I have used both types of distance calculation in different campaigns. I agree that the ‘alternating’ rule is better, but I’ve also seen that it confuses some players and in that case slows down combat.
I’m currently using the phb rule. My players have just gained access to fireball and similar AoE spells, and I use the actual circular spell effects
So far I have not seen the players actively abusing this, so for now I’m just ignoring the weird distance effects
I have used both types of distance calculation in different campaigns. I agree that the ‘alternating’ rule is better, but I’ve also seen that it confuses some players and in that case slows down combat.
I’m currently using the phb rule. My players have just gained access to fireball and similar AoE spells, and I use the actual circular spell effects
So far I have not seen the players actively abusing this, so for now I’m just ignoring the weird distance effects
Re-write the spell to be a firecube. If the grid is that important, just declare that magical fire occupies a cubical volume because “magic”