What's the skinny on your formations?

[Lord Rom]

A long time ago back in the days of mtw1.1(I know some people still live back in those times) my cav units would ride side by side two horses deep crashing into the flanks of unsuspecting men of iron causing fear and devastation. Nowadays(in VI) I see more and more units 4 and 5 deep. Is there a little green jedi-man in some swamp somewhere who actually knows the in's and out's of what the depth of your formation does for ya? What exactly are the risks,the benefits, and the strategy of making a long thin unit or a deep one? Wars may not make one great, but I wouldnt mind being a great warrior...
Rom http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[tootee]

having cav with shorter front now will prevent it from touching enemy.. so that they can move on to the flank or rear.. otherwise they will be pulled to battle as long as one touches enemy and fights. pre-patch version the cav will just ride on.

[Brutal DLX]

Yes, the swiping is gone. For quick maneuvering of cav I suggest the wedge formation. 4 or 5 rank cavalry is too narrow to make a good impact when charging, in my opinion.

[Lechev]

i would usually use cavs. in rows of 3 more men upfront upon contact, but the downside is it easily get into melee when doing flanking. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wacko.gif

[Postino]

Quote[/b] (tootee @ Dec. 01 2003,19:04)]having cav with shorter front now will prevent it from touching enemy.. so that they can move on to the flank or rear.. otherwise they will be pulled to battle as long as one touches enemy and fights. pre-patch version the cav will just ride on.
i find that with hold position and formation they will power through engagements easier when squeezing through a tight spot.

when charging a flank of a furball i use 2 deep, for traveling i use 3 to 5 deep.

[Orda Khan]

Wedge is the best option to get around a crowded battlefield

......Orda

[Tempiic]

I also find it nice to use wedge formations when hitting enemy units from behind, it tends to smash that unit apart against your fighting unit in the front. Besides the melee value + charge bonus, you also get the wedge melee bonus and the attack from rear combat bonus (plus being attacked from rear combat penalty)

It is also a nice way to get rid of 1 liners.