There have been a quite a few uses of YA discussed in previous threads. Here are some favorites.
1. Arrow stoppers. I think everyone has sent out some poor ashi unit across a bridge to soak up some arrows before the real fighting begins. Pretty straight forward.
2. Flanking units. Speed and numbers can give them a formidable edge against weaker foes.
3. Chasing down routed units. Only thing better is Cavalry.
This is how I typically use YAs in tactical situations. YA comprise about half of my army. Form the YA into a single sine formation so that the units form squares. (8X8 for 60 men units or 12X10 for 120 men units). Change them to hold formation. Next put your samurai hth troops in columns (4X15 for 60 men units 5X24 for 120 men units) behind the YA. Put the SA in loose formation in front of the YA. An additional YS on each end of the YA line is sometimes beneficial to keep from getting flanked.
In combat, when the time comes to charge, run the YA and samurai hth line forward together. As the YA approach the enemy, try to pick out a single unit for each of the YA. As the YA engage these units, the enemy unit will wrap the YA square. As this happens, gaps open in the enemy’s line and the samurais in the second ranks have a clear shot though behind the enemy. Columns work much better at shooting the gaps than wedges or extended lines. Once the enemy units are caught between the YA squares and samurai, they don’t last long. The center of the enemy army will give away as his flanks are wrapping you. Once this happens his flankers are out flanked because there is no center to support them.
The keys to making this work are:
1. Put the YA in deep square formations with orders to hold formation. This greatly increases the time of survival of these units. They won’t rout on contact.
2. Put your shock troops in narrow columns in areas where you expect gaps to form. Columns are a lot easier to slip though narrow gaps than wedges or lines
JoBeare
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