Anyone used historical tactics in TW games?

[matteus the inbred]

I try to use Roman "manipular" (or checkerboard) tactics at least with realism mods like RTR and EB. It works very well against phalanx type armies, as its flexibility assists in defeating the phalanxes piecemeal. It is not so good against barbarian armies - a solid frontline is probably better. But I think I read a post on the RTR forums that historically it would lead to a solid frontline (rear elements would come up to fill gaps), so that's ok.

I agree, from my limited use of this it seems to work well against some and not others. They used to fill in the gaps and if the front lines couldn't hold they would file back through the gaps in the principes and triarii and remake the front line again.
I've also used Epaminondas's classic refused flank with phalanxes, that works well even though the historical priniciple on which it was based (that each battleline would incline to the right as each man sought the protection of his neighbour's shield) doesn't apply.

In MTW the classic Swiss 'steamroller' tactic can work quite well; mass your pike phalanxes, skirmish with crossbows and leave the halberdiers on the flanks, and then just grind forward...as the Burgundians found out, it's very hard to stop!

[naut]

I often use the English "Longbow Tactic", especially with small professional armies against the French or HRE.

[The Stranger]

i ussually use the hammer and anvil tactic. i also use the tactic hannibal used at cannae. i also use the tactics displayed in my RTW tactics thread

[DukeofSerbia]

With some factions I use historical tactics. My standard tactics is spear infantry in centre, sword infantry on flanks behind spermen, archers are in second line and cavalry for flanking.

But, in MTW I use haevy cavalry for smashing everything (classic knight charge with catholic factions) except for units which have spear/pike/polearm (not like UM or MS).

In RTR when I played with Romans I trained only infantry plus mercs cavalry as was in history.

[Taurus]

I used to use the Roman "checkerboard" tactic quite a lot in RTW, worked very well too, especially against Phalanx factions and other Romans.

[Archayon]

When i play with English Longbows (MTW)
the AI, being the French, often uses
historical tactics with their royal cavalry



charge them up that hill

[Ludens]

Divinus Arma wrote a guide regarding historical tactics and how to use them in the R:TW. You can find it here. Personally, I make up my tactics as I go along.

[Patriarch of Constantinople]

i ussually use the hammer and anvil tactic. i also use the tactic hannibal used at cannae. i also use the tactics displayed in my RTW tactics thread

How did you pull off a cannae? i only pulled off a Trasmiene and Gaugamela

[Garvanko]

Roman 'manipular' formation is very efficient, and pretty much unbeatable.

[Wardruid]

The British infantry square works well with all anti-cavalry infantry units against cavalry units
But it's best used in case you don't have any cavalry youself.
And I strongly recommend not using it if the enemy has artillery