Strategic Fundamentals in team play

[Puzz3D]

When in a defensive posture, mirror the enemy's moves unless an alternate plan has been established. For example with A, B, C attacking and X, Y, Z defending:

AAAAAAAAAA..........BBBBBBBBBB..........CCCCCCCCCC


XXXXXXXXXX...........YYYYYYYYYY...........ZZZZZZZZZZ


Defenders adjust to counter the attacker's maneuver to overload a flank:

...................................................................................AA...BB
........AAAAAAAA...........BBBBBBB..........CCCCCCCCCCB


........XXXXXXXX............YYYYYYY..........YZZZZZZZZZZ
...................................................................................XX....YY

In this case, Z effectively takes responsibility for one of the B units and Y for one of the C units. X and Y have to watch for additional moves by A and B, and react to them. If A and B make a major move to the defender's right, Y should not consider A to be his opponent because that will result in Z being doubled by B and C. Even if X and Y double and rout A, that will not compensate for all of Z + the X and Y units on the right being routed.