Ok, I haven't seen a compilation of just battle tactics so he we go. List things that may even be obvious to you because it may be a revelation to someone else. Any little thing counts; formation tips, use of X unit, etc.

1. I always put 2 gunpowder units (arqui or muskets) in front of my infantry. I set them to skirmish so that they maybe get 1 or 2 shots before retreating behind the line. Then I move them to a flank and while the enemy infantry is engaged they shoot away. they will make almost any unit retreat after a couple shots. I have tried to find new ways to make them useful but this is all I have come up with so far.

2. Want to siege a castle and suffer only 1-3% casualties? I use 5-7 mortars and the rest heavy infantry. Mortars plop rounds right over the walls and decimate the enemy. Then I blow a hole in the wall, move my troops and mortars in, and do it again.

3. This may seem like common sense but it took me awhile to figure it out. I always had about 4-8 calvary units grouped and clicked on an enemy unit to attack. I thought that they would all attack the rear of the whole line not just that one unit. I had 4-8 calvary units all trying to squeeze together to charge this one guy. Now I give each unit its own target and have found that it is much more effective.

4. I never use artillary other than mortars/trebs in a field battle. I have found that they are completely useless unless you have high ground behind you. Actually the one way I used to use them was to place one unit on each of my wings with some spears. While the lines were engaged they had clear shots and could wreak havoc. But more often than not the A.I. focused on killing the exposed arty before engaging. Therefore I don't even bother with them anymore. Maybe someone else has a method that incorporates arty better, I hope so because I love artys.

5. If you have archers/crossbowmen behind your line make sure skirmish is off!!

K, that all from me I guess. Please keep this going because I would love to learn everyone's lil' tips to better my own enjoyment of the game.