Favorite tactics

[Spartan198]

I'm looking to expand my battlefield knowledge,so I was curious as to what different strategies and tactics you all use? This includes everything battlefield-related,even the types of units that make up your own preferred army configuration.


Heres a quick listing of my preferred configuration (Macedonian,for example) -
1 heavy cavalry unit (Companions) to command - I never put family members in command unless they have very high command rating (6+ stars).
7 heavy infantry units (Phalanx or Royal Pikemen)
4 heavy cavalry units (Companions or Macedonian Cav)
2 light cavalry units (Light Lancers or Greek Cav)
4 missile units (archers) - I don't use Cretans because they can't be replenished during retraining.
2 siege machines (Heavy Onagers) - for toppling walls during sieges and to frighten enemy troops.

Note: I don't even bother using skirmishers. I'll tell you why below...


Here's a basic rundown of my battleplan -
Heavy infantry provide the base battleline and backbone of the army.
Archers begin by firing vollies of flaming missiles into the enemy.
When the enemy reaches javelin-throwing distance,I launch my heavy cavalry into their own cavalry when present,which usually neutralizes or destroys them within a few minutes.
Archers continue attacking advancing infantry and (hopefully) inflicts some 50% casualies. By this time,the enemy commander (if cavalry-based) has charged into my infantry line and been either destroyed or routed by pike or spear,inflicting massive morale damage to his troops.
When enemy cavalry is neutralized,I cease missile fire and charge my own cavalry at the enemy infantry's flanks and effectively decimate them (which is why I don't bother training skirmishers - they usually just stand around and take up space).
Enemy army begins to retreat,and my light cavalry and command cavalry mop up.
Less than 1% friendly casualties sustained.


The above plan is successful some 90% of the time,even against post-Marian Roman troops. But I've come to believe that I'm becoming too reliant on cavalry and missile troops,and am underusing my infantry for the time and money it takes to train them.

I'm open to any advice,whether it favors my battleplan or not (feel free to point out any weaknesses you spot). And this also extends to both the Barbarian Invasion and Alexander expansions,as well. Thanks in advance for the input.


Edit: On the advice of my fellow Orgahs (that's what we call ourselves,right?) I've lowered my strict command star guidelines from six to three stars,and my casualty levels have lowered to my estimate of about .60 %. Thanks goes out to Quirinus,Fahad,and Mrdun.