Presenting the back to cavalry???

[WinsingtonIII]

Yeah the same thing happens with phalangites when you tell them to attack when they're in phalanx mode, or any unit that is in guard mode when you tell them to attack.

Tactically, I think a lot depends on how much cavalry the AS is fielding. Since they generally have better cav than you, if they're fielding lots of cav I'm not sure what to tell you. However, if they aren't using much cavalry, just put your hoplites in guard mode, let the phalanxes come to you, and pin them with the hoplites (don't use the attack command). Phalanxes kill slowly, so now it's about using the time you have to flank them and hit them from behind with your cavalry and assault infantry. I realize this is just pretty basic hammer and anvil, but your hoplites are generally hardy enough to pull it off.

If you don't want to do traditional hammer and anvil, you could try to isolate the individual phalanxes. Your hoplites/peltasts are more maneuverable, so try and get the AI to split up its forces, then use local numerical superiority to pin individual phalanxes with one hoplite unit and then charge them from behind with another hoplite, or cavalry, or even peltasts. It's pretty much always about pinning the phalanxes with one unit and hitting them with another in the rear.

If they're using lots of cavalry, I guess try and counter with Hippeis Xystophoroi, or even better, Hippeis Thessalikoi. But I guess if you're using a classical army you can't bring too many of those. Or try and get the enemy cavalry engaged frontally with your Hoplites, they won't stand a chance then.