Is the use of Action Points permitted in a surprise round?

Question

In Dungeons & Dragons 4e can players use an Action Point during a surprise round?

Answer 1

No

If you are able to act during a Surprise round^DDI you have a couple restrictions:

• You can take one action during a surprise round (minor, move or standard)
• You can take free actions as well with one exception:
• You cannot spend action points
• During the surprise round you can take Immediate and Opportunity actions (just not on your own turn)

If you are surprised you:

• Cannot take any actions including immediate and opportunity and free actions.
• Grant Combat Advantage to all attackers for the duration of the surprise round.
• Cannot flank

The full rules are on p267 of the Player's Handbook and p190 and p235 of the Rules Compendium.

Answer 2

According to page 235 of the Rules Compendium, no. The free action to use an Action Point may only be used during your turn, and not during a surprise round.

Answer 3

No, but for one main reason: using an action point allows you to have an extra action your turn, which contradicts the rule that allows one action per player in a surprise round.