The 9 unit line rule

[gull2112]

I was thinking that, assuming a standard no-terrain battlefield and Total Warfare scenario, a nine unit line is the standard to strive for, or the standard to deviate from for special conditions like terrain or scenario specifications.

Nine units allow you to fill the deployment zone across with seven units and have a unit on each flank that can swing out to flank proof the line or to cause mayhem if unopposed. In my last game I had some Light cav that was placed behind my right most unit on Close. As the line advanced the cav slid outward just enough to expose its front centerpoint (using the shortest path rule). After the opposing lines closed the archers FRed the opposing unit for the pinch. This is a pretty text book example of how it should work.

[Kevin]

Very true--with the addition that you can go at a 9-wide army with 7 or 8 units, but then you need to engaged on one side while curling back your line to delay on the other side.

[gull2112]

Ah yes, "refusing the flank," as its called in military jargon!