Actually, controlling phalanxes is something that you more or less teach yourself by using them extensively. I, for one, have been playing pike-based faction from since I first got RTW, so I know some tricks and stuff if you're interested. But basically, if you have played with them long enough, you will know when your unit is going to act dumb or not. For example, an enemy is running back to their city square and you want to block their way with a unit (preferably 2) of pikemen. If your men haven't formed neat lines and are still running around when the enemy comes within sarissa length, it's almost 100% sure you're going to get creamed.

Maion