })
                     .strategyType);
-    EXPECT_GT(battalionTypeLookups, 0);
+    EXPECT_EQ(battalionTypeLookups, 0);
 }
 
 TEST_F(AIStrategySelectorTest,
@@ -273,7 +260,6 @@ TEST_F(AIStrategySelectorTest,
     defender->mutable_battalion().mutate_size(134);
     defender->mutate_can_flee(false);
 
-    const auto disconnectedLandRegions = AllWaterLandRegions(hexMap);
     int battalionTypeLookups = 0;
 
     EXPECT_EQ(
@@ -283,7 +269,7 @@ TEST_F(AIStrategySelectorTest,
                     criticalTileCoords,
                     GetGameSettings()->GetGetter().Backing().max_rounds(),
                     apdCache,
-                    disconnectedLandRegions,
+                    alCache->GetLandRegions(),
                     [&battalionTypeLookups](BattalionTypeId typeId) {
                         ++battalionTypeLookups;
                         return GetGameSettings()->GetGetter().GetBattalionType(typeId);
diff --git a/src/test/cpp/net/eagle0/shardok/ai/AIWaterCrossingCalculator_test.cpp b/src/test/cpp/net/eagle0/shardok/ai/AIWaterCrossingCalculator_test.cpp
index 57c346a1e9..f99be39ba9 100644
--- a/src/test/cpp/net/eagle0/shardok/ai/AIWaterCrossingCalculator_test.cpp
+++ b/src/test/cpp/net/eagle0/shardok/ai/AIWaterCrossingCalculator_test.cpp
@@ -10,6 +10,7 @@
 #include <vector>
 
 #include "src/main/cpp/net/eagle0/shardok/ai/AIAttackLocations.hpp"
+#include "src/main/cpp/net/eagle0/shardok/library/map/HexMapHasher.hpp"
 #include "src/test/cpp/net/eagle0/shardok/library/GameSettings_test_utils.hpp"
 #include "src/test/cpp/net/eagle0/shardok/library/GameStart_test_data.hpp"
 #include "src/test/cpp/net/eagle0/shardok/library/HexMap_test_data.hpp"
@@ -162,11 +163,10 @@ TEST_F(AIWaterCrossingCalculatorTest, UnitsRequiringWaterCrossing_oneOtherSide_r
 
 TEST_F(AIWaterCrossingCalculatorTest,
        UnitsRequiringWaterCrossing_fireChanges_reusesFireClearedDistances) {
-    auto& bridgeModifier = MutableTerrain(hexMap, Coords(0, 3))->mutable_modifier();
-    bridgeModifier.mutable_bridge().mutate_present(true);
-    bridgeModifier.mutable_bridge().mutate_integrity(100.0);
-    hexMap->mutate_modifier_hash(0);
-    hexMap->mutate_modifier_hash(ActionPointDistancesCache::GetMapId(hexMap).modifierId);
+    unit0->mutable_battalion().mutate_type(
+            net::eagle0::shardok::storage::fb::BattalionTypeId_UNDEAD);
+    unit1->mutable_battalion().mutate_type(
+            net::eagle0::shardok::storage::fb::BattalionTypeId_UNDEAD);
 
     CoordsSet destinations(hexMap);
     destinations.Add(acrossDestination);
@@ -247,7 +247,7 @@ TEST_F(AIWaterCrossingCalculatorTest,
 }
 
 TEST_F(AIWaterCrossingCalculatorTest,
-       UnitsRequiringWaterCrossing_bridgeBetweenRegions_fallsBackToDistances) {
+       UnitsRequiringWaterCrossing_bridgeBetweenRegions_skipsDistances) {
     auto& bridgeModifier = MutableTerrain(hexMap, Coords(1, 3))->mutable_modifier();
     bridgeModifier.mutable_bridge().mutate_present(true);
     bridgeModifier.mutable_bridge().mutate_integrity(100.0);
@@ -267,7 +267,55 @@ TEST_F(AIWaterCrossingCalculatorTest,
                             return GetGameSettings()->GetGetter().GetBattalionType(typeId);
                         })
                         .empty());
-    EXPECT_EQ(1, ActionPointDistancesCache::GetThreadLocalCacheSize());
+    EXPECT_EQ(0, ActionPointDistancesCache::GetThreadLocalCacheSize());
+}
+
+TEST_F(AIWaterCrossingCalculatorTest,
+       UnitsRequiringWaterCrossing_irrelevantBridgeStillSkipsDistances) {
+    auto& bridgeModifier = MutableTerrain(hexMap, Coords(3, 5))->mutable_modifier();
+    bridgeModifier.mutable_bridge().mutate_present(true);
+    bridgeModifier.mutable_bridge().mutate_integrity(100.0);
+
+    CoordsSet destinations(hexMap);
+    destinations.Add(acrossDestination);
+
+    const auto expected = std::vector<UnitId>{0, 1};
+    EXPECT_EQ(
+            expected,
+            UnitIdsRequiringWaterCrossing(
+                    gameState,
+                    0,
+                    destinations,
+                    alCache->GetLandRegions(),
+                    apdCache,
+                    [](BattalionTypeId typeId) {
+                        return GetGameSettings()->GetGetter().GetBattalionType(typeId);
+                    }));
+    EXPECT_EQ(0, ActionPointDistancesCache::GetThreadLocalCacheSize());
+}
+
+TEST_F(AIWaterCrossingCalculatorTest,
+       UnitsRequiringWaterCrossing_iceRemainsACrossingStrategyTarget) {
+    auto& iceModifier = MutableTerrain(hexMap, Coords(1, 3))->mutable_modifier();
+    iceModifier.mutable_ice().mutate_present(true);
+    iceModifier.mutable_ice().mutate_integrity(100.0);
+
+    CoordsSet destinations(hexMap);
+    destinations.Add(acrossDestination);
+
+    const auto expected = std::vector<UnitId>{0, 1};
+    EXPECT_EQ(
+            expected,
+            UnitIdsRequiringWaterCrossing(
+                    gameState,
+                    0,
+                    destinations,
+                    alCache->GetLandRegions(),
+                    apdCache,
+                    [](BattalionTypeId typeId) {
+                        return GetGameSettings()->GetGetter().GetBattalionType(typeId);
+                    }));
+    EXPECT_EQ(0, ActionPointDistancesCache::GetThreadLocalCacheSize());
 }
 
 TEST_F(AIWaterCrossingCalculatorTest,
@@ -292,6 +340,73 @@ TEST_F(AIWaterCrossingCalculatorTest,
     EXPECT_EQ(1, ActionPointDistancesCache::GetThreadLocalCacheSize());
 }
 
+TEST_F(AIWaterCrossingCalculatorTest,
+       EffectiveRegionsMatchExactDistancesForEverySingleBridgePlacement) {
+    const auto terrainAt = [&](const Coords& coords) {
+        return hexMap->terrain()->Get(coords.row() * hexMap->column_count() + coords.column());
+    };
+    std::vector<std::optional<Coords>> bridgePlacements{std::nullopt};
+    for (int row = 0; row < hexMap->row_count(); ++row) {
+        for (int column = 0; column < hexMap->column_count(); ++column) {
+            const Coords coords(row, column);
+            if (IsWater(terrainAt(coords)->type())) bridgePlacements.emplace_back(coords);
+        }
+    }
+
+    for (const auto& bridgePlacement : bridgePlacements) {
+        for (uint32_t index = 0; index < hexMap->terrain()->size(); ++index) {
+            auto* terrain = const_cast<net::eagle0::shardok::storage::fb::Terrain*>(
+                    hexMap->mutable_terrain()->GetMutableObject(index));
+            terrain->mutable_modifier().mutable_bridge().mutate_present(false);
+        }
+        if (bridgePlacement.has_value()) {
+            auto& bridge =
+                    MutableTerrain(hexMap, *bridgePlacement)->mutable_modifier().mutable_bridge();
+            bridge.mutate_present(true);
+            bridge.mutate_integrity(100.0);
+        }
+        hexMap->mutate_modifier_hash(GetModifierHash(hexMap));
+
+        const EffectiveLandRegions effectiveRegions(alCache->GetLandRegions(), hexMap);
+        const auto* distances = apdCache->GetRaw(
+                hexMap,
+                ActionPointDistancesCache::GetMapId(hexMap),
+                heavyCavalry,
+                false);
+
+        for (int originRow = 0; originRow < hexMap->row_count(); ++originRow) {
+            for (int originColumn = 0; originColumn < hexMap->column_count(); ++originColumn) {
+                const Coords originCoords(originRow, originColumn);
+                const auto* originTerrain = terrainAt(originCoords);
+                if (IsWater(originTerrain->type()) &&
+                    !originTerrain->modifier().bridge().present()) {
+                    continue;
+                }
+
+                for (int destinationRow = 0; destinationRow < hexMap->row_count();
+                     ++destinationRow) {
+                    for (int destinationColumn = 0; destinationColumn < hexMap->column_count();
+                         ++destinationColumn) {
+                        const Coords destinationCoords(destinationRow, destinationColumn);
+                        const auto* destinationTerrain = terrainAt(destinationCoords);
+                        if (IsWater(destinationTerrain->type()) &&
+                            !destinationTerrain->modifier().bridge().present()) {
+                            continue;
+                        }
+
+                        EXPECT_EQ(
+                                distances->Distance(originCoords, destinationCoords) !=
+                                        ActionPointDistances::IMPOSSIBLE,
+                                effectiveRegions.DefinitelyConnectedWithoutCreatingCrossing(
+                                        originCoords,
+                                        destinationCoords));
+                    }
+                }
+            }
+        }
+    }
+}
+
 TEST_F(AIWaterCrossingCalculatorTest,
        EnoughAttackersWithoutWaterCrossing_staticRegionsShortCircuitWithoutDistances) {
     unit0->mutable_location() = Coords(0, 4);
@@ -316,7 +431,7 @@ TEST_F(AIWaterCrossingCalculatorTest,
 }
 
 TEST_F(AIWaterCrossingCalculatorTest,
-       EnoughAttackersWithoutWaterCrossing_exactDistancesShortCircuitAtThreshold) {
+       EnoughAttackersWithoutWaterCrossing_bridgeShortCircuitsWithoutDistances) {
     auto& bridgeModifier = MutableTerrain(hexMap, Coords(1, 3))->mutable_modifier();
     bridgeModifier.mutable_bridge().mutate_present(true);
     bridgeModifier.mutable_bridge().mutate_integrity(100.0);
@@ -337,8 +452,8 @@ TEST_F(AIWaterCrossingCalculatorTest,
                 return GetGameSettings()->GetGetter().GetBattalionType(typeId);
             },
             1));
-    EXPECT_EQ(1, battalionTypeLookups);
-    EXPECT_EQ(1, ActionPointDistancesCache::GetThreadLocalCacheSize());
+    EXPECT_EQ(0, battalionTypeLookups);
+    EXPECT_EQ(0, ActionPointDistancesCache::GetThreadLocalCacheSize());
 }
 
 TEST_F(AIWaterCrossingCalculatorTest, EnoughAttackersWithoutWaterCrossing_noLandPathReturnsFalse) {
@@ -354,7 +469,7 @@ TEST_F(AIWaterCrossingCalculatorTest, EnoughAttackersWithoutWaterCrossing_noLand
                 return GetGameSettings()->GetGetter().GetBattalionType(typeId);
             },
             1));
-    EXPECT_EQ(1, ActionPointDistancesCache::GetThreadLocalCacheSize());
+    EXPECT_EQ(0, ActionPointDistancesCache::GetThreadLocalCacheSize());
 }
 
 TEST_F(AIWaterCrossingCalculatorTest,
diff --git a/src/test/cpp/net/eagle0/shardok/ai/RealBattleDecisionRegressionTest.cpp b/src/test/cpp/net/eagle0/shardok/ai/RealBattleDecisionRegressionTest.cpp
index 3348384da1..1eb9dc040b 100644
--- a/src/test/cpp/net/eagle0/shardok/ai/RealBattleDecisionRegressionTest.cpp
+++ b/src/test/cpp/net/eagle0/shardok/ai/RealBattleDecisionRegressionTest.cpp
@@ -177,6 +177,30 @@ TEST_F(RealBattleDecisionRegressionTest, ChipingiaWaterCrossingFindsUsefulBridge
     EXPECT_FALSE(crossingTiles.empty());
 }
 
+TEST_F(RealBattleDecisionRegressionTest, AlahBridgeConnectsAttackersToEveryCastle) {
+    flatbuffers::FlatBufferBuilder fbb;
+    fbb.ForceDefaults(true);
+    const auto mapOffset = fb::ConvertHexMapProto(fbb, LoadMap("Alah"));
+    const auto* map = flatbuffers::GetTemporaryPointer(fbb, mapOffset);
+    const LandRegions staticRegions(map);
+    const EffectiveLandRegions effectiveRegions(staticRegions, map);
+    const CoordsSet castles = AllCastleCoords(map);
+    const auto* attackerPositions = map->attacker_starting_positions()->Get(0)->positions();
+
+    ASSERT_FALSE(attackerPositions->empty());
+    ASSERT_FALSE(castles.empty());
+    EXPECT_FALSE(staticRegions.DefinitelyConnectedWithoutWater(
+            **attackerPositions->begin(),
+            *castles.begin()));
+    for (const Coords* attackerPosition : *attackerPositions) {
+        for (const Coords& castle : castles) {
+            EXPECT_TRUE(effectiveRegions.DefinitelyConnectedWithoutCreatingCrossing(
+                    *attackerPosition,
+                    castle));
+        }
+    }
+}
+
 TEST_F(RealBattleDecisionRegressionTest, RegiaAtSigkarlFirstAttackerTurnDoesNotFlee) {
     std::vector<Unit> units{
             MakeUnit(
diff --git a/src/test/cpp/net/eagle0/shardok/library/map/LandRegions_test.cpp b/src/test/cpp/net/eagle0/shardok/library/map/LandRegions_test.cpp
index c7e2244019..0adbc231f7 100644
--- a/src/test/cpp/net/eagle0/shardok/library/map/LandRegions_test.cpp
+++ b/src/test/cpp/net/eagle0/shardok/library/map/LandRegions_test.cpp
@@ -20,6 +20,11 @@ auto TerrainGrid(const int size, const TerrainType type = TerrainType::Type_PLAI
     return std::vector<Terrain>(static_cast<size_t>(size), Terrain(type, TileModifier()));
 }
 
+void AddBridge(Terrain& terrain, const double integrity = 100.0) {
+    terrain.mutable_modifier().mutable_bridge().mutate_present(true);
+    terrain.mutable_modifier().mutable_bridge().mutate_integrity(integrity);
+}
+
 TEST(LandRegionsTest, ConnectedLandSharesOneRegion) {
     const auto terrain = TerrainGrid(9);
 
@@ -58,5 +63,71 @@ TEST(LandRegionsTest, MountainsAlsoSeparateGuaranteedLandRegions) {
     EXPECT_FALSE(regions.DefinitelyConnectedWithoutWater(Coords(1, 0), Coords(1, 2)));
 }
 
+TEST(EffectiveLandRegionsTest, BridgeMergesStaticRegions) {
+    auto terrain = TerrainGrid(9);
+    terrain[1].mutate_type(TerrainType::Type_RIVER);
+    terrain[4].mutate_type(TerrainType::Type_RIVER);
+    terrain[7].mutate_type(TerrainType::Type_RIVER);
+    const LandRegions staticRegions(3, 3, terrain);
+
+    AddBridge(terrain[4]);
+    const EffectiveLandRegions effectiveRegions(staticRegions, 3, 3, terrain);
+
+    EXPECT_TRUE(effectiveRegions.DefinitelyConnectedWithoutCreatingCrossing(
+            Coords(1, 0),
+            Coords(1, 2)));
+    EXPECT_TRUE(effectiveRegions.DefinitelyConnectedWithoutCreatingCrossing(
+            Coords(1, 1),
+            Coords(1, 2)));
+}
+
+TEST(EffectiveLandRegionsTest, AdjacentBridgesCanSpanWideWater) {
+    auto terrain = TerrainGrid(12);
+    for (int row = 0; row < 3; ++row) {
+        terrain[static_cast<size_t>(row * 4 + 1)].mutate_type(TerrainType::Type_RIVER);
+        terrain[static_cast<size_t>(row * 4 + 2)].mutate_type(TerrainType::Type_RIVER);
+    }
+    const LandRegions staticRegions(3, 4, terrain);
+
+    AddBridge(terrain[5]);
+    AddBridge(terrain[6]);
+    const EffectiveLandRegions effectiveRegions(staticRegions, 3, 4, terrain);
+
+    EXPECT_TRUE(effectiveRegions.DefinitelyConnectedWithoutCreatingCrossing(
+            Coords(1, 0),
+            Coords(1, 3)));
+}
+
+TEST(EffectiveLandRegionsTest, BrokenBridgeDoesNotMergeRegions) {
+    auto terrain = TerrainGrid(9);
+    terrain[1].mutate_type(TerrainType::Type_RIVER);
+    terrain[4].mutate_type(TerrainType::Type_RIVER);
+    terrain[7].mutate_type(TerrainType::Type_RIVER);
+    const LandRegions staticRegions(3, 3, terrain);
+
+    AddBridge(terrain[4], 0.0);
+    const EffectiveLandRegions effectiveRegions(staticRegions, 3, 3, terrain);
+
+    EXPECT_FALSE(effectiveRegions.DefinitelyConnectedWithoutCreatingCrossing(
+            Coords(1, 0),
+            Coords(1, 2)));
+}
+
+TEST(EffectiveLandRegionsTest, IceDoesNotMergeRegions) {
+    auto terrain = TerrainGrid(9);
+    terrain[1].mutate_type(TerrainType::Type_RIVER);
+    terrain[4].mutate_type(TerrainType::Type_RIVER);
+    terrain[7].mutate_type(TerrainType::Type_RIVER);
+    const LandRegions staticRegions(3, 3, terrain);
+
+    terrain[4].mutable_modifier().mutable_ice().mutate_present(true);
+    terrain[4].mutable_modifier().mutable_ice().mutate_integrity(100.0);
+    const EffectiveLandRegions effectiveRegions(staticRegions, 3, 3, terrain);
+
+    EXPECT_FALSE(effectiveRegions.DefinitelyConnectedWithoutCreatingCrossing(
+            Coords(1, 0),
+            Coords(1, 2)));
+}
+
 }  // namespace
 }  // namespace shardok