Wedge Formation

[Ironside]

If I remember correctly, the "point" of the wedge it the unit leader, so your king's unit should never be put into wedge formation.

On the plus side, the frontal wedge will hit the opponent's general with all it's power. You can instantly kill the enemy king this way (or your general dies horribly, depending on what unit that's stronger ), so it works both ways.

[macsen rufus]

If I remember correctly, the "point" of the wedge it the unit leader, so your king's unit should never be put into wedge formation.

Actually, I think it's a bit more subtle than this - the individual men with the highest personal valour in the unit go into the van. This isn't necessarily the unit leader - I have on occasion put units into wedge formation and the unit flag (which usually hovers over the leader, I believe) has appeared well back in the unit, and not in the van.

Try it out on a unit where the leader has a valour-reducing vice like gluttony and you'll probably see this effect

[Knight of the Rose]

Actually, I think it's a bit more subtle than this - the individual men with the highest personal valour in the unit go into the van. This isn't necessarily the unit leader - I have on occasion put units into wedge formation and the unit flag (which usually hovers over the leader, I believe) has appeared well back in the unit, and not in the van.

Try it out on a unit where the leader has a valour-reducing vice like gluttony and you'll probably see this effect

Are you sure about this? Though I must admit I could use wedge formation more often, I've never seen this happen. I've seen however a unit leader going down and then being replaced by someone down the ranks

I could be wrong, though it would be the first time this year (joke)

/KotR

[Kamakazi]

I only use the wedge if i rly need to split a unit apart and then kill it. And i only use is if i can afford to lose my troops because yea it gets them merced quick

[Vladimir]

Generally it is best to use the wedge with your infantry to break up a spear formation. If the formation is already broken up then a cavalry wedge is more appropriate.

I still remember one time when I charged my knights into a badly spread out unit of Mongols. They routed before taking casualties because they were all alone and my cavalry commander was already through the heart of their unit.

Overall for cavalry a line formation is best because it increases the surface area of the charge. Line is also best for infantry if they can wrap around one or both flanks. Wedge may also be good for wedging between two units of spearmen, not just breaking one up.

[Ironsword]

Interesting stuff indeed. - I usually go for wedge as my default for cavalry charges into flanks or into archers. It usually results in them breaking and fleeing pretty quickly.

...But, I have to admit it's all one way traffic if some enemy spears manage to wheel in front of my horses. Ouch.

[Knight of the Rose]

Besides from the already mentioned advantages, I use wedge when I need the extra attack to be able to harm the enemy.

Take jedi generals - especially in early, or if I field an army without AP units, they can be invincible. So I take a spear unit (as they have a high charge factor) and wedge them. The charge and the additional attack-bonus is absolutely critical and means the difference between making a kill or only a pushback. Of cause my minions die miserably, but that is their job. I use the same tactics against royal knights when I don't have acces to polearms.

/KotR